Originally Posted by Widger
During the 90s there was an inexorable creep in ranks in the RN, mainly to gain parity with the RAF. Squadrons that were commanded by Lieutenant Commanders suddenly got Commanders, Stations that were commanded by Captains got Commodores.
The Army in particular are overborne. they even have a 1* in charge of sport! I think at the last count they had something like 100 1*s from which they could choose the best to promote. The RAF and the RN have a much smaller pot to choose from, hence very few senior RN Officers get to the top in the MoD. IMHO!
Interesting post now in 2011,
One Rear Admiral Chief of Staff (Aviation) plus Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm (same officer),
Commodore down west,
Captain at Yeovil,
Approximately 19 squadrons, 8 of which are commanded by a Commander, one by a Lt Col Royal Marines and the rest are all Lt Cdr. plus one Major RM (public records).
Captain ....................... Commando Helicopter Force
Commander .................... Merlin Helicopter Force
Commander ................... Lynx Helicopter Force
Commander ................... Sea King Helicopter Force
Commander ................ Fleet Forward Support Squadron