Firstly I think biggus just increased the RAF numbers by 10k up to 41 thousand. I may have missed the memo but isn't 31 and change the answer?
I think it was said on here after the SDSR 15 announcements that a fair amount of manpower numbers magic was required to find the people for SDSR outcomes. The RAF was to uplift by around 250 posts by 2020. This included manning 2 extra typhoon squadrons, retaining 2 C-130j squadrons and manning a complete MPA force. In addition extending sentinel and RPAS where the posts were often on the black economy or lifed. All of this does not fit into 250 posts. 1500 maybe. So my take is that in addition to reserves being in fashion (cheaper) it's an attempt to free up numbers to man all the kit within headcount. Just a theory mind you....
Last edited by Selatar; 8th Jun 2016 at 07:59.
Reason: Error