DIVOSH, you're focusing purely on the role of ATC in a tower, not JBAC's, which is why the term JBAC was created. Clearly as being ex military (or even currently serving) you'd have seen first hand the impact of having services contracted out.
The issue of giving contractors weapons is another problem all in itself (note supplying weapons, not hiring contractors that use weapons).
The NZ situation is different, one again, because JBAC's aren't just always Air Trafficers sitting behind a screen.
There is no need to change the system as it is, as has previously been pointed out, RAAF JBAC's are actually paid considerably less than their ASA counter parts.
Hempy,
I don't think anyone suggested that a lone RAAF JBAC is expected to fight off a section attack with a 9mm... But once again, you're focusing purely on the "guys and girls in a control tower" aspect, which isn't the only thing RAAF JBAC's do.
Last edited by junior.VH-LFA; 19th May 2016 at 10:35.