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I put up with your incoherent posts and even partially agreed with one or two. In all sincerity, it truly frightens me that there are officers in the Air Force as dumb as you project yourself to be on this forum. I mean that with all due respect. Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network Forums

Well... that'll just about cover the fly-bys...

It's time to remove "service before self" as a core value. In principal I agree with the intent, however in practice this catch phrase is used as a cudgel to beat complex personnel circumstances into submission with implied victim shaming and callous disregard for morale. I've never known a commander to say "service before self" to the right person for the right reason. Like the other core values, I like the philosophical basis and general direction but the folks who attempt operationalizing the message always seem to be hypocrites. Why is that? Great point, totally agree. the sad reality is many of the senior O-4 fliers who say they "just want to fly" are lazy. Sure there are good ones who stay hungry for tactical excellence, continue to study, read AARs, tweak training scenarios, and are one step ahead of real world contingencies. I like to think I was one of this type (before I was ostracized to staff). But human nature being what it is, there needs to be a check in the system like you describe above. We don't want the equivalent of tenured professors laying around the SQ.

The whole technical only track scares me. It's already bad enough with the "careerists" who run the organization into the ground. The one saving grace for me has been the occasional Sq/Cc or WG/CC who was still a CGO operator at heart. As a result those were the best units, with the highest morale and the best retention. I've seen change of commands where the whole squadron went upside down seemingly overnight. Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network Forums

Ha! They already have it...its called the ANG!

Who else is just sticking out (surviving) til retirement!!?

1:30 to 3:00 One of these people speaking get it, the other does not. Goldfein's stance of "I know what's good for you" is absolutely infuriating. As a senior major and having been a (real) flight CC in charge of 60 people, I can absolutely say I never want to lead a group again. It was good, I enjoyed it, learned a lot from the E2-E8s under me, and respect the career field i led greatly, but all I want to do is what I said I wanted 13 years ago when I signed up, to be a damned pilot. F you dude.

Big Blue would be smart to kill all non-vol 365s and offer targeted bonuses for 365 volunteers. Kind of like the airlines do for oversold flights. Who wants a Baghdad 365 for $15k? No takers? How about $20k? $30? And so on. Take the non vol 365 heinosity off the table, increase flight pay significantly for all flyers while also reducing home station queep and they might have a chance to keep a few folks. Someone who wants the cash will eventually bite on the 365 as the dollar amount goes up. FAR cheaper than dumping cash at dudes serving concurrent ADSCs.

Indeed. If there's one fix that needs to happen tomorrow, it's keeping some pilots at FP, AC, wingman, or 2 FLUG because sometime...just sometimes...they will never be ready for more than those levels, and upgrading them because "it's their turn" is straight dangerous. Sent from my iPad using Baseops Network Forums

If dudes are transferring GI Bill and winding up with an ADSC that extends beyond UPT, you're doing it wrong. If you have kids, you should submit the transfer the day you hit 6 years in. I still don't see a compelling reason to stay, even with the new bonus. We are paid less relative to inflation than guys doing this job 15 years ago and the new bonus doesn't even correct that for 11Ms. No thanks. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It is also apparent that the following announcement would hold more people than the bonus: "No more 365's. Period. For anyone."

Absolutely not, that would be a cut in ANG fighter pay and a very small raise in AD fighter pay of CMR pilots, the heavy guys would rake it in.

"It has invested heavily in smart bombs and tactical communications since 9-11, so that close air support can now be accomplished by all of its bombers, all of its fighters, the lower-flying but highly survivable A-10 Thunderbolt II, and even drones. In other words, close air support is the least risky, most heavily resourced combat mission the Air Force has." Lost all credibility with this quote.

END 7 AD 38's 3 International 38's 1 Helo ~13 T-1's (don't remember exact number)

They'd have to make entry into that track very competitive event with an interview required, mission flying eval, instructor capability eval, and a significant bro check. They'd have to make the selection process on par with that used for WIC applicants. Put one bad apple in that basket and you ruin the whole thing.

