Duh u are generally correct. from what i have seen from the beginning to end it does take atleast 1 calender year. consists of 2 interviews and line "assessments" and then finally sim. it is a program which they know and have no forethought on change. the guys i have chatted with say the sim training is quite good as i would expect since out sims are not bad. it is odd that we do not reassess as i think we could really improve the product with some productive training for commands not checking!!! anyways for the guys that have gone though or are going through good luck!