General Discussion

I'm currently a 2LT on Active Duty in the Army (non-aviation). Although, I'm excited to serve the next three years of my contract, I'm interested in becoming a pilot in the USAF, either on Active Duty or in the Reserves . I'm currently deployed and have had a great experience interacting with the crew of a C5 on the way into theater and my long term goal is to learn how to fly fixed wing. I've also heard there's been a pilot shortage for quite some time. Is it possible to pivot my career into the Air Force and become a pilot? If so, what does that process look like?

Meh, most of us don't care... but this is a big deal for many parts of the military, especially for some of the ground pounders that have come to rely on these systems... https://dronedj.com/2018/06/07/department-of-defense-bans-the-purchase-of-commercial-over-the-shelf-uas-including-dji-drones/ Department of Defense bans the purchase of commercial-over-the-shelf UAS, including DJI drones effective immediately “SUBJECT: (U/FOUO) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities (U/FOUO) On May 14, 2018 the DoD Inspector General found that DoD has not implemented an adequate process to access cybersecurity risks associated with using co…

Seeing word on Facebook that Holloman is reporting a mishap with a "manned aircraft". No words on type, nationality, or condition of crew. https://www.alamogordonews.com/story/news/local/community/2018/06/22/holloman-aircraft-crashed-wsmr-cancelling-military-exercise/726450002/ Edit: looks like an A-29, see below.

When will this happen. Will portions of the AF be transferred to space force? Vandenburg, Patrick, Peterson?'

I was deployed to a location last year that wasn't considered tax free, nor were the missions. However, now the missions are considered to be tax free, retroactively including 2017. What paperwork do I need for finance to pay me my taxes back? TDY orders, flight authorizations, 781, a written statement? Also, one of my buddies took the rotator out to Dhafra. He crossed into CentCom on the 31st, but landed on the 1st of the next month. How can you tell finance that you actually shouldn't pay taxes for that previous month?

I know some of this information is scattered around on different threads, but I was hoping to make a more comprehensive and easier to access list. If there is already a post that accomplishes this, I apologize in advance for not finding it. What is the most rewarding or fun type of mission that you fly? I know this is likely limited by air frame, but as a wannabe pilot I'd like to know more about what cool mission are out there. Whether it's close air support, aeromedical evac, or left turns for 12 hours over the sandbox I'd love to know more! If you could give an explanation with your response that would be great too. Thank you for any input!

For whatever reason, I never hear the proposal of increasing the pilot commitment. Let's say we move it to 15 years or even 20. Of course a number of people will say hell no but I wouldn't be surprised if the AF reached their SUPT recruiting goals. In the 1950s, it was 3 yrs and a degree wasn't a requirement. Then in the 60s, a degree requirement was established and 4 yrs for SUPT. In 70s to 5yrs then to 6yrs. 80s went to 8yrs and in the 90s to 10 years. The AF NEVER has a problem of recruiting pilots. Keeping them in during an airline hiring boom is the primary issue. One other major problem in keeping pilots is that most are single when joining and marry during t…

I heard that they're starting to send heavy guys to instruct Phase III T-38s. Does anyone know if this is only guys with prior T-38 time or if they are taking T-1 guys as well?

Kadena saying pilot ejected and has been safely recovered. https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/06/11/kadena-air-base-f-15-crashes-off-okinawa/

Saw this article this morning. https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/21363/usaf-reveals-timelines-and-basing-plans-for-its-huge-adversary-support-contract

This is the type of innovation we need. I want to be optimistic that this will become the new AERPS, but I'll be a realist. Although it's been quite some time since I last wore AERPS, this looks much more comfortable and practical. https://www.stripes.com/news/yokota-airmen-improve-gas-mask-with-3d-printer-potentially-saving-air-force-8-million-or-more-1.531504

Ok, so i understand there is info about rushing units and what not. But i am trying to rush units that seem to hire from within. The reason for going this route is due to the fact that i don't have the flexibility of moving around and i am also running out of time age wise without needing an age waiver. Currently i am 28 and about to turn 29 in a month time isn't on my side. Also i just relocated and bought a condo about 10 months ago due to my wife's job, so the intent is to have about a 400 mile radius of travel and apply to all within that radius. Not super keen on driving 6 hours a few times a month but i am really trying to do what i can to join the reserve or the gu…

