When I was a OG/CC, I had a crew call "safety of flight" due to fatigue during the run up to the Second Iraq War. Next morning, I had an irate 2-star screaming in my ear about why my crew were screwing off, not flying. I knew the AC, a tough cookie who wouldn't stop without a damned good reason, if he said "tired" I knew it was true. 2-star demands to know what I'm gonna do. "Nothing, til I get the facts". "I want to speak with the Wing Commander"; "fine, here's his number". He hangs up, I ring the Boss, give my story. Boss says, don't worry, I'll handle it. Never heard another word about it. True, my Wing King did trust me and I never let him down.

The military is ruled as much by rules and safety as the airlines. Throwing people away is no more acceptable.

GF