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Showing content with the highest reputation on 06/26/2020 in all areas

  1. I think the hardest problem operating in this whole thing from a Military Orders and Mission Command perspective is the people with Birds/Stars on shoulders/Sleeves that are supposed to be making the play calls for us to take guidance from have all backed away from any decisions that have to be made. The reason they are doing that is the last great example of somebody with a Bird/Star sacking up and saying “this is my call as a commander and I’m making it,” got publicly fired out of a cannon and his Carrier taken away. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    6 points
  2. Trying to character assassinate an anonymous person on the internet when you have no idea what they do seems risky, but I’ll allow it. My point is that you can’t just say “deranged ... Marxism” or “socialism” and have everyone clap. If you want to engage on effects of specific policies, I’d be happy to talk. For example, I’m not fond of socialism as a whole system of governance. But I feel like if I told you that I believe that top bracket marginal tax rates should be doubled from 37% because I think that the system in its current incarnation isn’t working as intended, you would call me a socialist. Even though we had 70-91% tax rates from 1950-1980, one of the greatest economic growth periods in US history. The word is meaningless in discourse because it’s thrown around at everything that is even remotely progressive.
    3 points
  3. 3 points
  4. Dude that person needs to go eat a bag of dicks. If its on UPT base property, it's 100% fair game!
    2 points
  5. Noone here has forgotten the whole lesson about US involvement in European instability. However, that lesson is receiving heavy scrutiny now because of its cost. And it should receive scrutiny. There are no "natural laws" or "rules" in geo-politics. We should always be adjusting our thought. First off, I'm skeptical anytime mentions US foreign policy and "track record" or "history" in the same sentence. 200 years isn't history. Its a sneeze. China has seen continuous governance under a unified identify for over 3000 years. Sink that in a for a bit because its a bit amazing to think about. Sure they've had overthrows and invasions that took power, but they always remained predominantly identified as a single people (disregarding discussions of sub cultures like the Han, im talking specifically, how long has there been a "place identified as China"). So building trend data off of two events that happened only 20 years apart probably isn't prudent global planning on our part. Second, saying that a secure "Europe" is better for American prosperity is a bit dishonest. Europe is a geographical feature that says nothing about where the global balance of power lies. Pre-WW2, many of those powers happened to be conjugated in Europe. Today? Not a single European player (outside maybe France in the UK as notable exceptions) has global influence. The center of power has shifted dramatically from Western Europe to the Pacific. The top 6 military power centers in the world on the Global Firepower Index all have borders on the Pacific Ocean. (8 if you count Britain and France's Pacific holdings) 6/12 of the largest economies are on the Pacific, including the Top 3, the US, China and Japan. The problem with the above philosophy is it puts WAY too much importance on how much influence Europe has on the world order in modern terms. Third, we tend to have a lens that puts too much emphasis on the WW's as what happened in Western Europe. We forget, that they were global wars, and especially in WW2, most of the fighting did not take place in Western Europe. I promise you the Chinese don't frame their historic perceptions of WW2 as something that mainly occurred in Europe. As our #1 adversary, that should be something that we take important note of. Fourth, having the basic premise that a continent cant organize their shit so we have to occupy and pacify them for our own successful aims just doesn't sound like a good long term strategy. We invest 320K DoD personnel in Europe. That is literally 1/4 of our entire military, on one foreign continent. The largest military in Western Europe is the US military. Think about that for a minute, and then think about what your squadron could do with a 33% manning boost? To quote your terms, why are we spending "on peace and prosperity in Europe" when we should be spending on Peace and Prosperity in the United States, the largest threat to which, is in Asia. I totally understand and hear your point of view. But I find it outdated and irrelevant with what is actually going on in the world right now. I think there is a growing crowd of skeptics that question if Europe is "worth" our investment.
