I'll chime in here since I was involved with this decision. This "program" was invented to address a specific need. That is approx 150 SNAa fat already in primary. Fleet needs changed drastically (which is a whole nother thread) and we were fat. I won't get into the options available other than this one but suffice it to say we ended up here with all parties somewhat satisfied. I don't see this happening again without another unforseen change inside the training pipeline fence. SNA's will continue to pool before training at API which is the better/cost efficient business model.
FYI...although we asked for volunteers initially there weren't enough so voluntolds filled the rest.
This had been the prefered method but cutting guys mid pipeline proved to be more/too expensive both financially and politically. Talk to someone in the early 90s RIF and you'll know what I mean. We were under specific direction (read multiple Stars on the shoulder) to not go down that road. I am not saying it was a perfect fit but it was the best decision using all the info presented at the time. Some of that info includes PERS and the VR Commodore saying they had a manning need and could use the extras we would produce. As always, there are unintended/unforeseen circumstances after the fact.
Also, keep in mind that the makeup of a VR squadron has morphed through the years into what you see now i.e. more senior dudes. It was not too long ago (2000) that you could transfer to FTS (then TAR) before your MSR was even up. In fact when you view the desired manning numbers/distribution at BUPERS you will see that O-4s are actually filling O-2/3 spots. The original concept had a more normal amount of junior guys but with the increase in commitment (wings + 7/8) and the requirement to stay until your MSR, the squadrons have become more senior by default.
So, to the OP and other interested parties....
Don't expect this to ever happen again. If it does, you won't see it coming.
FYI...although we asked for volunteers initially there weren't enough so voluntolds filled the rest.
This had been the prefered method but cutting guys mid pipeline proved to be more/too expensive both financially and politically. Talk to someone in the early 90s RIF and you'll know what I mean. We were under specific direction (read multiple Stars on the shoulder) to not go down that road. I am not saying it was a perfect fit but it was the best decision using all the info presented at the time. Some of that info includes PERS and the VR Commodore saying they had a manning need and could use the extras we would produce. As always, there are unintended/unforeseen circumstances after the fact.
Also, keep in mind that the makeup of a VR squadron has morphed through the years into what you see now i.e. more senior dudes. It was not too long ago (2000) that you could transfer to FTS (then TAR) before your MSR was even up. In fact when you view the desired manning numbers/distribution at BUPERS you will see that O-4s are actually filling O-2/3 spots. The original concept had a more normal amount of junior guys but with the increase in commitment (wings + 7/8) and the requirement to stay until your MSR, the squadrons have become more senior by default.
So, to the OP and other interested parties....
Don't expect this to ever happen again. If it does, you won't see it coming.