The DoD is the one place that is allowed to discriminate! Bad vision, flat feet, obese, health issues, too old, etc... sorry, can’t be in the US military. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2018/05/30/the-pentagon-is-being-sued-for-allegedly-discriminating-against-people-living-with-hiv/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=Socialflow&utm_medium=social

First of all, I graduate from USAFA in 2019 to establish some context that I will be putting in AFSC preferences in August and not long after that competing for ENJJPT. For the last two years I have been playing mental ping pong trying to figure out whether or not I want to apply for ENJJPT or just elect to go to UPT. I have narrowed down the aircraft that I want to fly in my head eliminating fighters (I think). I have a strong desire to fly in AFSOC, specifically the MC-130 but if not, I would take any platform to be part of that community. If I didn't fall into AFSOC I think I would then place the A-10 as a second choice and then slick C-130's. What I am wonde…

According to this report both ejected safely. Stay safe out there. https://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/05/23/air-force-training-jet-crashes-in-mississippi-pilots-ejected-safely.html

All of you asked for change, enjoy your 31 flavors of ice cream. https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/05/21/no-more-group-commanders-air-force-tests-new-wing-design-that-gives-squadron-commanders-more-leeway/?utm_source=clavis

Surprised this didn't make it to the forums. This happened on May 1 and initial reports were vague https://www.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2018/05/01/abilene-based-b-1-bomber-makes-emergency-landing-midland/570523002/ Yesterday however Task and Purpose had this pretty interesting article. https://taskandpurpose.com/b-1b-lancer-emergency-landing/ Granted this is hearsay and rumor at this point, but damn, if this is true helluva job by that crew Breaking News: Hero B-1 Instructor Pilot and crew land B-1B after in flight emergency (IFE). On May 1st, 2018 a two ship out of Dyess Air Force Basedealt with a situation …

I had the honor to give a WWII fighter pilot his final send off today and hand the flag off to his family. if you are at your squadron bar tonight, throw up some shots for 1LT William Brown. Blue skies and strong tail winds https://obittree.com/obituary/us/indiana/knightstown/heritage-funeral-care/william-brown/3503869/

I didn't know this guy personally but I've heard tales... https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/05/16/dyess-air-force-base-wing-commander-removed-over-toxic-environment/

Who would give the AF grenades to begin with..WTF? Brilliant idea when most people from what I recall misplaced their weapons a lot in Iraq and Afghanistan. We had personnel receiving paperwork for it. So who do you think will get fired for #lostgrenades? https://gizmodo.com/the-air-force-would-appreciate-some-help-finding-a-box-1826056964

It's official, OCPs are coming. 2-piece flight suits for non-ejection seat aircraft and it sounds like they are going to eventually test the 2-piece flight suit for ejection seat aircraft down the road. https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1520066/air-force-transitions-to-a-single-combat-uniform/

I have no sympathy for Emirates. $46M per month... I'll bet they could pay their pilots a lot more, and still come in under that figure. It's a good time to be a commercial pilot. Article below: A couple of weeks ago, James wrote about how Emirates is reducing some flights due to a pilot shortage. In the past we’ve seen Emirates sometimes store planes briefly due to decreased seasonal demand. While parking planes isn’t cheap, it’s certainly more expensive to fly them at a significant loss, so it’s the best option in those cases. Emirates’ unprecedented pilot shortage Emirates is currently dealing with an issue in unprecedented numbers. Specifically, Emirat…

When you have killed Bin Laden and wasted most of the top leaders of the Taliban, what else is there to do? https://news.usni.org/2018/05/03/10-seals-set-separated-service-failing-drug-tests-investigation-underway

Hello, I was just wondering what a CSO would maybe major in. I am currently a Senior in High School and have received an AFROTC Scholarship. A CSO interests me and I’d really just like to know more about it. Any information or personal preference would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

I’m not saying for sure, but it appears to be out of the Charlotte ANG.