General Discussion

...Saparmurat Niyazov, the President-for-life of Turkmenistan, has died. Wonder if we'll still be able to stop in Ashgabat for overpriced gas, once the succession settles...looks like he left the lines of succession as clean-cut as Saddam did. https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6198983.stm Turkmenistan's 'iron ruler' dies State TV said Nizayov's death was a "great loss" to the Turkmens Turkmenistan's authoritarian president Saparmurat Niyazov, who ruled the Central Asian country for 21 years, has died aged 66, state TV has reported. Mr Niyazov, who named cities and airports after himself in a personality cult, left no designated successor. Turkme…

WASHINGTON - President Bush will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. EST. The White House said Bush would open with a 10-minute statement discussing his decision to expand the overall size of the U.S. military to meet the challenges of a long, global struggle against terrorism. Bush also planned to stress the importance of working in a bipartisan way next year when Democrats take control of Congress heading into the final two years of his administration. The White House also said Bush would talk about the need to keep the U.S. economy strong. Bush said Tuesday for the first time that American forces were not winning in Iraq. He also said the military would be exp…

The Barksdale BX just started selling firearms. I was just curious if any other BX's have started doing this as well? The prices seem fairly reasonable and the tax free is the best part! They've got everything from Glock and HK to Remington.

Hopefully, if you are searching for an answer to a question that you have you will find this thread. On the top of this webpage, which allows access to ALMOST every reg civilians should be allowed to view, you'll see a "Long Title" search. You can search the title of all the air Force regulations for what you're looking for. www.e-publishing.af.mil/ Good Luck! BENDY

Supposed to have happened around noon today out in California. Anyone know any details? I believe the pilot punched safely. --------------- Wxpunk

Why in the hell is a picture of Maj Gilbert’s mother in a moment of extreme grief, on the Air Force website? https://www.af.mil/news/story_media.asp?storyID=123035120 What are we trying to prove. Please tell me this is not some ploy to show the Air Force is taking losses too. These PA tools need a swift kick in the junk. Let me state for the record, if I ever buy the farm and AF.mil decides to place a picture of my parents grieving on the website, I am asking each and everyone of you to drive to the Pentagon and knock some common sense into someone. I’ve had far too many friends die trying to protect our way of life to have their sacrifice turned into a …

It turns out that our PA shop can forward voicemails to their email. The following phone call is an actual complaint received - you could't write something this good if you tried. I KNOW I am going to regret posting this. Enjoy! Best phone complaint ever

So I was watching the A340 RTO fire video from our video Thread and I started thinking about how I've got this answer memorized: "In the T-37, maximum temperatures will occur in the wheel/brake assembly 5-15 minutes after maximum braking is applied." But I don't know WHY max temps occur 5-15 minutes AFTER. That makes it sound like the brakes continue to heat up after you take away the friction and that doesn't make sense to me. Anyone got the answer? [ 11. December 2006, 05:32: Message edited by: Toro ]

I know that getting selected to Phase I is tough and Phase II is even harder to pass. But does anyone have any more info on these guys? I'v been to specialtactics.com. How often are they getting deployed? Are the Combat Controllers deployed with the Army and Navy? Thanks for the help. [ 22. June 2006, 17:34: Message edited by: ralph ]

I just read this article in the Air Force times by two SSgts at Kirkuk. It further proves the Air Force demeans medals by giving a commendation medal to some A1C who helps clean up after a holiday party while guys who are putting their lives on the line can't get valid recognition. ------------- Integrity and awards In mid-November, an Army re-supply convoy was attacked by the enemy using an improvised explosive device. A second IED, spotted 50 feet ahead of them, left the remaining vehicles trapped in the “kill zone.” An Air Force explosive ordnance disposal team responded to clear the IED in order for a vehicle to be recovered and to allow the convoy mission to c…

I am currently at PIT and planning on taking leave during the week of Christmas. Will I still get per diem while I am on leave during that time? I have asked the finance office here at RAFB and one person said I would and the another said I wouldn't. I was just looking for anyone that has dealt with the same thing. Thanks.

Does the air force issue a survival knife to pilots? If so, what knife do they issue them? If not, is there a universal knife they use, or something? Thanks.

I know the general rule is 2-3 years at a base - less as you go become more senior. But how long should a non-rated new Lt expect to stay at a particular base? I remember hearing that between on-the-job training, ASBC and if you get out after the min 4 years you can expect it to be your first and only base. (?)

https://www.herald-review.com/articles/2006...ews/1018165.txt DECATUR - Mike Copsy thought an airplane was flying awfully low about midday Monday. Play Video The motorist, who lives in rural Charleston, looked to see if the plane landed safely at Decatur Airport, and he saw smoke. Firetrucks soon arrived three-tenths of a mile from the end of the runway to knock down a blaze. "The engines (of the plane) were still going when they were hosing it down," he said. Two crew members walked away from a crash of a small military trainer jet, said airport director Gene Marcinkowski. One person suffered a broken ankle, and the other was uninjured, Marcinkowski…

