RAF Brize Norton

[cromwell]

RAF Brize Norton was broken into by the usual collection of professional protetors, who zoomed around unhindered on electric scooters whilst damaging multi-million pound aircraft.
The person in charge of Brize Norton is Group Captain Louise Henton OBE, who has spent her time in the RAF working in personnel and administration – what we’d call HR on civvy street.
How is this possible?
How can you get to be a Group Captain without previously having had some sort of flying background?
Group Captain Henton has however overseen the installation of a rainbow crossing outside RAF Brize Norton.
Also while studying at an Advanced Command and Staff Course in 2019, she wrote an essay for Air and Space Power Review, entitled ‘Military Culture and Human Rights Violations Committed in Iraq in 2003. Has the Military Learnt its Lessons?’ In it she tells us:

"Personality traits such as patriotism and bravery are viewed as desirable within the military. This often encourages overt masculine behaviour amongst its members, therefore stepping outside the norm and challenging the group is often looked down upon and difficult to do. The task-focused approach can also lead to corners being cut if it is deemed that the ends justify the means, that certain actions or behaviours are tolerated if they achieve the desired result. The danger with this is that such undesirable behaviours, if tolerated for long enough, become the norm and the level of standards gradually erodes… Methods of bonding and creating team cohesiveness within the military often involve pranks and banter, but this isolates those who are different to the norm".

Oh dear. And that's what is in charge of an RAF base.

[Workingman]

When I was in the RAF progression above the rank of Wing Commander was reserved for members of flight crew / ops - pilots, navs, flight engs, load-masters, eng wing and so on. I have no idea when this changed, nor why?