All well and good reducing the numbers down to a peace time (?) level (well it's not really, but hey... who are we to say...) but what about attrition rates/replacements if things start to get 'interesting'. Simple fact is, we won't be able to just go and get more frames off the shelf, they take too long to build.
Same goes for the crews to operate them, as an example, looking at the interesting thread on here 'Gaining An R.A.F Pilots Brevet In WW11' describing the training methods/time scale in a time when the country was short of crews, in given circumstances again, how long would it take to train a crew to a sufficient level that they could operate a fast jet beyond a smoking pile 300 mtrs from the end off the runway?
TBH, the same arguments, complexity of kit vs quick build time for replacements/re-inforcement and the time taken training operators to a level where they can operate the kit efficiently stands across all three services.
Last edited by Always a Sapper; 15th Aug 2015 at 21:54.
Reason: A realisation one should have paid attention during the english lessons at school!