    2 points
  6. @Erthwerm Don’t feel like you can’t have different opinions, and you don’t have to justify your cred before posting. On the Internet, we’re all the same and I personally wish more discourse about things like this happened here and in real life. People nowadays are too damn polarizing trying to win arguments just throwing out words like “tyranny” and “Marxism.”
    2 points
  7. Hey all, Adding another score update to this. Previous PCSM score from 2010 (yes you read that right): 70 Retook the TBAS this morning and my updated PCSM score: 89. My 201+ PCSM score is a hypothetical 99. I'm pushing through with an instrument rating and expect to push my PCSM score to a 95 when I cross the 80 hour mark by September (currently sitting at 47 hours) which is when I expect most units to start accepting applications again. If I have enough time, I'm going to try and push through to get about 100 hours, which'll push me to a 98 PCSM. Here's what worked for me. I recently started flying again and increased flight 10 hours for my flight review, and I studied 45-60 minutes every day for about 7-8 weeks. I'm married and work a full-time job during the day, so even though it was a challenge to stay motivated, I told myself that if I got offered a UPT slot, this would be my life for at least a year and that getting into this habit now can only help me in the future. My advice is to just really study. There are some pretty good study materials if you know where to look. I don't want to get gigged by any folks from the AFPC in case they read this, so I won't go any further, but just look around online for TBAS preparation materials. Spend at least a couple of hours a week doing focused study. Find a flight sim, get some cheap Rudder Pedals and a Joystick, and work on your coordination. Yes, you'll have to shell out a little bit of money, but honestly what's a couple hundred bucks when you're talking about accomplishing a goal most will never recognize? All in all, I think I spent about $180 on software and hardware for test prep. Additionally, come up with a system to quickly orient yourself on the Directional Orientation portion. Once again, I'm not going to elaborate for risk of giving it away, but there are patterns you can establish for yourself. The absolute worst scenario into which you can put yourself is trying to figure out where North is when the UAV is pointing to the Southwest and you're supposed to find the East target when the taking the test. Prepare yourself as best you can to always know at least where North is and to understand the other cardinal directions in relation. As far as how to prepare for the multitasking portion, I don't really have any advice other than be prepared to really focus. Get good at 3 digit addition/subtraction. Realize that you're not truly multitasking, but quickly serial-tasking. That way, you'll feel less overwhelmed. Also, if I can increase my score by nearly twenty points with focused study for a couple months, literally anybody can. Really commit to putting in the work and investing in yourself and you can increase your scores, too.
    2 points
  8. I’m sorry I thought this was America!!! *Cue South Park clip*
    2 points
  9. Anyone else who has a postponed interview due to coronavirus received any updates yet? Still standing by for status updates for mine. Got me like:
    2 points
  10. Baseops, like most military social circles, is an echo chamber of people who have never had their views confronted. You ever sit back and just let the irony that you all live and work in a socialist paradise wash over you? Once you're in, your job is secure (you face no chance of an immediate layoff, and the VAST majority of people can make it to 20-40 years if they want to), your healthcare is paid for, you get an affordable housing allowance based on your status in the system (oh and it changes based on where you are in America), you have a perception that budget doesn't matter (who cares how much that FHP or those TVs costs, just fly it and buy it so we get more money next year), you get basically guaranteed promotions that are based more on timing than on merit, you're handed a ridiculous retirement package that requires no self-involvement or contributions, the worst workers are paid the same as the best, you get paid when a pandemic causes you not to work at all for weeks, you get regular wage increases that keep up with or exceed inflation, you have 30 days of paid leave a year. The military organization keeps hundreds of thousands of people on payroll (in a money bleeding way) just in case they need them, paying them way more than the value we get out of them (the vast majority of the military is a self-licking ice cream cone when we aren't at real war). The military system is the antithesis to self-reliance, meritocracy, accountability, ROI, or profitability. But it sure is nice to be in it right now when the system out there isn't taking care of people.
    2 points
  11. Flea, Excellent and well thought out response. I happen to disagree with you in that I believe that Europe is still well worth the effort. But thank you for a rigorous and respectful debate.
