Air Force downsizing... Does anybody think only the best of the best will stay in the Air Force?

There are incentives to leave. Are there incentives to stay? Those with better options outside of the military will take the incentives to make the leap. Military pay and benefits calculated as the total package might outpace civilian growth in some sectors, but not all. Only within the military will you find an HR representative and a medical doctor making the same amount of money (based on rank). We've accepted a system that attracts and most benefits the mediocre. The Air Force is not a meritocracy. The author's point regarding the dispensiblity of everyone, including those most invested in our service's future, Illustrates that reality perfectly.

I see the author's point, MSgt Donald G., but I also agree with story about the busload of new generals: NOBODY is irreplaceable. If the absolute top dog leaves, then #2 becomes the top dog. There is quality across the force (all branches), so if quality folks leave, there will still be quality folks left to serve. I think this issue (worry?) may be overblown in this article.