If it's not fun, there's no point doing it (unless one is on short finals to a pension point!). Much as my job is an awfully long way from the sharp end, there are some people in civvy street who would jump at the chance to hop into a turbine helicopter more or less at a time of their choosing, and fly whatever profile they might wish to practise including low level, formation, mountains etc. Same with Tutor flying - how many people get to fling an aerobatic aircraft around the sky as often as they want, without paying a penny for the privilege? Far from punchy but it still has a certain allure.
Without overseas postings, what does the Royal Air Force offer recruits which is not offered by the Army or Royal Navy?
The Army has attack helicopters. The Navy will soon (once again) have fast jets and helicopters.
In brief:
- More slots = greater chance of getting in
- Multi-engine
- Greater range of airframes (2x FJ, 4x RW, numerous ME)
- Greater scope to stay flying
- Higher flying rate
- Greater scope to restream (either from training or later in career)