At a time when the Corps is finding it hard to hold onto us why does it keep kicking us in the nuts?!!!
That's just it, retention is relatively good in the Corps - certainly compared to the other services - and therefore these type of decisions come with little risk. It sticks in the throat for those that it effects, but the facts are that pilot manning remains strong. In fact, I think I'm right in saying that the only shortage is in DE Captains.
We lost out on the FRI for the same reason.