Because it's used in combination with other small incentives to produce a more compelling overall incentive. I believe we covered this.
That may be, but that small incentive, coupled with the bonus incentive, pales in comparison with the pay and opportunity for pilots in the airlines these days. And while that will not entice many, it is enough to continue to pose a serious enough problem. Even the Air Force's massive 35K/year bonus still doesn't make up the difference in pay beyond year 2-3 at some carriers, and that's just money. Let's not forget the vastly reduced schedule, increased home-time, less BS to contend with (i.e. everything beyond flying), and the 16% automatic contribution to my retirement account over and above pay, and even profit-sharing in some cases.
But sure, rah rah, service to your country, something bigger than yourself, etc, etc. That worked when we were excited to be ENSes. I think it's lost its luster for many beyond the JO level. We've done our service, and now for many of us, it's about what's best/most advantageous for us and our families. And a couple hundred bucks a month and 25 grand a year for a couple years isn't cutting it for a job increasingly filled with bullshit and administrivia, far-removed from the war-fighting we keep getting punted our way from admirals who encourage us to stay in for something bigger than ourselves.
