From what I understand, the pilots are flying military registered aircraft, under military regulations where no TR is required, there is no TRE to do the TR's, therefore their TR's are lapsing and the only way to renew or revalidate is to pay for a TR themselves through a civvy company out there by buying sim time. Or when they change to another position, gain a new TR with a their new company. They don't need TR's for the military flying, just that if they wish to move on, then they will almost certainly need a TR.
They are frustrated at the lack of flying and reduction of proficiency and poor organisation / supervision from above.
We shall see what the next few months bring as they approach the end of the first year of the contract.