In this episode of the Optimising Human Performance Podcast, Martin sits down with Air Commodore Robin Caine, Head of UK Military Flying Training, to explore the psychology of decision-making under pressure.
Robin explains how RAF pilots are trained to remain calm in extreme situations, trust their training over emotion, and make effective decisions when time is short.
The conversation explores how these same principles can help leaders, athletes, business professionals, and anyone working in high-pressure environments make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and improve performance.
You'll also hear about Combat Edge, the RAF's pioneering human performance programme that combines psychology, coaching, data, and leadership development to build more capable and resilient aviators.
Rob Caine is an Air Commodore and 1* Head of UK Military Flying Training and a former fast-jet pilot and Qualified Weapons Instructor with over thirty years’ experience operating and leading in complex, high-risk environments. He has commanded at squadron and group level and is responsible for the performance, training, and operational readiness of future Royal Air Force aircrew. He is passionate about making UK flying training an exemplar of holistic high performance through the Combat Edge Programme.
Throughout his 30 year career, Rob has operated at the sharp end of decision-making under pressure — from tactical flying at low level to leading large-scale transformation programmes within UK defence. His work focuses on improving judgement, resilience, and execution in environments where uncertainty, time compression, and consequence are constant.
Rob completed the UK Higher Command and Staff Course (HCSC) in 2024, an advanced programme attended by a select cohort of senior cross-government and NATO leaders preparing for strategic-level command. He holds a Master’s degree and applies contemporary research in decision science, performance psychology, and systems thinking to his leadership and advisory work.
In developing his upcoming book, Decision Advantage, Rob has drawn not only on his operational experience but also on extended interviews with senior military leaders and high-performance practitioners. These contributors provide operational insight at the highest levels of command and performance, strengthening the book’s perspective on leadership and judgement in complex systems.
Alongside his military role, Rob is the founder of Decision Systems Group, an executive advisory practice focused on Decision Quality in Complexity (DQX). Through keynote speaking, executive programmes, podcasts, and advisory partnerships, he works with senior leaders to strengthen clarity, cohesion, and strategic execution under pressure. His long-term aim is to establish Decision Quality as a practical operating system for leaders and coaches navigating modern complexity.
This combination of operational command and cognitive performance expertise enables Rob to translate military-grade clarity into practical tools for corporate and public-sector leaders.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-caine-mbe/
Email: Rob.Caine@DecisionSystemsGroup.Com
00:38 Meet Robin Caine
01:38 Night Goggles Scare
03:53 Trust Instruments
07:49 Action Info Control
10:18 Sit On Hands
13:42 Pressure Beyond Cockpit
15:37 Team Sport Aviation
18:11 Training Without Time
21:54 Simple Tools Win
24:27 Talent Trust Training
27:56 Potential Minus Interference
30:05 Weapons Course Struggle
30:41 Failing the Course
32:02 Perfection Myth
33:01 Risk and Learning Culture
36:15 Decision Points
37:30 Good Enough Training
38:35 Live vs Sim Debate
42:24 Combat Edge Explained
45:20 Building the Program
49:41 Future Vision and Innovation
53:57 Coaching Culture Shift