Little has changed, which is a HUGE shame, because we know how good it COULD be.

Promotion and assignments weren't based upon how well you flew, or the excellence of your instruction. It was based upon queep "additional duties" and square-filling.

You could be top-stick for 6 months a year, yet if you slack off on your "Ground training coordinator" or other duties, you were hosed. OER's emphasized everything EXCEPT how well you could fly and fight, it seemed.

We all watched butt-kissing weasels who couldn't fly out of a wet paper bag rocket to the top, while good officers and pilots fell by the wayside.

Unless you can emulate a politician (who you know, face time, rub elbows), active duty wasn't the place to be.