General Discussion

Ok so in the interest of actually sparking an aviation related discussion, I've got a question for all the CAS guys here. (Before the questions start CAS = Close Air Support, and the best description I've heard for this job is: "Doing God's work by supporting the grunts on the ground") So anyway, what is the Air to Mud community’s interpretation of the AV-8's capabilities? Coming from the AF side of the house, the A-10 and the AC-130 obviously dominate this role (not to exclude the Viper’s contributions ), so I don't hear about the Harrier much and wanted to know how it is regarded by other operators. GW

...eh...check it out... https://fromtheinside.us/humor.htm

Ladies and Gents, I am looking for any Central America base info. We are floating down here and I am looking for somewhere to bingo to should we need maintenance. I have Mantas website but do we(USA) have anything in Hondo or El Sal? I sure miss Howard! Thanks for any help.

Does anyone have a copy of the final report? I've tried to download it from https://www.f-35atrainingeis.com/EisDocument.html but it's going super slow and wont complete

End of an era. We'll miss you brother! I look forward to seeing you beyond the big blue. I'll even let my wife sit on your lap again!

https://www.micom.net/oops/ /heads back over to the other side

Anyone have any experience with having a drum set on base? I'm assuming I'm going to have to live in a house off base if I want to bring my drums with me. Any thoughts? (BTW-selling them is not an option)

I've read in earlier posts that there are interservice transfers for winged aviators. But if they didn't already fly fighters, their only hopes were heavys and helos. But, is it possible for an interservice transfer from let's say, a non-pilot Coast Guard officer with 3 years, end of commitment, to transfer to the Air Force and go to UPT and not be limited to what aircraft he/she can select?? any info would be great.

MODS: I apologize if I missed it, but can we get this (or any other thread that's already got a good list) stickied to the top? Given that the read file hasn't had a post in years, I assume this place gets more visibility. I'm a firm believer that readers are leaders and I'd love to see what you're all reading. I'm rifling through books on audiobook at a rate of about 1 per week right, so I'm always looking for my next book. There area bunch of smart mofo's on this forum and I'm certain you all read some great stuff that may not be in my normal list of subjects. Not looking for this to be just a military book thread, but rather a collection of books th…

Apparently Rotax engines are a target of organized crime (at least in Europe for now). They are showing up in Iranian drones purchased by Russia and being used in Ukraine. https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/bizarre-theft-wave-targets-same-rotax-engines-used-in-iranian-drones?fbclid=IwAR2BeFr1ribbpa62UkTrl4klDu-wzhr_O867JfQmLCzbN3EcM0OeTQ7D9mk

Any Viper dudes out there know where the Snake Dance originated and what the story behind it is? I heard it's from Korea, but wasn't sure...

Anyone?

Hey all, LM is looking to hire a weapons integrator at the F-16 SPO at Hill. Fighter types (pilots and WSOs) and B-52 patches would be a perfect fit. AFAIK, this job will mostly be on-site (not telework/remote), there will be travel involved, and LM Aero is a great company to work for! Let me know if you have any questions. https://www.lockheedmartinjobs.com/job/hill-air-force-base/senior-aircraft-systems-engineer-weapons-integration-level-4/694/26713588176

Hi All; For a museum project, I am looking for USAF Pilot Training Class patches from Moody AFB from Fiscal Year 2003 to Fiscal Year 2007. I can trade for or buy. Please help if you can Jim Flaviani, USAF (Ret) USAF UPT Historian www.usafupt.com

"After extensive internal review, Air Force officials released Sept. 17 their basing criteria that will be used to determine the future basing of joint strike fighters. The basing criteria were approved by the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force. The basing criteria are airspace, flight training ranges, weather, support facilities, runways, taxi ramps, environmental concerns and cost factors." https://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123168380 I am glad it took an "exhaustive internal review" for the Air Force to figure out the criteria for basing the JSF. I am waiting to see where this ground breaking discovery ranks in the history of air power...jet engi…

Hey, anyone know they're headed to CAFB Class 07-05? Just found out today and I'm curious if anyone else on this forum is going.

I thought this was a pretty good idea. https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/site/...7481&ct=1301253 This guy is a double amputee from Iraq and had some real financial problems imediately after his injury (his family needing $9,000 just to fly to meet him in Texas because they thought he may not make it home, for example). He is trying to get an insurance program started for severely injured soldiers so that families don't have to go through what his did. The policy would pay $50,000 to an amputee or other severe injury. Good stuff. This could really help some families stay on their feet (sts)financially when income is lost (combat pay, spouses having to q…

Hit the boom for the first time yesterday (10 JAN) and wanted to give ya'll props, especially the boomer for risking life and limb with a B course stud so close to his property. Might catch some ribbing but the 135 looks sweet against a clear blue sky! Thanks again, -j

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…

How are the US investigations into BAe Systems going? And are there any similar investigations ongoing into US defence companies? Source: BBC

Hey, This might be a really really really stupid question for some of you, but it has been on my mind for a bit now. I want to be a pilot in the Air Force; I am a US citizen and everything, as well as in ROTC. The thing is I am of middle eastern descent. Would it hurt my chance in the selection board if they see a name like Muhammad Akbar? I don't believe their is racism in the AF but this one thing has just been on my mind. Thanks again. I'm sorry if this is a stupid post.

I am a weather geek and always wondered what it would be like to be a Hurricane Hunter. For those who followed Hurricane Melissa which is the third strongest hurricane on record (892MB and still intensifying at landfall), the NOAA and USAFR Hurricane Hunters had a constant presence as the storm built and hit Jamaica and Cuba. USAFR flies a fleet of 10 WC-130Js and NOAA operates two PC-3's. One of the P-3s (named Kermit), was flying a mission during the rapid intensification. As they departed the eye and flew into the eyewall they encountered what looks to me like extreme turbulence. Ultimately they elected to depart the storm because of the turbulence ..somethi…

Much better than "You guys suck!" :D Cooter

Good day all, Hope the experts on here can chime in. AFI 36-2501 has me all spun around. I know its a long post, but thanks in advance for those that take the time to read! My updated info: 1) ADSC 1: 30 Apr 2023 (Bonus) 2) ADSC 2: 31 Jul 2022 (PCS) 3) TAFMS: May 2000 (21+ years) I meet my 2nd look for O-5 in March 2022 (LAF-A). Following standard timeline, I should expect the results roughly 1 Jul 2022. Im looking at multiple options and cant get any answers from MPF, and trying to decide if I should write a letter to the board to not consider. If for some miracle I was promoted, I wouldn’t pin on til after im on terminal o…

If Congress doesn't fix the U-2 divestment really soon, this will likely be the last Beale Airshow with a U-2 flying. Lineup is coming along well, to include TBirds, F-18 TACDEMO, USMC Osprey Demo, C-17/KC-135 Demo, Aarron Deliu, T-33 Demo, Vicky Benzing If interested in bringing a static to the party, drop me a note. It should be a large time.