RollNPull

Amen.

Exactly. Any auto pilot heavy AC pilot community would greatly benefit from having the 38 as a companion trainer. It would make any dude in those communities a better pilot. In KSZL's case, people have tried to cut the program many times. It always survives because once you crunch the numbers you easily see that it's essential to the B-2 mission. Small fleet dynamics and associated mx issues mandate having another airplane. Cheaper is awesome. My vote is keep the 38.

We could definitely hack the mish with a T-1 or even eclipse like aircraft. It would be a big step back though for sure. It's by no means essential, but having an aircraft that you can fly tactical formation in and fly finger tip with is valuable specifically because its so different from the B-2. Just my opinion, but I think the T-38 is about as perfect of an airmanship builder as can be- which is really the purpose of the companion trainer program- to build up the pilots in the areas they tend to get deficient in while B-2 flying. I will readily admit I'm very biased and love the 38. The real downside would be to have an aircraft that we didn't own. It seems an aircraft you don't own, will be soon cut as budgets continue to be tight.

The idea that the eclipse could replace the 38A's in the B-2 companion trainer program have made Whiteman pilots/leadership very nervous. Having a companion aircraft is essential to the B-2 mission (2 B-2 sorties a month aren't enough to keep dudes proficient) and a leased aircraft seems a slippery slope to no aircraft at all. On top of that, we'd lose the ability to fly our formation, low level and range sorties the way we can now. This would all come at the same time that AFPC has forced us into a hiring normalization which will result in an even greater need for a somewhat tactical aircraft, to help all the Lt's gain the much needed experience before IQT. This retired general needs a new hobby.

We were told that AFPC is upset about losing guys in their spreadsheet to the B-2 right when they need them for white jets/staff gigs. It's a big shame because flying the B-2 is few and far between. It will be interesting to see the impact when we lose the ability to get as many people who already have MWS experience/tactics/combat hours. There is talk to make the T-38 program more tactical in nature (range support, flag support, simulated bomb runs, etc.) to help UPT and FAIP droppers transition easier to the bomb squadrons.

Confirmed. At a pilot all-call the OG told us the hiring boards were gone. There will still be some kind of AFPC controlled cross-training available but no more interviews out here. At least 50% of new B-2 assignments will be UPT and FAIP drops.

I'm sure the only possible explanation for a lower hook and washout rate in the T-38 is an easier program. It couldn't be that poor performers in the T-6 are usually sent to the T-1.