JLoweCSU

Anyone have a recommendation for a military-friendly facility/connection to accomplish the flying portion of ATP in the northern VA area? I'm living in Fairfax. Appreciate the help!

Only saw one reference to Guard/Reserve RPAs (Fargo, ND). Any updates?

Any words as to when they will start moving personnel to Ellsworth? Still planned as a Reaper squadron?

AFSOC or ACC MQ-9? I have the option to possibly go to Reapers (voluntarily from another MWS), with a choice of Creech or Cannon. Unfortunately I have less than 2 weeks to make a decision based on the Spring move cycle. Sounds like manning is continuing to improve, reducing the ass-pain for AFSOC guys. Cannon was my going-in vector based on proximity to home for me (C-Springs), but my hesitation is being forever assigned to Cannon because of the grip AFSOC maintains on guys once assigned. An appeal to me is the more competitive nature of the community. In my brief discussions with RPA guys, the AFSOC Reapers are the self-proclaimed Alphas...which true or not, is at least a mindset. Any feedback helping to distinguish between AFSOC and ACC would be greatly appreciated.

Worked with his wife at Luke AFB and knew Eric through her...one helluva man and pilot! Thoughts and prayers with their family.

I am a (recently) late rated guy and was wondering how promotion boards view the lack of important captain-level OPRs when considering people for in-residence IDE. Looks like I'll have about 2 years without an OPR. My DOR is Dec '06, so I think my PRF will be due in '10 giving me (maybe) 2 operational OPRs. I've always been interested in AFIP and would like to set myself up for success. I am very familiar with all the "be the best at your job" talk, so no need to include that...thanks.

My favorite local restaurants are: Angels - Mexican (about a mile out the main gate) Branding Iron - BBQ (10 minute drive from base) Hunan - Chinese Buffet (2 miles out Missile Road gate) Bars: Old Town - Seems to be the most popular destination right now Stage West - Hip-Hop and a bit ghetto, but fun if you like to dance Outskirts - Country music and dancing Toby's - Bar Don't worry about anything besides flying for the next few years because that will keep you busy enough...trust me! Once you finally get your wings, are done with B-course, and then get upgraded to be a flight lead you can think about language training. Last I knew the AF was paying for people to do language training through Rosetta Stone online, but you had to keep up with the program and were required to take a proficiency test after 1 year. As for the gouge...get with someone you know that is at training right now. You may be able to find some stuff by browsing online, but I wouldn't be terribly concerned about it. Anyhow, there is a chance you could be in one of the first T-6 classes...I think they start this Summer/Fall...in which case there isn't any Sheppard gouge to be had aside from the local procedures stuff. Enjoy the last few months you have before you arrive...you'll be studying plenty once you arrive!

Thought I'd give all those Brooks-bound (AD/ANG/Reserve) folks a heads up about what they are about to go through. I just returned from a fun filled trip to San Antonio myself, so here goes... Start by going to this website: http://www.brookscitybase.brooks.af.mil/we...hance/index.htm. From there click "Aeromedical Consultation Service" then "Medical Flight Screening" then "MFS Welcome Letter." The letter says there are four areas of testing, but the echocardiogram is no longer performed (unless you come in with some history). Aside from no EKG the rest of the process was exactly like the letter states...nothing more. They don't poke or prod, or do any other tests not listed on the letter. Obviously, if during one of the regular tests they identify an abnormality there will be some additional testing...but everyone in my class was done by 1400 the first day. We only had 5 folks so that certainly expedited the process. In addition to the regular testing I required all the PRK follow-up stuff. I can't divulge the details but I will say that I spent day two doing 6 hours of eye tests. It is a very thorough examination. During this testing they identified an abnormality with my vision, but after (many) additional tests recommended me for a waiver (what a relief that was...although waiver results are pending). They emphasize the fact that they are not the waiver authority...AETC makes the final call based upon your test results and the recommendation of the doctors. The MFS staff is not what you expect...or at least what I expected. They are all extremely helpful and if you go in with a positive attitude they will do their best to get you through successfully. I personally appreciated the honesty and friendly attitude I encountered as I accomplished my PRK stuff. The process is stressful enough as it is, but the staff made it much more bearable. I hope this makes some of you feel more comfortable. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me...I'll tell you what I can...but nothing more Good Luck!!!

I am currently stationed at Luke...leaving in about 6 months. Want to buy/rent our house? Not sure if you are officer or enlisted...but the enlisted base housing is pretty nice. Officer housing isn't very nice...although they are building all new housing over the next 3 years. Both times I inquired about base (officer) housing I could have gotten in within a week or two. There are TONS of houses in the area if you choose to live off base...Glendale, Surprise, Peoria, Avondale, Buckeye...suburbs everywhere! I'd recommend Surprise or Litchfield Park, but they're all pretty much the same. A little tidbit...if you end up living in a place without a garage, make sure to buy a Club or other anti-theft device. We had our car stolen from our "gated" apartment community withing 3 months of arriving here. It's nice to have moved into a nice neighborhood and have a garage! If you have any other questions PM me and I can answer or hook you up with my wife's e-mail.

Sir, They didn't note the esotropia until they did a test with a tiny ball on the end of a stick which was held about 12 inches in front of me. Apparently, when I switched vision between my right and left eye the left would pull to the left very briefly before returning to center. Hopefully the tests go well...

I recently found out I have esotropia in my left eye. Now it sounds like I have to go in for 3 different depth perception tests, the red lens test, and something else. I did a search for this topic and didn't get any hits. I know the reg has lots of references to diplopia, but my optometrist said it isn't the same and there are no references to esotropia in the reg. I've passed the five horizontal dot depth perception test (after a few tries), and am concerned about taking all these tests. Should I be terribly concerned? Please advise... What [ 09. August 2006, 21:28: Message edited by: JLoweCSU ]

I will be putting in my nav package in January...hoping to get a Strike Eagle slot. I will have 3 years active in January, and won't start UNT until May at the earliest. So, I wouldn't be at my first actual assignment until around Jan '08 at the earliest...making me a 2 year captain at that point. Will lack of flying hours affect career progression, and will it be harder to get selected for Weapons School?

I didn't really have any doubt that I would stick to my guns, and shoot for the WSO slot...but you all sealed the deal (hopefully the board will do their part)! Working on the line with all the troops is very fulfilling, but I can't imagine anything competes with being in the air. By the way, my commander is great. He said he supports my decision 100%, but was just giving me his opinion...which is what I had asked him for. And, for the record, my main concern is not making rank...although it would be nice. Thanks for all the feedback!

I just submitted my package for the January AD UNT board, and am hoping for a F-15E WSO slot. Currently I'm a maintenance officer, and obviously I get feedback from my supervision on my decision to get a rated slot. They all comment on the fact that it is very difficult to get promoted as a navigator, although WSOs have slightly improved chances. My commander said today that I would make a greater impact on the Air Force as a maintenance officer, than as a WSO (meaning I'd likely be promoted to a higher grade). Luke is pretty much the worst flying base to speak with any navs...so could any of you give me your opinion on the topic...

Navs, There is tons of info out there about UPT and other pilot training programs, but I can only find minimal info about navigator training. My understanding is that when you apply for nav training you choose a track...fighter, bomber, WSO or tanker/airlift. From there you either go to Pensacola or Randolph and then to your aircraft. Is this correct? Also, can some of you tell me a little bit about your nav experience...have you enjoyed it? Has it been worthwhile? Do you enjoy the track you chose? What are the pros/cons of each airframe (in regard to your job)? How often/long do you go TDY? Thanks for any info you can provide!