Originally Posted by
Lifizgud
And being prior military myself, I can't tell you how many times I've seen some "fast burner" who majored in butt-kissing move up the ladder, and he couldn't fly his way out of a wet paper bag. It's MUCH more political than a seniority system on the outside. Besides, if you would rather hang out in the right seat, you don't get as much of the hairy eyeball as to your "dedication" as you do in the military.
Exactly. I'm also a former mil guy. I don't want to have to come in on weekends and wash the boss's car to make sure I upgrade.
If WAFP talked to any guys flying at "merit-based" companies (Citation Shares and VA were merit based, among others I believe), I'm sure he'd discover that management will hold that upgrade over your head and use it as leverage to push you into operationally questionable decisions, or obligate you to jump at their command. You're basically on probation for your whole career. No thanks.
Additionally, the unions (good or bad) will never allow it.