Where is Al Shinner when you need him?
I'm sure that if the head of training at Ascent wanted his views known, he could come on here and share them.
Perhaps a frank and open discussion might be the way to allay the fears of the tax paying public on this matter.
I'm confident that a public post on here from a SQEP in Ascent would be better for the company than the continuing allegations of the troops having been gagged. Maybe a company spokesperson might either deny such a gagging order was given, or justify it.
I fully accept that they might not have much time for this, after all they do seem to be busy trying to start running training command (as was) but "nothing to hide, nothing to fear" and all that.
When the contractors refuse to engage with the paying customer, then the customer might need to ask their elected representatives to ask some pointed questions.
To use a QFI expression, a little correction early, is better than needing a big change later on.