I'm a married reservist currently living in the UOQs at UPT and my wife did not travel with me. She is currently staying at my HOR. I receive BAH for the base I am currently at. That is standard for unaccompanied guard and reservist. Single guys/gals will not get BAH while living in the UOQs. I am also going through the process to get a BAH waiver that will pay me BAH for my HOR. I have been told the process takes 4 - 5 months, but generally they are approved.

I'm more interested in the screen name. Floridabeauty... just how beautiful are we talking about here? Yeah Toro's advice is spot on. I'll add that your BF is about to be put in a pretty stressful situation. Support from you will go a long way and set the tone for the future of your relationship. I have seen way too many long distance girlfriends absolutely wreck a UPT students progress to the point where a #2/20 ends up finishing #18/20. Not saying a clingy/needy girlfriend was the only cause, but it didn't help. A simple text message throughout the week telling him you are rooting for him and you are there for him at his convenience will go a long way. It's only temporary for the next 2ish years, but eventually one of you will probably have to take a backseat to the other to make the distance go away. I've seen a couple mil-mil both be successful through the long run, but they both had to compromise at times to do something that neither wanted to do to keep them together. (ie giving up WIC to pursue RAS/PAS jointly, tours outside their MWS, being an Exec, etc...) Hope this helps. Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network Forums

No. No he does not. No time out necessary. This is a fucking ridiculous state of affairs when the service can't seem to figure out why everyone is bailing. I'll add I have no dog in this fight, but I was an '05 guy who had his board delayed an entire year. Made the VSP application that much easier.

Muthafvckers!!!! It freaking sat doing nothing at SAF for over 1 month and they wonder why we are so pissed off. B!tches can't even meet their own suspenses that they set for themselves. Getting a promotion select list to the under SECDEF to approve isn't freaking surgery people. What would you say you do here? Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network Forums

The minute the Air Force: a) ...puts Integrity First; 2) ...starts to realize the "Self" means a person is involved; and d) ...becomes Excellent at SOMETHING with regards to this shit show; ...then I'd expect others to reciprocate back to the Service and stop voting with their feet. This one-way covfefe (which has lasted for nearly 3 DECADES, for those keeping score at home) has gone on long enough. I've worked in this current job for a few years in the Puzzle Palace. I've learned promotability drives action and inaction. MOST of your GOFO members are at the summit of their careers. What drives many of them is achieving escape velocity to move on to the next job or to maximize retirement years. The very last thing many of them want is someone making waves in their portfolios since they can't go any higher. Kind of ironic considering our greatest Air Force heritage is "change"...

I hope the tradition of GBU-12's for air to air kills continued!

For whatever it's worth, I ran some statistics on some numbers from AFPC's static stats site (under "RAW" on the AFPC secure apps site). My nerdery is attached. I reckoned if the AF values pilots (or some other field) over another, then that field will have a higher representation in the "Select" pool as compared to its proportion of the "Considered" pool for a promotion board. For example, in the 2017 Lt Col Board, 30.3% of those considered were pilots, while 31.39% of those selected were pilots. 31.48% of those considered were mission support, while 32.82% selected were. So, pilots and mission support ended up with a bigger piece of the pie than CSO, ABM, and non-rated ops. Theoretically, that would mean the AF values those fields more. What I found was, using a statistical test of significance (Z value), there isn't a significant over/under representation over the past 5 years among pilots, CSOs, ABMs, non-rated ops, and mission support for the IPZ board to Lt Col. However, for BPZ to Lt Col, and in BPZ and IPZ to Col, pilots make up a larger share, both historically and over the past 5 years. What I think this indicates is that your IPZ rates are based on steady state staff and squadron command opportunities within each community. But, the high representation of pilots in the BPZ pool shows that the AF is ensuring its HPOs and future GOs will be pilots. I don't have data to show if those making BPZ are the best pilots/officers/leaders, or whatever; just that the AF values pilots as senior leaders. Not sure I'll affect anyone's opinions, but I thought I'd share. Also, I don't think I have to ask, but please point out any errors I've made in the analysis. Hist LAF Stats.xlsx LAF Promotions Proportion Study.pdf

Interesting observation; with the proliferation in some communities of upgrading people because "it's their turn" or "they need it for the board," I can absolutely see that as a furthering of qualification inflation.

