General Discussion

...well anyway, that's where I predict Rita will go. Anyone have a different forecast? I think it is now category 5.

I tried searching, but i didnt come up with anything. I keep hearing about gates you have to make as pilot to progress in your career. What are these gates? Is this something that I can find somewhere on AFPCs maze of a website? Thanks for the help.

https://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2014/box020514gates.aspx

Does anyone know if you can access GDSS from a non-.mil computer? I had heard that you can but I can't seem to find it anywhere. Thanks.

So my daughter *may* be headed to GK, I've already looked up the German pet requirements for them, but a quick question: Anybody have any suggestions on pet travel to Germany? I know Lufthansa has a good pet program, as does my employer. I'd love to hear any gouge or recommendations anyone might be willing to share. Leave the vehicles and purchase through the exchange? I separated from active duty before my daughter was born but she still thinks I know everything about everything so any help here is appreciated. Thanks!

As well as the CNO. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4074482/secretary-of-defense-pete-hegseth-statement-on-general-officer-nominations/ Lt Gen Razin Caine nominated to be next CJCS. https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/2942633/john-d-caine/

For obvious reasons. But he won’t. Gotta secure that lucrative post military defense contracting gig.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/12/27/gen-norman-schwarzkopf-who-led-coalition-forces-in-persian-gulf-war-dies/ Him Him.

Interesting exchange (one-way mostly) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGGaIZXZmAM

I read on the AF rag (online, I rarely pay for that crap) that Gen Welsh is taking over USAFE. I remember he was the first commandant of cadets in a long time (since Olds?) that we all liked and truly respected. That's a huge deal for a bunch of cynical and bitter college age kids at the Zoo. I remember his speech. Usually speakers were ignored or worse by a bunch of disrespectful jack asses, this time everyone left the auditorium in dead silence. In any event, congrats USAFE I think you have a great new commander. Link below to the transcript: Gen Welsh's speech

Met him back in the early 2000s at Oshkosh, great man who lived a full life.

After SUPT I was recently asked some questions about the Reserves (Post SUPT) and I didn't know the answers. Can someone fill me in? 1. How does one support themselves and family (if applicable) when one finishes UPT? Do you just try your best to find a job where you can leave for days at a time with no recourse? 2. When you graduate SUPT and it's time to move back to your hiring unit (or whereever), do you get reimbursed for the move or are you S.O.L.? I'm actually curious about the whole process of what happens after SUPT and how one manages to continue putting food on the table. What happens to your spouse?

I have a two-part question for you all: 1. I have heard on the enlisted side that there's an assignment swap program where you can swap assignments with another airman and you just have to pay for your moving expenses out of pocket. Does such a program exist on the officer side as well? Who would be the POC? 2. I have also heard that you can request a remote assignment to improve your chances of getting an assignment that's higher up on your dream sheet. How long do you have to remain at your current assignment before you can go remote? What are the remote locations? How long do you remain remote? I had heard roughly 18 months.

She was recently promoted to 4 stars and will be the next commander of the Pacific Combat Air Command. What's interesting, her career started as a ABM and never piloted an aircraft. She should be in the running in being the 1st CoSAF without being a pilot. Interesting times for the future of the AF.

There's a lot of misinformation out there about what is covered by GO 1/1A. GO1A was the change to GO1 that Gen Tommy Franks signed just before the start of OIF, IIRC. However, comments like this one ,She's busy helping her C-130 crew member boyfriend break General Order One, while meant to be funny also show that there is a common misunderstanding of GO 1A. I was in a seminar this past year that showed that there are many people that believe that GO 1/1A covers sexual activity, like the above comment does, but it actually doesn't. Local policy may cover it. So what are the myths and the facts about the GO that are out there? I think it would be interesting to see …

If you have a chance, look at the inside cover of this weeks Air Force Times. You'll see the photo of a personalized 5x7 card Gen Pace left for a fallen comrade(s) at the Vietnam Wall. I wish not to spoil it for those that haven't seen or read the brief article. Character. All of us can learn from his simple display of humility. Thanks for your service sir.

By The Associated Press FILE - This Feb. 2, 2012 file photo shows CIA Director David Petraeus testifying on Capitol Hill in Washington. Petraeus has resigned because of an extramarital affair. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File) WASHINGTON — David Petraeus has resigned as director of the CIA after admitting he had an extramarital affair. According to his letter of resignation, Petraeus asked President Barack Obama on Thursday to allow him to resign, and on Friday the president accepted. Petraeus said in a statement that he had shown "extremely poor judgment" in having an affair.

What is your perception of the fighter lifestyle versus the heavy lifestyle? I.e. time spent TDY, length of the workday, attitude of guys in the squadron, etc. I ask because I know there are a lack of fighter guys in tweets and texans, and maybe there are some misconceptions about fighters out there.

I have some 'basic' questions about my knowledge in the military. My apologies for any knowledge that are obvious and should be known by now. I'm a High School Senior and I'm looking forward to the ROTC (Scholarship) Program, but I'm not sure. For now, the Air Force interests me most, then Army, then Navy which I'm not exactly sure if I should apply for it. Perhaps I might apply to all of them and consider later with their scholarship offers. But in any case, I'm going for an Engineering Major (Aerospace, Electrical, or Mechanical). Now I've looked around the forums and to my knowledge, many people who know they want to be straight-up pilots when commissioned, majo…

https://m.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/petraeus-scandal-puts-four-star-general-lifestyle-under-scrutiny/2012/11/17/33a14f48-3043-11e2-a30e-5ca76eeec857_story.html

George Sr., at 89 along with his protective detail, shave their heads in solidarity with Patrick, a two year old Leukemia patient. Thank you Mr. President, and those that serve around you. Pic of his team: Website set up by the SS folks: https://www.patrickspals.org/ FM

pretty interesting... Full Story

I am currently a college student and I want to get a private pilots license before trying for a pilot slot with the ANG (since it will speed up the training process, and increase my likelihood of selection). However, due to my families recent financial situation, I will have to do it with my own money (which is lacking being the stereotypical college student). This summer I will have an Internship that will pay me a decent amount. If anyone has any tips on how to get a license on the budget of a college student, it would be very welcome!

I feel like I am getting screwed by the Air Force. I am AFROTC and was awarded a navigator slot as a alternate in Novermber of 2004. 5 days later I was given a pilot slot. In January 05 I went to Brooks. On the 10th of this month, I was told I was DQd from pilot because of my eyes, but I was given a waiver for navigator. However, no navigator slots are available at this time. Because of this, and the timing of it all, I have been slated to be a missile/munitions maintenance officer, but I have not been given a base. They said that I may get a nav slot back if one becomes available prior to commissioning (14 May 05), but if not, I have to take the missile/munitions …

I'm a 2009 USAFA grad with a UPT ADSC that expires in May 2021. In July of 2015 I transferred my benefits to my wife. Earlier this year, I transferred one month to my kids. I am considering getting out when my ADSC is up (will likely try to Palace Chase prior). I understand that I didn't actually start earning post 9/11 benefits until I completed my USAFA service commitment in 2014. According to the VA website, you have to six years of service before you can transfer. My question is, has anyone had a problem where the VA denied benefits because they were transferred only a year after the USAFA commitment is complete? The rule seems clear to me, but I have this…