Originally Posted by
DuncanDoenitz
As a military NCO technician, and then as a civilian B/C licensed engineer, I don't think I've ever had a type-rating course last more than 3 weeks.
Personally, in equivalent circumstances, I'd be embarrassed if I didn't feel competent on, say, a MiG-29 or SU-25 within 6 months, particularly as we might assume that additional advice and support would remain available online.
I trust your timeline is accurate. There however is more to operating effectively in a war zone than knowing how to turn a wrench, hence my question to sfojimbo.