Is there a monthly "rent" for living in the UOQs in your situation, or you don't pay a dime and still get BAH? That sounds too good to be true haha. Yes, I understand you are still paying for your HOR but the AF usually doesn't care.

I'm on exchange with an Air Force that does something similar by giving extra pay based on quals even ground duties. The problem is that the system gets corrupted by friends pushing friends for upgrades, people wanting jobs / quals simply for the pay. Sounded good to me in theory until I saw it in practice. Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network Forums

V tail for Griswold

This is my favorite...rides are available at a state fair near you.

CBM 18-03 Track Select: 7 x T-38 (2 Saudi) 2 x Helo 15 x T-1

XL Track Select 18-03 8 x T-38 (includes 2 Saudi, 1 Guard) 1 x Helo 13 x T-1

And now he deleted his post... If I end up in a cyber-bullying/manslaughter case, this is really going to fuck with my drill weekend. I need to get water survival done...

And here we go again. Mods... please? What has this guy added in the last few weeks? Even Butters took a clue and trolled elsewhere.

SNAPs get what's coming to them. This would have been collateral damage.

Hah, I am sure DFAS could handle that.

If they were really to attempt a "tactical track" for those not interested in leadership, I wonder if it would be possible to do some kind of "reverse brevetting." Pay and benefits of a higher rank, but wear the lower one.

When I saw Toro had replied to the "Long Distance Relationship" thread I was giddy with anticipation. His inability to mince words and utter lack of sensitivity towards the uninitiated had my mind reeling at the potential of his post. Needless to say I'm sorely disappointed. That was actually some pretty good advice.

Surprised? Nope! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

"Turkey to fast-track draft bill approving troop deployment in Qatar (7 June):" Hopefully these 3,000 Turks wont be bedding down on Al-Udeid. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/07/turkey-to-fast-track-draft-bill-approving-troop-deployment-in-qatar-officials.html Additional info; "Revealed: Secret details of Turkey's new military pact with Qatar;" https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-qatar-military-agreement-940298365

This is awesome. Now AF can say "bonus takers are up xx%. We are solving the problems, people trust us again!" When the only new people signing have a 2 year PCS ADSC or TEB. Excellent work AF. Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network Forums

This would be aviation by congressional committee. It would take the 10 flight engineers three days to agree on TOLD. Heaven help you if the runway changed.

The fact that you were willing to think the advice may have been relevant to you guarantees that it probably wasn't directed at you. It's a contradiction. That is the toughest part of an"unrecognized loss of SA"

Not gonna happen for a very long time.

Curmudgeon, if it pleases the court

Obviously not easy enough since the pay hasn't changed in a generation. The bonus to 20 YAS was a good start but the DoD and AF need to address fly pay, you know, the pay you get every month to make your job comparable to non AF flying. I get that nobody wants to say they joined for the money. I joined for the money. I also joined to get a retirement at 20 years. I also love my country but I don't work for free. There is a price where the AF would stop bleeding talent. They are either unable or unwilling to pay for it. Fix the money. Then fix the rest of the stupid stuff.

I agree. I have trouble knowing how to respond when people say, "Thank you for your service." It seems like they say it to make themselves feel good while at the same time being completely disinterested in the current wars going on and utterly incapable of holding politicians accountable for years of institutional neglect and a complete lack of a cohesive strategy for the war on terror.

Even with all the queep and other stuff that have been repeatedly mentioned on here, this is my biggest gripe about the AF. The continuous inability to properly resource us to do out jobs and I'm not talking MC rates etc. I'm talking about small stuff that forces us to jump through our ass to figure out how to do our job because nobody knows how the hell to get the one program suite we need to do it. Other things like the continuous daily struggle to get computers or printers to work which suck hours of productivity each day. Flying around the world with no international cell phone unless I want to pay for it on my plan out of pocket and having to rack up international charges from my hotel room which the JTR doesn't reimburse. Better yet, when technology like ADS pucks or GPS moving maps on iPads which provide crews with an significant boost in SA are just now being appproved for use if you want to go pay out of pocket again. There a lot of big problems with the AF but those are to be expected in any organization, its the small things that add up in a daily basis. /rant off

