But the real point is how long is this going to last? The last time we did this (N Iraq/Bosnia) we had FA2, F3, GR7, GR1/4 and Jags. I dont know the exact numbers but I think it was something like 17 front line FJ Sqns. Those NFZs lasted up to 10 years. We're now commiting to a second Op with 8 FJ Sqns, of which 2 will be on Ops at anyone time, 2 just returned and 2 getting ready to go. Lets not even mention northern/southern Q and the Falklands and contingent training. It all gets very tight.
Sure we may reduce the commitment to Flts, but is this really the time to be reducing FJ numbers. I think not.