Here's another answer - the Air Force has fully embraced the American Way - everyone is equal and above average, we are the Borge. No one can have special privileges - that would be unthinkable! No one can be placed above another (of equal rank, unless you have friends in high places of course). That's why the leather jacket quickly spread to everyone. That's why EVERYONE in the Air Force now has wings (of some sort). That's why nearly everyone wears a flight suit. It's amazing they ever even considered a pilot bonus, and tells you how serious the situation was the last time the airlines were hiring, and this time.

USCG is the same way. When I submitted my first annual review to my supervisor, he said "There's too much aviation stuff on there. You need more bullets with collateral stuff." That was surprising and disheartening.
Be a 100% proficient aviator, but also make collaterals 100% of your focus for promotion/schools/etc. CG isn't even offering bonuses to re-up, so...now they're getting short on FW pilots.

Just sat with a bud yesterday who is on a 4-star staff, and he said that there is obviously a lot of interest in trying to solve the issue. They are looking at increasing production (FTUs), possibly doubling the bonus, giving in-res credit for guys that work in certain staff jobs (i.e. execs, CAGs, etc.), and API-coding guys to stay flying while on staff. Will likely be years before any of these have an effect.

As a nod to the retention issue, for the first time in recent history, they did not require a "7 day opt" for individuals that decline their school assignment (i.e. they can turn down school, and not be forced out of the Service). On another note, it was quite interesting to see a quick turn-around with the school announcement details; original announcement did not include "which" school an individual would attend...but did include a nice note from the AFPC/CC explaining this was an opportunity to exercise "Service Before Self." Evidently the 4-stars received some not-so-pleasant feedback pretty quickly, and in 4 days, the list was out again...with actual schools.

Only school I ever did in residence was Fedex Indoc. I highly recommend it...

Cool, how do I get a seat?

Well, first you have to get a DG at SOS. Then...

Reason #69 why the AFPC/CC and the AFPC Executive Director need to be fired in a public manner. An utter lack of ability to get the job done.

I know three single seat dudes that got assignments off the current VML and all 7 day-opted. Oh, and they were the only dudes on the VML at my current base that HAD the option of getting out. All of them were cushy IP assignments as well.

Just curious..what MDS?

Prefer not to say. All 11F MWS' are having the same issue so it doesn't really matter.