Feel free to delete this if you deem it inappropriate. However, many of the posts we have somehow end up showing our disdain for how the new and sensitive AF has shed the traditions of the past. Somehow, we have to begin to swing the momentum back to our favor. What are some suggestions? Realistically? I think just by people talking about it, and doing so publically in the squadron, we can drum up momentum. When folks dont say anything because someone might disagree/get offended, or there is some 0-6 in the room, we do no one any favors. In my squadron, we are pushing to bring a bar back, since it was supposedly canxed a few years ago. While that is gonna be…

I recently passed through Diego, and ended up staying there a couple days. Voucher finally paid, and for each succeeding day after the first, only $3.50 was paid for per diem, instead of the usual $27.50. My only beef with this is that we were not a part of the deployed AEG at all, but rather a transient crew...in fact, Camp Justice (or whatever they were calling it) is completely shut down now, the tents torn down, and no free chow hall like you get at all the other $3.50 locations. Now Diego isn't exactly expensive, but...I was certainly paying more than $3.50 on sundries, incidentals and meals on a daily basis. So, anyway, if you're paying for meals shouldn't the…

It's come to my attention that some think UPT students to be perfect, with only minor flaws... I know I don't fit this mold and still "somehow" to managed to make it through... What have you done in training that is true, no shit, baffonery... None of this, "I broke the wrong way," or "I made a goofed up radio call" bull shit. A true picture of, I did this and it was alright because I admited I did that, I was wrong and understand how not to let it happen again. Mine: I was told by lead to take space in the wing T-37. I chose to lag roll. I was 1000' below the MOA. I made it about 89 degrees before..."I have the controls." At first I thought, W…

Hey, I was approached by a Marine recruiter about their guaranteed aviaiton program and it sounds like a sweet deal. Anyone have stories or advice about how the Marines do things; flying in particular. I know they train with the Navy guys, but what kind of crap do they do after that? Any comments good or bad are aprreciated.

Disclaimer: I am not picking on FW units, just letting you understand what might be at stake in the somewhat near future - purely FYI folks! BRAC will hit several areas/units no doubt and the Guard is attempting to consolidate(VANGUARD) its assets in its regions as smartly as possible (non-fighter units will be involved as well) I.E. - Former F-16 ANG unit at Richmond, VA is now flying its flag at Langley to save itself. When I say save itself, I'm indicating an issue of too many fighter units on our side of the house. This is not my summation, but kind of an obvious assessment during the last conflict and whatnot on the excess of it all. Granted, if we were at confl…

Critics say you're cuttng the wrong systems-ISR systems-to buy more fighters. "First, I can only cut personnel 8 more times like we did, before we have no AF. Second, the F-22 is the best sensor on the battlefield, bar none, including the E10, which can't get close enough to the battlefield to make a difference." When asked if the F-22 is the answer: "We are looking at how you do long range recce and strike. We are following Moore's Law to pack more density onto our assets. With Global Hawk and Predator, we have deep penetration and are getting SA in a remarkable way." Nothing like contradicting yourself in statements right after one another. Looks like …

Well I found out that I will be on Casual at Maxwell AFB for 8 months before I head off to pilot training. Can anyone tell me what there is to do around Montgomery? I lived there while my dad was in the Navy, but for only 10 months and I was in the 1st grade at the time. Is it really as bad as everyone says it is? So far the top things to do on my list are: visit old elementary school and visit old house. Thanks in advance!!

Anyone here tackled a law degree as a Guard or reserve pilot? Im in that position to start next year, and wondering how it all works out. Were you able to keep the flying to a sat. level? Not looking forward to it by the way, but something to fall back on!

Looking to see if anyone is using any Electronic Flight Bag products and if so, what type, pro's, con's etc. Looking for a product to display Jepp products. Not looking to interface with the acft FMS. Just a stand alone unit. Any input is appreciated.

I'm a LT awaiting UPT at Columbus (Class 06-07) I was wondering if anyone could steer me in the right direction as to where/how I can change my residency to a state that does not require taxes. (ie, TX, FL....some others I've heard, I'm leaning more towards FL though due to the proximity right now) What is involved in this process? Where do I go? Do I also need to get a new driver's license and auto plates? What's the cost involved? I have heard that all it takes to change your residency is to simply have an address (ie PO Box) in the desired state. Is it really that simple? As always, thanks a lot!

I've used the search function, but my questions are more specific. I am curious about the backgrounds / flying hours for dudes who track select to the T-38. Specifically, do most T-38 guys have high hours (300+ or 1000+) and advanced ratings (instrument / commercial / aerobatic) before beginning UPT? I'm reading these old posts which state track select is based on 40% checkrides, 30% daily rides, 20% commander ranking, 10% test scores. So, I’m thinking if someone aces the academics and has a great commander ranking it's not enough, 70% is pure situational awareness and ability to handle the Tweet / Texan. When I read just “bust you’re a**” and make sure your #1 in…