I was in the USAF a long time ago & there was concern about our readiness status then, but not to the extent it seems to be in now. We didn’t try to deal with all the craziness that exists now. There seems to be so much concern now about stuff that doesn’t really matter that there is no time or concern left for things that DO matter...like readiness. Any young people who are of recruitment age are likely to look at this & decide it’s just not worth it. Maybe if we had a real president......???
After Vietnam the USAF had up to a 30% down rate and that was considered horrible. We had more aircraft then than now, so at least we could get more airplanes in the air then. The ratings improved in the 1980’s and 90+% was achieved.
The USAF was experimenting with social justice since the 1960’s and it showed by 1980. Incompetence grew to ensure women and minorities were recruited. Men needed high ASVAB scores, women just needed the right plumbing and minorities the right skin color; they would get ASVAB score waivers.
It has only gotten worse by today.