General Discussion

https://www.airforcet...ling-pt-032013w

I'm an officer, pilot-type, who for 17 years, never had the good fortune of directly supervising any enlisted troops. In my current job, I am the OIC of a particular function, and I have one NCOIC who works directly for me. He is a SSgt pinning on TSgt in the near future. The kid is a fast-burner, (already working on his Masters), and makes my job really easy. I feel like I should do more than just pat him on the back and say congrats for the promotion. So my question is two-fold. Is it appropriate to give him a gift of some sort, and what's an appropriate gift? Anyone else ever been in a similar situation? I have a few ideas, but wanted to hear some advice from t…

There is relentless discussion on this board about getting out of the military, but I don't hear a whole lot from the guys who got out and are making a buck in the civilian world (outside the airlines or guard/reserve). With that being said, I have been looking at the headhunter firms and honestly cannot determine which one, if any, is better than the other. From a completely uneducated perspective, I would think that quality of interviews is a fine balance with quantities of looks you get from companies. Does any one have any experience with Cameron Brooks, Alliance, Bradley Morris that would make you definitively say that one is better than the other?

I have a totally random question for the c-130j ip/ep types out there. On annual aircraft commander checkrides in the simulator do evaluators give guys 2 engine out scenarios? For example, engines 3 and 4 inop, vectors to an ils, home station, in the wx. I assume there is no 2 engine inop work done in the plane. E/H guys please feel free to provide input as well. Any info would be apprieciated. I am curious about other 4 engine communities as well. Thanks. Is the checkride standard 2 engine inop work for an aircraft commander checkride? What about co-pilot checkride? One engine inop?

Anyone here know if the reduced oxygen breathing device / hypoxia familiarization trainer (ROBD/HFT) is now interchangeable with the chamber as far as currency is concerned? edit for correct verbage

Local media reporting an EA-6B down near Spokane, WA. Three possible fatalities. Thoughts and prayers for the Navy Bros… Media link: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/mar/11/naval-plane-crashes-harrington/

https://news.msn.com/world/afghan-leader-alleges-us-taliban-are-colluding

The 1st Reconnaissance Squadron is the United States military's oldest flying unit, dating from 5 March, 1913. Organized for security along the U.S. and Mexico border, the 1st Aero Squadron went into action on 16 March 1916 as part of General Pershing's punitive expedition in northern Mexico. The 1st Aero Squadron thus became the first tactical aviation unit in American military history. Upon U.S. entry into World War I, the squadron departed for France and Lt. Stephen W. Thompson scored the squadron's first aerial victory on 5 February 1918, which was also the first air to air kill by a U.S. military member. Through the remainder of Great War, the 1st supported ground fo…

Is that a C-21 with a landing gear problem on Fox right now?

It seems that Air Force aviation is more competitive than Naval aviation. Is this true? Why do most people choose to go Air Force? Is it because the have a bigger selection of planes? Or do they just dislike the idea of being stuck in a ship in the middle of the ocean?

I saw this elsewhere. Is this legit? For service as set forth in the following: CITATION: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major X, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a KC-135R Instructor Pilot, 913th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, 384th Expeditionary Operations Group, 384th Air Expeditionary Wing, deployed to a classified location in the United States Central Command's area of responsibility on 13 January 2003 in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On that date, …

I just received an email from finance that because of my entry date I am eligible for a $30,000 Career Status Bonus (CSB) because I am entering my 15th year and I entered the service during the REDUX years (40%x High3) I have the choice to turn down the Bonus and be on the High 3 plan (50%xHigh3). Ordinarily, I would opt for the High 3 plan and reject the bonus...that said... If the AF decides to non-continue twice passed over Majors like they did in 2011, (which I think is about a 30% possibility in 2013-an educated guess only, I have nothing to back this up) and I reject the CSB then I am basically giving up 30000 that I could use for any number of th…

What's the deal with the Huey emergency landing up at Minot? Slow news time? Typically you don't read about them and no fatalities still leaves a lot to the imagination: https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2013/02/ap-minot-huey-makes-emergency-landing-north-dakota-022513/

Got a buddy flying the Hawg out in Korea who needs a hand with his Masters. Following survey needs inputs, esp from the heavy world. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Aircrew_Sim_Satisfaction

Hey guys/gals, I'm trying to get a handle on the terminology with respect to 'boards." I just got a C5 slot at my home base, and I am a civilian applicant. The next pilot boards are in June or July I believe, so pending good news there, I should expect dates for OTS some time after that. I have read a lot, and hear the term OTS boards/applicant. I that term just used for AD guys? If not, are the biannual pilot boards the same thing? Thanks!

Apparently they took a little sight seeing trip around Guam. Nice little "show of force." I have a hard time believing they were armed with "nuclear tipped" missiles though. https://www.foxnews.c...territory-guam/ The Air Force confirms that two Russian bombers on Tuesday circled the U.S. island territory of Guam, prompting U.S. jets to scramble and respond. Two U.S. Air Force F-15 fighter aircraft, operating out of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, intercepted the Russian Tu-95 bomber aircrafts, which left in a northbound direction, said military spokeswoman Capt. Kim Bender. Bender said no further action was taken but declined to give more details, citin…

Disclaimer: I only know what is posted in the article. https://rt.com/news/meteorite-crash-urals-chelyabinsk-283/ The article claims that Russian air defenses shot down at least one meteor. If so, this would be impressive considering the speed the object was probably traveling at and the very short (presumably) window that would exist to identify, track, and engage it. The article doesn't say what weapon was used to hit it either. IF this proves to be true, this poses some interesting questions about Russian capability to destroy targets coming from space at high speeds (MIRVs).

Co-pilots coming to legacy herks are being re-routed to RPA/AFSOC and C-130H will become integrated with total force, any more info?

I know there is a 15 page thread on overall AF seq. that has been discussed ad nauseam. Not talking about all of that. I'm just looking at SUPT ops and it's possible suspension. Below's diatribe is on the AETC web site as of friday (just read it today). I hadn't heard anything this specific. Concentrating on "suspending advanced and instructor training on 1 Apr." It sounds like they are referring to RTU and PIT. That would be huge. Anyone read it differently or has anyone heard/been briefed on this? Any unit plans in the making if this really happens? "2/8/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Cuts to flying and technical training, Professional Mi…

https://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/50749586/ $1 billion wasted on Air Force computer system The Expeditionary Combat Support System, designed to save money by combining hundreds of existing computer systems, has been deemed a failure. Sen. John McCain described it as ‘one of the most egregious examples of mismanagement in recent memory.’ NBC’s Lisa Myers reports.

Saw this video origially on military.com and was wondering if a C-5 guy knew if this plane was damaged from this amphibious takeoff? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUx5wTV4XVk

Just curious, what would everybody prefer to fly the Galaxy or Globemaster? (I only ask because I saw a program comparing the two heavy lifters) I know the C-17 is to replace many of the C-5's but let's say that they were both equally wanted/needed. And to spice things up, let's say the C-5 'rarely' breaks down. Anybody have time in both? Thanks

According to the River Rats, Ed passed 30 Jan. His wife requests privacy. Cheers to one of the greats. (Also posted in the bar. My bad)

I know AFI 36-2903 leaves the wearing of scarves up to MAJCOM. By why are they no more? I think It was back in 2008 AETC brought the hammer down but I can't find any other restrictions that apply to ground duties?!

Whats everyones take on the new scoring system going into effect February 13th? https://access.afpc.af.mil/pcsmdmz/faq2_0.html#THREE I am curious to see how everyones scores will be affected.