I didn’t mean to imply that the TB’s planes were permanently “neutered”, they are technically combat planes, with the ordinanced either removed, or disabled.
They can be converted back into combat-ready quite readily if the need arises.
I was just making the point that “remilitarizing” them is not an ad hoc process, there is a specific, realistic plan: resources, locations, units and a schedule are in place.
The Thunderbirds serve another purpose: it is important to have an elite with tangible accomplishments to produce leaders, and instructors and to test the limits of men and machines.