It was explained to me that the type was another 2-3 weeks of training.
As described to me, the company training is per the Army's Dash-1 in regards to operations, procedures, EPs, etc. The type rating is taught to the civilian POH. I asked the "why a year for type" question.
Granted I think it SHOULD be like where a C-12 NATOPS check as PIC can get you the appropriate King Air type rating (I flew T-44s, so no type) but where this is a contractor operating state owned aircraft vice military pilots flying military aircraft, I'm not sure how that would work.
I can't say if it's BS or not, just relaying what the answer was when I asked.
The only advantage I could think of is doing the type ride could also be used as an ATP ride, where adding a type from a NATOPS/Dash-1 PIC check doesn't get you an ATP.