Both the mishap pilots were ex-multi-heavy, so I don't think there was confusion possible over stall/spin recovery actions (some fast jets do require stick fully back for spin recovery)
From the accident report:
Training in the often unpredictable weather experienced in Afghanistan cannot be replicated at Beale Air Force Base, where it is largely clear all summer and has mild winter weather
Horsecrap. I taught at an airline training school in AZ, and we overcame this problem by deploying to the California coast to fly real IMC in the fog. Beale is only 100 miles from said coast, they could do it if they wanted.