I got in with worse. You're fine man. If they say no they'd tell you why anyway. There are plenty of units in your neck of the woods. Get your apps in and rush the unit. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

So the draft outline for the script for Top Gun 2 has leaked (probably Trump and/or Russians. Same thing, right?): "TOP GUN 2: This Time It's Non-Gender Specific" Having been caught up in the 'Fat Leonard' supply scandal, former Rear Admiral, now Captain Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell is given his final assignment as the Commanding Officer, Naval Fighter Weapons School, Miramar Naval Air Station, California. Having been the number two graduate of his class in 1986, 'Maverick's' has unique insight into what the daring young aviators have to face in flying their high-performance, stomach-churning aerial chargers in modern air combat. SCENE 1: 'Maverick' is shown being given a ticket by the Shore Patrol after he was caught driving his Lexus on the flight line road trying to keep up with an F-18 doing touch-and-goes, exceeding the station's 25 mph speed limit by nearly 8 mph. SCENE 2: 'Maverick' puts the auditorium at ease to welcome the Class of 2017B. The roster includes three women, a two-dude married couple, one undeclared person, and four heterosexual men; one black, one Hispanic, one Asian, one White. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Top Gun. I am Captain Maverick Mitchell and I want...yes? What is it, lieutenant?" "Sir, you only welcomed the ladies - which is a very patriarchacal thing to do - and the men - which just demonstrates their historic privilege. But you didn't include the zir. I am offended and have uploaded your comments to youtube. I assume I will be receiving an apology from the Department of the Navy and you after the press conference with Gloria Allred?" SCENE 3: Operations Officer Holly 'Diaper' Nowak briefing the class for a mission: "Today, you are scheduled for a 4v4 DACT - Hornets against the 3rd generation contract air. Unfortunately, the MC rate won't support it, so "Snowflake" and "Cis-G" you two will go fly a BFM. The rest of you can knock out some of your CBTs." SCENE 4: Having sweated their way through the CBTs, the 2017B class makes its way over to the Miramar All-Ranks Club where the SARC and Alcohol Prevention offices check their IDs at the door, carefully noting their data, and placing their CAC cards in the file to be retrieved on the way out, after the mandatory breathalyzer and room sweep checking for sexual assault victims. Finally making their way to the near-empty bar, as the Isley Brothers "You've lost that lovin' feelin'" begins to blare from the speakers, the four heterosexual men are accosted by the irate school instructor that looks remarkably like Kelly McGillis. But not the hot, wild-haired Kelly. No this the haggish, yet with an Adam's apple, Kelly who instantly begins to berate them for building the modern world. SCENE 5: Meanwhile, in an unnamed Middle Eastern country, the despot that rules that arid, worthless land gases and kills his citizens. Despite it having absolutely no strategic value to the United States, the President, fully backed by the hawks in Congress dependent upon the defense contractors in their districts, sends a short-manned carrier battle group to the region. Why it's short-manned, especially in pilots, is never questioned. Class 2017B receives its orders to man, er, person-up the carrier's flight department despite not having worked up or being current in carrier operations. Stepping into their F-35Cs, they find out that "this helmet is too heavy." This ejection seat is "too tall." But this all-seeing, all-knowing fighter is "just right." Flying an Alpha strike (not your father's Vietnam Alpha strike of 50 jets), this one has four F-35s and two UCAVs, our class of heroes flies into the double-digit SAM rings where they all synch their Blueteeth to some Starbuck's selected folk-rock tunes and proceed to ISR the hell out of the dirt. They return to the boat, all take the three wire, shut down. And hand in their separation papers since they each got a call from major airline. AND CUT...

Your scores are not good. But it is still possible for you to be selected for a pilot slot. Don't ask me how I know........

Yep, same here. Just had to do an extra test where I stuck my head in a bowl-shaped device and clicked the clicker whenever I saw a point of light somewhere around the periphery of the bowl (I think that's the "visual field testing" deaddebate quoted?). Nonissue.