They weren't 'chopped' through any failure on their part!
Wrong Beagle, they were chopped because they weren't good enough for the standard that was required at the time. Whether that standard was lower last week or last decade is neither here nor there.
Don't get me wrong, as an operational front seater I feel for these guys and hope they get the best treatment possible but someone has to bring a dose of reality to some of the day dreaming that has been seen on this thread.
Stop thinking RAF Investor in People and start thinking MoD PLC.