In Fairness to recruitment I don't think thats what they said, that may be what the new guys Heard. I imagine they said that command's are currently around 4 years and some are getting it at less then that.
Which is True as long as you joined 4 years ago.. they don't tell you that bit.
But 4 years ago you all said it would take 7-8 years to command. The recruiters are more correct in their predictions than you guys.