One of the unintended consequences of the Private Finance Initiative is the perverse incentives that it provides for skills transfer to private companies; skills which are then leased back to the requisite public body:
One reason the Apache-qualified pilots are leaving is money. Several private companies pay generously for army-trained pilots who are then effectively hired back to the military through Private Finance Initiative training contracts.
"Now why would some of the highest calibre pilots be leaving the army? The sum of £60,000 a year springs to mind," said one military insider.
This is exacerbated by a rigid career structure, low pay and the complex infrastructure of the Apache helicopter that keeps between 20% and 50% of the machines grounded for maintenance "at any one time". That proportions seems incredibly costly....
The MOD was relaxed. They can do no wrong.
But the Ministry of Defence said there could be flexibility. "Apache
crews may serve for longer than three years if their careers allow, and
may of course return to flying after experiencing other roles," said a
spokeswoman.