EZ,
You didn't ask me, but that doesn't usually stop me from chiming in...Of all the organizations in the DOD, the Air National Guard can at times be the most insulated from the one-mistake Air Force (from the tail and other info I've heard, I believe this pilot is in the ANG). Since pilots typically remain with the same unit over their entire career, some 20-30 years, some squadrons can be more tolerant of "minor" mistakes (I'm not saying this accident was "minor" or a "mistake." I'm not yet convinced this pilot did anything wrong. I'll wait for the accident investigation to run its course -- I'm of the "innocent until proven guilty" ilk).
Since 9/11 the ANG began integrating more and more with the active duty Air Force and has subsequently felt pressure to see things more in line with the way they do. Some commanders have been able to stiff arm the pressure, others haven't. As time goes by, the ANG will unfortunately become more and more like active duty.
Mark