Originally Posted by
reynoldsno1
Spent commissioned time in both the RAF & RNZAF - the latter's MQs were all mixed up according to needs, so a Squadron Leader with 3 kids had exactly the same housing needs as a Cpl with 3 kids - no brainer. I much preferred this egalitarian arrangement ....
This is a fallacy.
While it is true that both have the same housing needs it is not true that these needs would match either wants or affordability.
In civvie street the cpl might aspire to a 4-bed house but not be able to afford it. The sqn ldr can certainly afford a larger mortgage. That is one reason why quarters should not be desegregated.
Again, in civvie street, would you expect to find the boss of a company both socialising and living near his work force? I think not.
PS
When serving at ISK and living in private accommodation my immediate neighbour was an MACR with another round the corner and a sgt opposite and another on our crew nearby. Two flt lt from our sqn were within 100 yards and another flt lt was on the next estate. There was no one on a lower pay scale than aircrew. You can also sure that a cpl and sqn ldr in the same scale FQ would not pay the same rent - would that be fair?