General Discussion

Just wondering what the situation is with the dorms at UPT. Are bachelors required to stay there, and are there dorms at all of the UPT bases? Also, if it's not required to stay there, what do you all think is better...dorms or off base? Thanks.

New budget to be reveiled today - Im sure it will lead to some heated debate on here but here is some news Im sure many of us will find not too surprising... Defense Secretary Robert Gates unveiled a sweeping overhaul of the Pentagon's top weapons priorities that he said will orient the U.S. military toward winning unconventional conflicts like the one in Afghanistan rather than focusing on war with major powers. Among the major changes he is proposing includes ending production of Lockheed's F-22 Raptor at 187 jets. Gates said funding for another Lockheed program, the Joint Strike Fighter, will be increased in 2010 to $11.2 billion, which will now buy 30 jets, up f…

Just looking for some information on flying C-37s in Belgium. How big the unit is, how much flying, where most live near Chievres, etc. I might have an opportunity to go out there, but have never lived in Europe. I haven't heard too many people say they hated their time overseas in Europe, but just want to make sure the fam is happy there. Thanks! Techsan

Haven't seen this discussed. Article was found the the Salisbury News 06 March 2009. Interesting read if you have the time. Bet that guys feels about 2inches tall.

Well, just when you think you've seen it all... Yesterday, I was driving on base. As I pulled up to the gate, I saw a man with facial hair (a mustache out of regs with the military) wearing BDUs. He looked like an overweight, beer belly, slug. I couldn't believe my eyes! This guy was in the AF BDU with the service tape saying Military Civilian or something like that. Now, I can understand maybe why civ's would need to wear BDU's in forward operating areas...but here in the states? Come on! WTF is our government thinking! This just makes us look bad. I think that if they are going to wear our uniform...they better damn well be clean-shaven and in weight…

In reference to my SURF, I don't know what this acronym stands for, or what it is for. Any ideas?

How does the AF adapt students to high G flight?

My Dad recently told me that it was tradition to to turn you squadron patch upside down the week you leave for a PCS, PCA, etc. He never could tell me where or why this got started just that it was "What was done". (Much like party suits) I have seen it done in a couple of places, but was wondering if anyone knew where this tradition got started and what the significance of it is? Maybe some of the old-heads on here can help me out so I can justify bringing it back. Anyone else out there do this the last week? Edit: Spell'in

For the F-15 A/C I have read that the wing loading is lower than the F-16 under most circumstances. I have also read that the F-15 has a higher thrust-to-weight ratio under most circumstances. The body and control surfaces of an F-15 are larger, allowing airflow to be diverted for a higher turn rate. The overall surface of the bottom of the F-15 should allow it to fly at slower speeds, and the higher thrust to-weight ratio should allow a lower loss of altitude during a turn-battle in a dog-fight. How is it that I have read about and seen videos of F-16s winning dog fights against F-15s? Obviously don't violate OPSEC.

If there was ever a left wing nutcase it's Al Franken. How anyone in their right mind could vote for him I have no idea, but of course Minnesota voters are about as weird as they come based on past results. I believe this guy is the dictionary definition of a total dick.

I heard there was a huey crash at Rucker today...any info?

From the BBC

I've been thinking about putting a flag pole in my front lawn, and with the passing of President Ford, I've noticed that during my drive to work, some of the local stores still have the flag at half staff, and some are full staff, which got me wondering about the actual rules about flying the flag at half staff. I include the attached link for everyone's flag education. Cap-10

Criticizing maintenance got airman ousted By all accounts, Adam Lucero was a hard-charging airman. When he didn’t make it into a summer camp for the Air Force Academy, he enlisted at age 17 through the Delayed Entry Program and had his staff sergeant rocker by the time he was 21. But Lucero, now 24, dreamed of going to Officer Training School and earning his pilot wings, so he poured himself into his work and studies, hoping he could one day fly the fighter jets he maintained at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. That same passion, drive and singleness of purpose may have led to his downfall. When he discovered what he considered to be unsafe maintenance practices by …

From today's AFA Update... Cheers! M2

edit for quotes --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi everyone, I'm currently seeking to complete my PPL and was wondering if any of you hopefuls on here could point me towards the best loan I can get say like $10,000 and which bank provides the best deal. I hope to go instrument after that so the $10000 will help a lot. Thanks for your input.

Miranda Rights for Non-American terrorists Weekly Std. Article "Miranda Rights apply to terrorists, says Obama" So... I guess the question is who is really going to be paying for their lawyers if they have a right to one?

https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/world/mi...cairo.html?_r=1

Hello everybody! I'm going to be leaving the flight instruction business in another month or so and moving back to hotel Mom for awhile. I had PRK in October and have 12 months before I can apply for a OTS/UPT slot. I flew my butt off as a CFI this summer and the 24/7 on-call "will fly for food" schedule has taken its toll on me. I'm looking forward to moving back home and getting a job doing something with a set schedule and lunch breaks. In the mean time I would like to do some volunteer work to become a "whole person" or so the AF saying goes. I'm already looking into CAP because I still enjoy teaching and wouldn't mind using my CFI and ground instructor ti…

Just watched the Shuttle Shuttle (NASA911) take off from KSKF on its way to KCBM. This is the first time I've seen it, quite impressive. Here's a pic (not mine) of its approach earlier this morning... And more pics from its blog... It was in El Paso earlier today... Cheers! M2

See B.C. from Valdosta's letter in the Ocotber '06 issue. The gist of the letter to the Advisor was that he and his bros were having a hard time picking up chicks. Seems they didn't want anything to do with Air Force folks. Anyone got any suggested answers for this guy when the age-old question arises: What do you do for a living? My answer: As little as possible.

Edited for expired info

Why? Am I alone in thinking it has to do with a stretched to the max military and an unsustainable ops tempo that have whittled some sharp points dull? I have always been the guy that says The Man is out to A$$ F#@ you and Im sure the aircrews will get blamed somehow. I just hope something gets done besides blaming the broken aircrews. Shits just not falling out of the sky for no reason. Either the airframe or the crew is breaking.