Engines,
Yes, I agree what the current MAA rules say, but don't you think in the future that it just makes sense to have an air minded senior officer, that has grown up in an air environment, with experience and qualifications in the air, as the person accountable and responsible to the SofS for the safety of military things in the air, not one that is used to digging trenches or sailing on boats?
Back on thread, ramp_up, couldn't agree more, and although I can buy into (forgive the pun) Merlin transition not costing the tax payer that much, it does have to be in the public (national strategic) interest.
As per SDSR currently there is a declared requirement for an amphibious capability, but if we really are that broke and the NHS or Welfare budgets require the dosh, then I can conceivably see a U turn and that is why CHF and Merlin would go. Not because of any single service agenda, quite simply because we as a nation cannot afford the number of helicopters and especially the niche capabilities offered by specialist organisations like CHF.
I have been quite open given my experience of the wokka on board in that any number of Chinooks embarked would not truly satisfy the amphibious requirement, and that is ignoring my body shuddering at the thought of deploying at sea for any longer than I have to, but if we really are that broke and cannot afford all the 'clubs in the golf bag', then now we have Puma and a new buy of Chinooks, we really don't need Merlin if the amphibious stuff is no longer required.