Reminds me of a story. If you stick around long enough and keep observing, what you're waiting for will eventually come around again.
Case in point: Commissioned IPs. Late 70's it was not unheard of but somewhat rare for a 03 Company Cdr to be an IP unless he previously was one in another life as a WO or picked it up in the RC. Then came the early 80s and a rash of accidents that ended a bunch of previously required maneuvers in the UH-1 during IERW (touchdown autos, hydraulics-off demonstrations, and power-on running landings/ touch & go's are several that I recall).
Then in 1986 about a year after the AV branch was created (another full circle story), Rucker/TRADOC decided that many of these 500 hr Company Commanders who were no longer trained to perform some of these previously required (and highly useful) maneuvers "couldn't fly" and if they couldn't fly well, then how could they command an aviation company well?
So somebody decided, "I know, let's make them all do a year or two as a Rucker IP before they can command." This ran counter to all previous aviation officer personnel policy at the time. But that became the policy. Soon every Captain had to be rotated into IP school and serve a utilization tour at Rucker prior to assuming command. But by the end of 1987 that policy wasn't working work so well either; not enough IP school slots, timing problems, didn't need that many IPs, not everyone was cut out to be an Instructor, etc, so eventually that policy was abandoned as well.
I have no idea what the current doctrine is but I'll bet it discourages 03s from being IPs. But whatever it is, if you wait long enough, we'll likely see it come full circle again.
I wouldn't sell my stock in colored baseball caps yet, either. They may be back someday too. Only George is gone for good.
