FREDERICK Jenkins (Letters, June 28) asks why, in the light of Kosovo, the RAF still need to train at low level.

Neither the Gulf nor Kosovo provide a template for the range of future scenarios and operations we might face in this uncertain world. We would be failing in our duty if we did not ensure that our young men and women were fully competent in a wide range of flying skills and tactics before we require them to go on operations.

Aircrew must be confident of their ability to fly combat and humanitarian missions at whatever height necessary, if they are to keep a potential enemy off balance, and themselves as safe as possible.

Low flying in particular is a perishable skill which can only be perfected through rigorous training and continuous practice. The warning time available for participation in operations generally only allows for the honing of low-level expertise, not its creation. If, therefore, our aircrew are to maintain the prowess which Mr Jenkins rightly admires, they need to continue to rely on the support provided by the people of Scotland, and indeed across the UK as a whole.

This support is something for which all our aircrew - Navy, Army, and RAF - are most grateful.

Oona Muirhead,

Director,

Information Strategy and News,

Ministry of Defence,

Whitehall, London.

July 2.