'90-'95: too many pilots and RIF was in effect. '97-'99ish: short of fighter pilots. There was a "fighter cross flow program" for heavy boys who were trained in 38s. Like the present, many UPT grads who could've chosen fighters did not choose fighters. 10-15 hours a month and 12+ hour days behind the desk doing worthless made-up tasks.
We can thank the lack of leadership of spineless kiss a$$es who'd sell their soul to climb the ladder. Unfortunately, this vicious cycle will never end.