As some of you know, I've been away from the mainstream air force for a number of years and only keep track of my contemporaries in the NY Honours List or on Social Media. I continue to be amazed how some of them have got to SO1 and above (no doubt they think that about me...).
There are a couple of chaps who have recently 'friended' me. One is a Wg Cdr and the other a Gp Capt. They were distinctly average junior officers, not particularly bright, not particularly quick on the up-take, but worked hard and did a range of eye-wateringly dull station and HQ tours, did a secondary duty or two, a bit of charity work possibly, and perhaps with an operational tour thrown in (at least the Jubilee medals won't look lonely!). But, as senior officers? At best in industry or other government departments they'd make middle-management, just.
Perhaps I am being too harsh on them, and perhaps I need a dose of the 'real air force' to adjust my attitudes. I hope not.