'On another note, I can't help noticing repeated references to 'join the queue' ..... Wouldn't it be better to select people for future civvie SAR positions based on relevant experience and qualifications rather than how long you've been in the queue? Or have I missed the point again.......'
Agreed. There are a pool of highly-qualified and skilled people out there - civvie and ex-military. More capable than some would have you believe. When was the last time Crab or one of his SAR Gods directed a radar letdown for example?
The issue is that there is a fair amount of military flak going up; perhaps in an effort to circumvent the licensing process that others have had to toil through....