[ignonsoli]

If we have an occasional bona fide need for these retired 4-stars' military experience, SecAF can recall them under 10 U.S.C. § 688. Of course, they'd be recalled as two stars (see 10 U.S.C. § 601) for the duration of their active duty (unless nominated for O-9 or O-10 and confirmed by the Senate) and then revert back to the retired list at O-10 when the recall period ended.

They can either draw O-8 active duty pay and allowances for those days, or waive AD pay/allowances and draw their O-10 retired pay and any applicable VA disability. Much, much cheaper than these "senior mentor" contracts.

It can be fairly argued that hiring someone at exhorbitant "consultant" rates specifically for military expertise is an unwarranted expenditure of public funds, if we can get that same person at will by recalling them for standard military pay.

One of you active duty folks do an IDEA submission on this! Think of the cost savings