    1 point
  12. It is the same Europe where just, what, five years ago Putin walked into someone else’s territory and said, “this is mine now.” There’s still a big threat there.
    1 point
  13. Valid points if you view our relationship with Europe as purely transactional and argue that they are “buying” our defense services. I don’t see it that way. From my point of view, what we are “buying” when we spend on NATO is continued peace and prosperity in Europe. We are also “buying” continued influence in shaping the conversation on what the world order should look like going forward. Is Germany working with Russia problematic? Perhaps. But we are still the biggest player by far and it’s in every American’s interest to keep it that way. We do have a track record of disengagement with Europe that so far has ended in having to clean up the resulting mess one hundred percent of the time.
    1 point
  14. 1 point
  15. Are you seriously comparing the military to socialism? Are you implying that military members can’t criticize the deranged narrative of Marxism because the military is socialist? You’re obviously a shoeclerk who sits at a desk all day because no one who understand the sacrifice that military members make, along with their families, would spout such new age BS. “Never had their views confronted,” you don’t know what you’re talking about. Many of us are college or masters educated individuals, you might be too who knows. To say our views aren’t confronted displays your ignorance in full force. If you are so fond of the failed experiment of socialism, I highly suggest you move to a country that espouses it, no one will stop you, I promise. Take your buddies on the street whining about capitalism and tax cuts with you. Otherwise get off your high horse and see the forest for the trees for once.
    1 point
  16. Hm, violating a direct order from the SECDEF doesn’t have consequences? What ing military are you in?
    1 point
  17. That's one technique.
    1 point
  18. I'd like to see where I claimed I was "left leaning person." I'm more of a moderate. I'm sure you have frame of reference, from what you've seen, but not what I observed in either my undergrad or grad school. There are plenty of educated dumb asses running around, I used to work for them in the Air Force, they're called Officers.
    1 point
  19. I wouldn’t recommend that COA. I know a guy that did that and got absolutely crushed and several guys that got booted out of WIC for similar action in the last class.
    1 point
  20. I look forward to acting like I know the words and mumbling incoherently in rhythm at the next official event.
    1 point
  21. Nice! This thread went full tilt. To finalize and further perpetuate the lifestyle. When things get better/great again (anyone’s guess), there is no PME, no OPRs, no multiple sideline requirements, responsibilities unrelated extra duty unless you actually volunteer for them like FAA certified Designated Examiner, Line Check Airman, Sim Check Airman, Sim Instructor/Operator, Ground School Instructor which lets be honest - these sound like opportunities that actually pertain to your chosen profession with increased monetary benefit for most. Even when given the opportunity for Captain, it’s your choice to proceed for more clams - it’s just waiting your turn based on seniority. Even Quarterly CBTs requirements gets you paid for most groups. Wow, paid extra to do your CBTs what a crazy idea. When your off duty, your off duty and I never think about my work just home work, errands, home life, extracurricular activities, family time, whatever it is your into. If/when they call you it’s not for deployment - it’s to get them out of a jam and they compensate you with a big chunk of clams more for your time, but that’s only if you choose to accept it or answer your phone which I don’t. More senior the better of course, but you all understand it based on previous information given. It’s a pretty good deal and nothing’s perfect. Prior to COVID19 most airlines increase your pay by 60K, 70K, 80K and several over a 100K when you jump from FO to Capt. While you see the outright pay scales - many times it’s the soft pay behind the scenes that can benefit you even more dependent upon the carrier. Lifestyle vs pay is a constant choice/crossroad/conundrum you will meet and many stay FO for better schedules, time off, control of their life and there are varied opportunities as a senior FO picking up open time (overtime) at many carriers to close the Captain pay gap. Here’s a personal example: Many Captains rib me about electing to stay FO for several years now and giving up 65K or more. Unless he’s one of the Senior Original