One should always tread lightly around a field grade officer of the line. Most people do not know the amount of Professional Military Education that is required to reach a field grade. I am quite certain the benchmark, for promotion to O-4 in any branch is at least a Master's degree + PME. To reach O-5 is even more extensive. Many who obtain the rank of O-6 or general officer are PhD's. Commander, your years of hard won education and training, as exposed in your reply, showed through beautifully to this airman (not of the line).