OK, so being an ex Craft Apprentice, familiar with the apprentice wheel, is that what it's all now based on ? Fair do's if that's the case, and none of the qualified tradesmen suffer as a result. I would have happily been an AC2 Ground Engineer, purely for the experience, but the application form demanded a minimum rank of Sgt, and at least 12 months currency on type. Loads of response here that is worthy of note, and most seems to reflect that it was not done for the benefit of tradesmen who do their best. I apologise if I used the photograph from the sad funeral story to illustrate my question. I certainly meant no disrespect, and, was delighted that, as usual, fellow comrades did not let him down. I'm very proud that I achieved the requirements of the service to be promoted to both Junior Technician and Chief Technician in my time. If the ranks are to be removed it has to be to the detriment of aircraft tradesmen and the Royal Air Force, in my humble opinion.
Smudge
