JackaL

Not sure if this was sarcastic or not, either way... I've been on Baseops since 2006, and in the -10 since 2010 at Travis. Currently an A/C and just debating on if I need to start looking for a new airframe or if I'm safe in the KC-10. That pretty much sums up the reason I started this thread. We're being told the Avionics upgrade program was cancelled and the KC-10 was going to be shut down at the beginning of FY15.

So, I randomly stumbled upon this: http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20295&item=1273 Does this mean that the Air Force has already paid for the avionics upgrades? Did they AF forget they already spent $216M to upgrade all 59 tails? LOL. Didn't know if anyone knew about this or not.

I was just wondering if anyone has heard anything new on this topic? Rumor mill says that the avionics upgrade package got declined (which will lead into the KC-10 not being able to fly in Europe past 2015), so I did not know if that was the nail in the coffin, or if that was just bullshit. No offense to -135's, but the -10 is WAY better in terms of multi-role tanker / cargo jet. It'd be retarded for them to cut the -10, AND the -46 won't be able to the same amount of work as one -10 can. Thoughts / opinions / comments? Thanks

Thanks for the words of wisdom Hoss. I'm currently typing from the hell hole I like to call the desert on my third deployment (within a year). I guess I am kind of wanting a change of pace.

I know i might get flamed for saying this, but I think it would make more sense to open up a pipe line if you already had a -38 qual under your belt to have the option to go fly fighters versus bringing in brand new guys that have zero experience in world wide operations. I can see why most guys who were WSOs and prior navs do better at pilot training...the airmanship and SA is WAY higher the more time you have. And/or AFSOC... flying AC-130s, MC-130s, or U-28s, or the other NSA's that AFSOC has.

Thanks Hoss. Lol. Just trying to keep my options open, had a buddy of mine from pilot training say that they are hurting for fighter pilots, didn't know if anyone has heard anything about cross flowing like the old days...fighters to heavies, and vice versa.

Had a question about cross flowing. I know we can go to other AMC platforms once we are in AMC, but can we cross flow to other platforms outside of AMC? Also, if we flew T-38s in UPT, are we allowed to go to a fighter or would it be easier? Get re-spun up on the -38, go to IFF, then RTU? Just curious if anyone has heard of someone doing this before. Only things that come to mind is either going to the U-2 or B-2. Thanks.

I recently got assigned KC-10's to Travis, and will be moving there (I assume) within the next month or so. I was wondering if anyone that is based there could give me information on where to live, and where NOT to live. I recently saw that ghetto video about Fairfield, CA and figured I'd post this. I am not looking to buy at the moment, just rent (apartment, condo, house, townhouse, etc). My girlfriend works in advertising out of Atlanta right now, and is currently searching for jobs out west. I am also wondering, which of the cities would have more job opportunities for her, and are really awesome cities to live in (San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, etc). Thanks for any/all help.

Well I was Brooks from 2 June until 5 June and all I have to say is "Wow." Two words...organized chaos. The physical was very in-depth but every part of it I could see was crucial to military aviation. I was nervous as hell, just scared that they would find "something" (if you will) and I would fail. I think that fear is in most people that go there. For all of you who are interested in what a typical visit is like, this was my experience. DAY 1: 0700 - Briefing 0715 - Lab work [blood work, U/A (Urine Analysis)], EKG, Medical History (review w/ tech and make corrections if needed) 1200 - Lunch 1300 - Dental X-Ray, Chest X-Ray 1630 - End of day DAY 2: 0700 - 4-hour Psychological exam (2 IQ tests, 2 personality tests) 1100 - Lunch 1145 - Urine Sample (Drug Testing) 1200 - Hearing test 1300 - Eye exams (Color vision, Near & Distant vision, Depth Perception, Eye Pressure, A Machine that scans your topography of your eye) 1500 - Eyes Dilated (Optometrist examines your eyes for Astigmatisms, Abnormalities in the cornea, etc. ) 1600 - Meet w/ Flight Surgeon (asks general medical questions, does a true "physical", Hernia check, etc.) 1700 - End of Day DAY 3: If everything went smooth, you go home. If you failed something, or need corrective lenses for your vision, they will get you a temporary set and you will re-take any vision stuff you failed. For all who are going to be going to Brooks soon...you have nothing to worry about. All of the staff are there to HELP you, NOT FAIL you. If you happen to fail something the first time, they will review WHY you failed it, try to correct your problem and you will be re-tested. If you failed in one area, they will do several sub-tests along the same lines to help you pass. They are all very professional and (for ROTC cadets) treat you like an adult. This was my experience, please do not use this as an official itinerary for your visit for it might change. I'm sure I left some stuff out, but that pretty much covers it all. For all who have been, if I left anything out...please include what I missed. Good luck to everyone that goes. --JackaL