You keep mentioning 'playing the game'. I understand that. I didn't 'play the game' and let every one know that I didn't 'play the game'. After about 6yrs that while I was a front line IP, one of the stick-and-rudder guys, I realized that my chances of going beyond Major or at best, Lt.Col were severely limited.

Some guys were blatant suck-ups and they never saw anything wrong with anything. At some point, they usually crossed someone or hitched their ride to the wrong guy and their star fell.

Then there were the screw-ups who were constantly in someone's office explaining something that happened. Their star never rose.

Then there was the group I was in.. I didn't 'play the game' and I was on the edge. I knew where the limits were and stayed just in bounds. When my commitment was up, I got out... everyone was happy with that decision.

Then there was a fourth group that had the respect of the others in the squadron, could fly the airplane and were problem solvers. Those were the ones that made 'full bull and on.

So, if nothing else, don't push it that you are not going to 'play the game'. Someone is going to cut you off at the knees if given the chance. It happens not only in a Squadron or in the USAF but in any flying community.