I think hcsc has it right. Flight time actually "in combat" is the Army. In my book, taking off CONUS and logging combat flight hours for the entire crossing until you land at FOB safe haven in country isn't right.
BACONATOR, I think you're right...sort of. Clearly the proof is in the pudding, or more correctly the proof of the pudding is in the eating. But, if you coddle someone, it sets expectations. For instance, in one service, just being back CONUS is great. In another, having no van to take you to the flight line is a hardship. No $hit, living at Camp Buehring was considered unsuitable housing for Air Force. They got additional pay for it. For me, simply having my own 1/2 of a CHU was awesome. It's all about expectations.
Is it coincidence that I literally spilled a drink on a Hurt Feelings Report while I wrote this? Really, I did.
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