Gangstas I simply reply - Whenever have you been #1 at your base Good Sir??? They all understand at that point. Top 10% at any base is usually pretty good and others have it even better depending on the base schedules. It’s all how you want to live your life. If I needed more clams I could spring for it but enjoy my time off personally and haven’t missed a Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years or any other holiday, birthday or anniversary I have chosen for many years. While in the military I can’t remember how many times all the holidays or special days took place on another date due to being on another continent. Yes I am quite senior at my outfit, but an FO I flew in today with who has been with us for 4 years now said the same. It varies everywhere/situation dependent. To be honest I speak from a different perspective having a mil retirement, etc. which helps me exceed our particular Capt pay, but once again it’s pressure free and I am very fortunate no doubt. If you can attain a full retirement or other consistent means of financial backup I urge you to do it. Definitely not a life for everyone and it’s still challenging at times being away, but my wife sees that I am nearly stress free and enjoy showing up to work and never talk about work when at home. Heck, I get more sleep at work lately (home upgrades, immense amount of landscaping/chopping trees down = not smart I know) and she’s stuck with it all like most of you know all too well. If/when I pull the plug, or my outfit were to collapse, be bought out, etc., at least the retirement provides a softer landing... Here near Sydney Australia today by the beach for 55hrs. By product of COVID19 = Ocean view suites available for us til 31 Aug. It’s pretty much cake normally, but it’s the icing at times that makes things easier. Traveling around now vs after projected retirement when my body isn’t quite up to par is priceless. It’s not as challenging/rewarding as flying during my military career, but I was so bored last night and wanted to brush up on what little skills I had that I hand flew the departure out of Hawaii all the way up to cruise altitude (100 Kilos shy of Max weight) squirrelly sucker at our weight passing FL250, then droned on for the next 9.5 hours to basically Winter in Sydney. 19C or about 66F. I like Winter here and then off to mid 90s in Thailand next. Wonder if they’ll take my temp there too?
    1 point
  22. Oh dude I hear ya. The DFAC is probably the worst culprit. The point is though, the Air Force continues to approach health from the POV that it's exercise centered when it's mostly not. It's diet centered. Until the AF realizes and addresses that problem it will not stop a waist line epidemic in the force.
    1 point
  23. The U-2 interview they put you in a spacesuit and lock you in a closet for 8 hours to see if you’ll go nuts. The B-2 interview they put you in a closet with the OG for 48 hours straight and make you audition (jokes, stories, limericks, etc). At least that’s what I heard.
    1 point
  24. 104 aircraft built 104' wingspan F-104 cockpit. If you see one in a museum or on a pole, it was one of the 55 smaller A/C models. The last of those flew in '87. The big-wing jets: 12 built originally, then 37 more built in the 80's (as mentioned above), with the last jet being delivered Oct 1989. History info: short read with updated info on the Powers shutdown. Good stuff. https://dragonladyhistory.com/2020/05/01/u-2-mayday-shootdown-gary-powers/
    1 point
  25. http://article107news.com/real-reason-navy-not-air-force-got-first-air-air-kill-since-desert-storm/
    1 point
  26. Yea, that worked out great...
    1 point
  27. Yet liberals everywhere call Chris Kyle a psychopath because he called radical Muslims "savages." If immolating a man inside a cage on film does not make the cut for savage status, I don't know what would.
    1 point
  28. I may have posted this before, but.... I went to a Mississippi State football game and after the national anthem comes Doc in some radial/piston old taildragger aircraft (can't remember the type). They hyped it up pretty big on the loudspeaker that he would be doing the flyover and all. The problem was this is what you heard: "Oh say does that star NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE...of the brave" As a matter of fact, it even made youtube:
    1 point
  29. One more piece of confirmation that people have officially lost their minds.
    0 points
  30. Earlier this month I was able to take the AFOQT at Luke AFB and the TBAS at Nellis. I live in LA but couldn’t find any base or MEPS here that did testing.
    -1 points
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