I think it's a matter of too little and too late. They didn't lead turn this problem adequately. The loss of bases and military training airspace from one BRAC too many probably didn't help either. Or the political decision to close some of the "nicer" bases whose surrounding economy could absorb the hit (think Williams AFB in Tempe) while maintaining those the sole support of a relatively isolated rural economy (think Laughlin AFB in Del Rio). Or the operational decision to assign guys who wanted to fly aircraft to pilot drones.
The military has spent over a decade digging this hole. It's gonna be tough for them to dig their way out of it.
https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/y...k-up-slightly/
https://www.13newsnow.com/article/ne...e-84366bb0491b
https://www.military.com/daily-news/...continues.html