Biggus.
No p*ssing competition seen or starting from this callsign either!
All I was pointing out was that we need only a few WSOs in the future, in general terms for the whole RAF. The numbers required are sustainable from within the ranks of the NCA, we don't need to reopen ab-initio WSO training at all. It is far less risky to commission from a known manpower pool than from the outside world for the numbers required.
It will be little more than a change to a nicer hat, clippy cloppy shoes and a chance to take the dog into work on future postings for those who are deemed the most suitable for filling the posts.
We need to reinforce our understanding of the WSO role. It is that - not Navigator...... that branch is, indeed, dead. No need for WSO training schools etc. to reopen. The training will take place on OCUs all over the country. Or at least on the 2 stations that are left.
Therefore the numbers and demographic makeup of the existing WSOs in service are an irrelevance. They will just be the first tranche of a future fleet, that's all.