General Discussion

Per the VSP thread, I agree it's a good idea. Post all your FY14 & 15 VSP/TERA/PC/seperations lessons learned here. The intent seems to be so that guys can speak somewhat directly to those leaders staying in so they in turn can better create an environment where buckets of experienced guys aren't trying to leave at the first opportunity. I'm getting out soon (non-VSP or PC unfortunately) and will post my own contributions when I'm not on my phone.

What do you guys think?

I am currently in UPT and would like to start a Roth IRA. Those who have a Roth IRA, who did you go through? Good/Bad companies? USAA? I have no real experience working with investments/retirements and am looking for any information that I can get.

Of course we all know what today is, and we have all answered the question hundreds of times as well as reflected personally on todays events 6 years ago. I dont want to turn this thread into that. I was just curious if any of you were flying CAP's or any other mission that day that could relate the experience, what it felt like being the only ones in the air, having semi-silent radio chatter (if it was). Just was curious

The discussion of moving CSAR from ACC to AFSOC is alive and well again at HAF. I am curious what the actual customers of our “insurance policy” think about this move. I would also love to hear from the AFSOC folks in the room if this is actually a mission you want to execute?

Hey all, I was wondering what you guys thought some pros and cons of being in an Airlift Squadron opposed to an Air Refueling Squadron were. I am looking towards that division of the air force, but I dont exactly know which one to pick

Anyone know where / when the CAF assignments are going to be published for the fall VML? The porch used to post their state of the community .pdf file on the COP along with the expected assignments for that VML. With the COP going away, it just says to look for it on AFPC - yea, good luck. Historically it would have been out by now. Anyone have some info? Edit: I can never post again - this makes 69.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/11/19/marine-corps-forms-squadron-to-fly-new-next-generation-strike-fighter-jet/?test=latestnews The Marines just broke ground on their first F-35 squadron at Yuma with flights planned before the end of the year. After all the ass-pain of the VSTOL variant, I'm curious if there as any real tactical viability (or even need) to operate from "unimproved surfaces at austere bases" and special amphibious landing ships (although I've heard the Marines are going to have to operate some C models because of their fleet commitments to the Navy). After 30 years with the Harrier has this tactical need shown itself enough to go through…

For the F-15 A/C I have read that the wing loading is lower than the F-16 under most circumstances. I have also read that the F-15 has a higher thrust-to-weight ratio under most circumstances. The body and control surfaces of an F-15 are larger, allowing airflow to be diverted for a higher turn rate. The overall surface of the bottom of the F-15 should allow it to fly at slower speeds, and the higher thrust to-weight ratio should allow a lower loss of altitude during a turn-battle in a dog-fight. How is it that I have read about and seen videos of F-16s winning dog fights against F-15s? Obviously don't violate OPSEC.

https://www.laughlin.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1377774/media-release-downed-aircraft-in-del-rio/ "LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- An Air Force T-38 Talon assigned here at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, crashed at approximately 4 p.m. today approximately 14 miles northwest of the base near Spur 454 and U.S. 90 in Del Rio, Texas. At the time of release, Laughlin emergency response personnel and local responders were on scene to assist in recovery efforts. A board of officers will investigate the accident. Additional details will be provided as information becomes available."

Question. If someone were out on a weekend cross country in a white jet and actually overflying home station when a generator fails, and that pilot elects to land at the airfield even though it is closed and uncontrolled for the weekend, is that a Q3’able event? Anyone see anything right or wrong with this? (It’s something that actually happened at a training base recently to a reservist by an OG) Withholding my thoughts

I was catching up on some reading this morning and came across these posts. Might be of some interest, including the comments associated with the articles. https://ricks.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/04/11/need_budget_cuts_we_probably_can_start_by_shutting_the_air_war_college Response 1: https://ricks.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/04/12/gen_kane_s_response_assessing_the_air_war_college_is_a_matter_of_perspective Response 2: https://ricks.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/04/14/pentagon_view_the_role_of_the_war_colleges_is_to_teach_military_professionals_0 Response 3: https://ricks.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/04/14/a_view_from_canada_on_the_air_war_college_judge_…

