It is very sad indeed, to read of the imminent demise of the WSO specialisation in the RAF. Thankfully, the RAAF hasn't had to suffer the same indignant demise !
In 2007, the RAAF graduated the last dedicated 'Navigator' course.
Subsequent to this - all Navigators'; Air Electronics Officers' and Air Defence Officers' (Fighter Controllers) were re-categorised into one specialisation. This amalgamated category was named: "Air Combat Officer" (ACO).
The 'School of Air Navigation' (SAN) was renamed 'School of Air Warfare' (SAW) and the syllabus rewritten to reflect a movement towards developing mission and battle space commanders.
SAW also trains all 'Observers' and Instructors for the Royal Australian Navy and Air Warfare Officers/Instructors for the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
The role of Air Combat Officer (ACO) today is highly specialised and thankfully, in no immediate threat of 'extinction'. More over, the category is both "evolutionary" and representative of a genuine & stable career path.
With platforms such as the F/A-18F (Super Hornet); AEW&C (Wedgetail); AP-3C Orion (to be replaced by P-8 Poseidon ?) & UAV's ramping up in the RAAF inventory - the role of ACO is set to become ever increasingly dependant.
ACO's also perform the traditional 'NAV' role onboard our C-130H platforms; however, these are due for retirement over the next few years and along with that, comes the demise of the ACO/NAV from Hercules operations. (RAAF C-130J's do not carry NAV or FE aircrew.)
So, I guess in terms of RAAF operations - the ACO is here to stay !
