"SNAFUs" like these help explain why folks are separating from Big Blue in droves.
First off nobody has determined this IS a SNAFU. I questioned many things when I was serving. Things that seemed like they were completely unfair that we deemed SNAFU/FUBAR. Changing rules for no apparent good reason and many other things I considered a Big deal. As I grew older/wiser I realized most times these were designed that way. They were meant to teach a lesson. War isn't fair. When little Johnny is shot down and captured by North Koreans it certainly won't be fair. Many things in the military are designed to prepare these young men and women for what may lie ahead (God willing I pray not). This is the reality they signed up for. To not prepare them is doing them a disservice. Pampering them 24/7 and making life completely fair isn't preparing them for anything. My DS will be graduating this year and is on this ship. He is waiting for a rated slot and wants pilot. If he gets RPA he will accept it and do his best. That is what he should and must do as that is what he has signed up for. If he wanted "Fair" he should have taken his talents to UC Berkeley.
As for folks separating in "Droves" from the Big Blue due to such unfair SNAFU's I certainly can't say I've seen the stats on that. If you'd like to share them I'd appreciate it. The marine corps must really be in a manpower crisis....

I for one am thankful every time they make life tough on these young men and women. It may help to save their life one day.