What bases do you possibly have, and what possible Airframes. What is the possiblity of ABM's being phased out in the near future, any otehr info, is appreciated, I understand they get flight pay as well, and its a 6 year commitment right? Thanks

I’m probably getting ready to buy a new or used car. Is there any extra benefit to being in the military when I go check out loans? Such as: better availability of interest rates or just a company I should check out (beyond the dealers finance department) for getting a loan? Since we are on the subject, does anyone have an opinion on buying now verses buying in 1.5 years from now? Just wondering if everyone is under the opinion that the interest rates might be a bit higher by the middle of next year. Thanks!

Anyone know about this course down at Randolph. I know it's probably gay, but I had a good time down in San Antone during PIT and I'm looking to revisit some hos down there.

Great video - Columbus Lt Col IP flying with a Japanese exchange student experiences a bit of a language barrier. I have watched it no less than 10 times and I still laugh when I watch it. Turn Off the Heat!

I am logging on under my husband's screen name to find out if the military member, their dependants, or both need a passport for personal travel?

Any information on joint spouse and how to get assigned together would be appreciated. JAG and MPF seem clueless.

So I was wondering if any 130 guys out there who had gone to Ramstein could give me some advice. I just got my wings and after I finsh up at Little Rock I will be going to Germany. Ramstein gets snowed on, should I bring my Trans Am, or sell it for something more practical there? Any advice on what to do with my household goods before leaving Conus? And where should I try to live when I am over there near "K-town"? I don't like living on base but I have never been over seas either, whats the best way to go? And how much pay increase if any is to be expected while I am over there, COLA etc. Anyone know where the slicks there fly to mostly? How hard is it to get leave, and …

Hey all, some coworkers and I are putting on a skit (of sorts) tomorrow night and I will be playing the stereotypical pilot role...entirely too self centered and arrogant. What I need is some good one-liners...something along the lines of "What's the difference between God and an Air Force pilot? God can't fly jets!" bwah hahaha. Anyway, you get the point. So...fire away! I know there's gotta be some good stuff out there.

Just thought it might be fun to see what kind of automotive toys you bought (whether you're regretting it now or not) when you first pinned on your butter-bar.

Went into the BX for the first time in a few years today looking for a mouse for my laptop. I was quickly reminded why I avoid the place like the plague. The selection is godawful. The prices are typically 25-50% HIGHER than other retailers. Sony X65 headphones? $30 on Amazon and Walmart. Yours for only $80 at your local BX! Microsoft Military Appreciation Touch Mouse? $50 at the BX. $40 online. 3 year old PS3 games? 50% off at $25 at your BX or you could go to the mart or GameStop and get it for 5-$10. Cool speakers for your obsolete iPhone 3? Of course they are on clearance, at $50! Clothing selection is amazing. You can always find a sweet Affliction…

From this morning's AFA Daily Report: Plan B: Procuring F-22s is a viable option for the Marine Corps in place of acquiring the F-35B strike fighter, according to one Marine Corps officer. Doing this "may seem like an extreme course of action, but it makes the most sense for the Marine Corps for several reasons," asserted Maj. Christopher Cannon, an operations analyst with Marine Corps Combat Development Command, in a September article in the Marine Corps Gazette, the service's professional journal. Cannon argues that the Marines could purchase F-22s for less than the F-35's current flyaway cost. Plus, F-22s would "cost less" to maintain than F–35Bs, he states, citing …

Just happened to see on a friends FB page something about a C-130 incident. Black Hills Fox News is reporting the story. Hope everyone is ok. https://www.facebook...ws/122161657947

Thoughts? https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/china-creates-new-air-defense-zone-in-east-china-sea-amid-dispute-with-japan/2013/11/23/c415f1a8-5416-11e3-9ee6-2580086d8254_story.html