It’s very similar now to when I joined in 2003/4. There was a period of high recruitment and expansion, which I was at the front end of, and command times were being quoted as 4-5 years IIRC. But then expansion (and retirements) stalled, and it took 12 years until the command process started for me.
Not that I’m complaining mind you. VS back then was amazing fun, and I genuinely loved the job. Also, there was a lot to be said for being a senior SFO under the old bidding system!
Unfortunately that’s not the case anymore. I definitely couldn’t do 12 years under the current conditions….