General Discussion

Today is the anniversary of when Scott O Grady was shot down. It was a featured article on wikipedia today. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_O%27Grady I figured I would share. What an amazing story.

I've been lurking here for years, so feel free to roast me based on my post count for this question, won't hurt my feelings. Does anyone know why the F-16 Blk 30 went with the SADL radio vs a Link-16 terminal? I assume it was partially because of the cost difference and partially because of the Air-Ground mission set, similar to the A-10s reasoning. Does anyone have any facts about how this acquisition took place or the reasons for the choice made? TG btw, a search for SADL didn't turn up too many viable posts on this forum..I checked.

https://www.militarytimes.com/story/veterans/2015/05/21/fighter-aces-awarded-congressional-gold-medal/27702791/ I went to DC for this, and ended up flying two Navy Aces to the event. It was an incredible 3 days. The stories were fantastic. And a few of them stayed in the bar late with me. Every penny of my bar tab was well spent.

Anyone got the skinny on this program? I've got plenty of articles from google that speak of the program's greatness but these all have that Public Affairs flavor (spouting the company line). I was "unofficially" notified that I've been selected. 90% leaning towards 3-day opting out.

Just saw the news that 19th Air Force Commander was fired (resigned, lol) for inappropriate comments made in an Air Force forum. Anyone know what he said? https://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/04/30/19th-air-force-commander-steps-down/26632917/

https://www.airforcemag.com/DRArchive/Pages/2015/April%202015/April%2024%202015/Not-So-Stealthy-Son-of-A-10.aspx Ok so if they're seriously considering this, then it makes me wonder; just how expensive would it be to reset/SLE/update the existing A-10 fleet, since to me that should end up being far cheaper. Especially when you consider all the logistics and training involved in implementing a new air frame program. I mean, are the A-10 air frames just to old to work with at all? I think someone said in another thread here that someone (Boeing I think) basically has a modernized A-10 design that could be built new. Not the scorpion or anything, basically the A-10, …

Very interesting talk from a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute. 35 minutes of where we're at in terms of cyber security + 20 minutes of Q&A.

I finally read about the conspiracy theory on this exercise, other than imposing martial law on Texas to pave the way for theft of precious bodily fluids and prepare the population for mass brainwashing, what's the big deal? OPSEC considered, is anybody here going to support this LFE? Ok, Wolverines...

I am in need of the IBM Forms version of a travel voucher. E-Pubs has removed the form as has every other outlet I know of to push people to DTS, but my unit still uses paper. Does anyone by chance have a copy saved they could send me? It would be much appreciated. Thanks.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3060026/US-Air-Force-refuelling-aircraft-falls-radar-English-Channel.html Anyone know anything about this? I couldn't find any other articles. Thoughts and prays with the crew.

Hi there, Curious how long it's taken folks to receive AFOQT scores. I took the new T version of the test March 27 so it's been basically 4 weeks at this point. My recruiter doesn't have any contacts to check in on this but he said he's seen it take 3 weeks in the past. On the other hand, a helpful guy from my PCSM testing center (I took the AFOQT and PCSM at separate locations) said he'd check in with folks at Randolph but has not called me back. How long did it take to get your scores? Is this unusually long? Thanks

Alright, I know I'm about to offend some very respectable people here, and I'm sure there's much more to it than someone in my position could possibly know, but this has been bugging me for a while. As seen in articles like this one: https://www.airforcem...-the-Table.aspx, the AF considered divesting either the B-1 or the A-10. My question to all the Strategic-Level gurus is: If they could save just as much money by cutting the fleet of B-1s, then why would they ever consider cutting the A-10? Here's the reasoning from my perspective, (an Apache pilot who has worked with F-15Es, Vipers, A-10s, and B-1s on real missions in Afghanistan): The B-1 is an awesome…

https://www.acc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123445666&source=GovD 4/20/2015 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force have directed the realignment of the Air Force's B-1 bomber fleets and Long Range Strike-Bomber program from Air Combat Command to Air Force Global Strike Command, effective Oct. 1. The move will realign the Air Force's core mission of global strike and all of the service's bombers under a unified command responsible for organizing, training and equipping Airmen to perform this mission. "This realignment places all three Air Forces bombers under one command and brings the LRS-B program with it," said Secretary of the…

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3060026/US-Air-Force-refuelling-aircraft-falls-radar-English-Channel.html?ito=social-facebook Just saw this on the internet. I hope there is more to this story and they landed safely after losing some of their avionics or something. Anybody know anything else?

