To answer your question regarding cross-training to another type of aircraft. Normally this would be done by unit, not individually, time taken seems to have been around 12 months for ANG Squadrons.

This would have meant that GWB would have been passed operational on his new aircraft type just in time for him to be discharged, that would have been a waste of time and resources. Additionally the aircraft that replaced the F-102's were F-4 Phantoms, a major difference in aircraft types being that the Delta Dagger was a single-seat all-weather interceptor, whereas the Phantom was a two-seat aircraft.

The official paperwork indicates that GWB assigned to Danelly AFB effective 15th May, 1972 with a non-flying status. His suspension from flying duties was dated 1st August 1972. That suspension makes reference to corrective action on the the part of the officer in question - basically get your medical - which GWB did later that year because he was flying again in 1973.

The AWOL thing just does not fly gents - sorry about that - the forces are particularly strict on this sort of thing and double standards are just not an option. Doesn't matter how well connected (examples: HRH Prince Charles & Prince Andrew at BRNC Dartmouth; and Prince Edward at RM CTC Lympstone) No charges brought, no official complaint registered.

But then I know that Bobert is of the school of thought that legally circumstantial evidence is everything so I'll make a deal. Every time you guys come with with this chesnut I'll come up with a plea for all those babies thrown out of incubators in Kuwaits hospitals by Saddam's troops when they invaded Kuwait in 1990.