In certain circumstances, yes, I do. Consultants have a great value to add if we need them for surge capacity or if we need them for a technical expertise that we don't have and we're looking to acquire.
In this case, because of the projects he was on, the major and the colonel who were above him realized they needed this skill set for a project on a long-term, enduring basis. It is a very good thought to try to turn that type of resource into an employee, if the person is willing.
As we know, in this case it did not work out, but I actually applaud the instinct.