Easy,
CHF provide a very valuable, but niche capability. They are not big enough to do all SH. So are you suggesting expanding them? If that's the case, you will save on a handful of crab blue uniforms and some HQ posts. The assets, infrastructure, pay, pensions, accommodation etc of a 60 ac chinook base and a Sqn of Puma are still needed. I can't really understand the point. The need to maintain relevance, credibility and parity with the Army and RN on the battlefield is everything. If all they see of the RAF is Brize and the odd FJ the 'hundred year experiment' will become just that.
As for the Sqn model. There are not many enemies that we would need to fight against requiring mass tank busting helicopter regiments. Sqns by their very nature can be too insular. The JHF model has worked very well, I think we should capitalise on it that's all.
Last edited by high spirits; 28th Apr 2013 at 06:34.