Can anyone provide me with diagram of the Defensive Egg? Thanks, Ren

OK, Folks... I'm 2 weeks out from rejoining AETC and going BACK to school. Back to Inital Qual for Linda. Anybody got some words-o-wisdom for us Kirtland-bound folks? Good folks at my future squadron, but nobody's got any good info to pass along (other than some incredibly good gouge on off-base billeting)! Request picture, words, and uh... my parrot just dropped dead.... bent... bent... uhm... wake up, Polly! I've got some Ritz for ya'! No, give me the eye-patch! I'm the Pirate! Sorry, folks... having movers at my house all day has twisted my soul even more than I imagined. Off for a Gin & Tonic followed by some good British Stand-Up from Eddie Izzard. Ch…

https://www.military1.com/army/article/461498-general-mattis-next-mission-destroying-the-ptsd-victim-myth Don't suppose anyone saw this talk live? Paraphrase from the article, but Mattis thinks that the exhalation of victim status is not helping our people. He strongly encourages those who have seen combat to not let anyone label them broken, but to leverage the PTS as an opportunity for post traumatic growth.

https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=e96_1406050224

The HF phone patch net handles official (commercial or DSN) and morale patches as well as radio checks for DOD stations worldwide with good propagation conditions. Cost of the phone calls are covered by the individual member. The MARS Phone Patch Net website has been redesigned for easier viewing and includes an article on net procedures and operation. There is a training video available as well as a flyer that can be posted to provide information to aircrews. Questions or requests like access to the FOUO video and current frequencies can be made through the contact form. The request should include a .mil email address. The website is at https://marsphonepatch.…

Trying to decipher DoD regs regarding Time-in-Grade (Lt Col) and retirement. Lets say I have 20 years, been an 05 for two years, and I put in paperwork to retire. Lt Col TIG requires 3 years to retire as a Lt Col...what does that mean? I understand that I can't wear a retired Lt Col hat to the BX but does it drastically effect benefits? Or...can I not even apply to retire until I hit 3-years TIG? As I read it, under the high-3 retirement, they average out your highest 36 months of service...so if you have 1-year of 04 pay and 2-years of 05 pay...thats the average, right? Not quite as much money as getting 3-years TIG...but better than never having been paye…

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/10/31/pentagon-training-manual-white-males-have-unfair-advantages/ Pentagon training manual: white males have unfair advantages By Todd Starnes Todd's American Dispatch Published October 31, 2013 FoxNews.com ARMY.MIL A controversial 600-plus page manual used by the military to train its Equal Opportunity officers teaches that "healthy, white, heterosexual, Christian" men hold an unfair advantage over other races, and warns in great detail about a so-called "White Male Club." “Simply put, a healthy, white, heterosexual, Christian male receives many unearned advantages of social privilege, whereas a black, homosexua…

A simulator? Ugh. Not a fighter guy, but this doesn't seem like a good idea, unless sims can simulate 9gs and I just haven't heard about it...

https://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/04/04/bond-between-strangers-vietnam-pow-bracelet-to-unite-pair-after-decades/ I still relish the one I wear.

I've come to a time in my life where I have to decide what I want to do for myself and my girlfriend. I'm wanting to apply for Marine PLC air program, but I realize that Marine Pilots do get deployed on ships, and they don't have as many fixed winged aircraft. I've never even considered the Guard til now. Not that I was being close minded, I just always thought the Marines was the place for me. I like the idea of being able to fly, which is what I want to do, and being home with my wife. She has a career and I have to appreciate that. I'm not married. I've been with this girl for almost four years, and I want what is best for the both of us. While I can't give up my d…

Caught this earlier today. Comm checks could be interesting. Lifting an overzealous barrier or another body blow to the military for the sake of inclusion/diversity? https://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20140802/NEWS/308020038/Lawmaker-wants-trial-program-deaf-serve-Air-Force I understand how well deaf individuals can integrate - I went to a school who had 25% deaf/HOH population and have seen it first hand. But this?