A couple of points:
Promotion was not as bad as some predicted it would be this year. It is still possible to signed on as long as your not a waster, PAS granted is very thin on the ground but still possible.
The Puma 2 LEP is not dead and buried yet, I'm still optimistic. More chinooks on the way, A400M, clearly life is not brilliant but in comparison with some it could be worse!
Most of the switched on crewman I know have spent 22 years getting qualified whether it be civil licences or business degrees etc to ensure they do have marketable skills on the outside.
But it is clear from your post you prefer the doom and gloom outlook on life!