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Update: AFPC did brief the CC but has some adjustments before the list can be signed and finalized. Still estimating week of 15-19 FEB as public release so week of 8-12 FEB will be commander release. Once the AFPC commander signs, they will update the Rated Assignments page to reflect the official release date. Happy Monday!

They might be able to make it harder, but they can’t make it any longer ....

If voter ID was actually viewed as important/critical, the infrastructure allowing voter ID to be put in practice should be fully funded. This includes ID issuing sites, polling sites, backend databases, and verification (both before issuance, and at the polling sites to stop fake IDs from being used). Since it is not, it's not really important, and there's nothing a politician can say to convince me otherwise. Where we spend our money shows us what we value in our capitalistic society. So I agree, many times politicians calling for voter ID are using it as a means of voter suppression, because if they truly believed in it, they would fund everything necessary to implement it, though they never do. So then it gets turned into something like getting turned away from the deployed DFAC because you're in sweaty PTUs and not a clean uniform (or without a reflective belt, remember those days?), despite being 110 degrees outside (i.e. stupid nonner games)

The ONLY thing the left did for the last 4 years was sow distrust in the Trump administration. I agree with everything else you said.

Story of my life...

So damned sad. Almost unimaginable how two guys with that much quality experience ended up going down that path. Could be any one of us on any given day. Heads on a swivel, fellas. 🍻 to the crew. RIP.

Appreciate you gents taking the bait. Because the constant talk of the election being stolen - even by many on this forum - is a giant conspiracy theory that has no more substance than 9/11 hoaxers, yet over 70% of republicans entertain this particular theory. Including a disheartening amount of you all. You guys spouting "let's just say that there were no shenanigans" implies that there is a debate about the election results. There isn't. And you may not understand it now, but every time that you say shit like this you're just further undercutting faith in American democracy. All for a little bit of political power. How do you see this turning out for the future of the country? 61 out of 62 election lawsuits filed by Trump/Giuliani failed in bipartisan courts The one that passed was PA saying that voters had 3 days to provide ID, but didn't come close to changing the results whatsoever. GA was recounted twice - Biden won three times in a row. Wisconsin was recounted once. Biden won twice in a row. Election officials - bipartisan officials - across all contested states have said that there is no meaningful fraud. To the point that Georgia secretary of state, a republican, has to tell the president to STFU about his elections. And if I'm just flat out wrong here, and you can prove that there is substantial election fraud that would have affected the results, let me know. Because the way that Tucker Carlson and Rush Limbaugh and conservative media heads work is that they show real evidence that election fraud occurred 12 times across the state of GA. Then they have everyone take a poll that asks "do you think any election fraud happened?" And then 90% of people say "yes, of course there was election fraud, but-" and he cuts you off there and says that "an overwhelming majority of Americans believe there was a fraudulent election! Get out there and support the president! Jan 6!" Without representing the fact that the majority of rational people talking were going to finish their sentence: "Yes, of course there was election fraud, but it was small and limited. There was fraud probably on all sides. But a handful of people registering incorrectly - or even a handful of people maliciously doing things incorrectly - does not warrant the destruction of the democratic process." Provide proof that substantial election fraud occurred that would have changed the results or STFU saying things like "Let’s just say there were no shenanigans regarding the election itself and everything was pure, fair and balanced."

It's not the same job though. They are taking paid vacation from one job, while working their second job. The fact that it's the same employer means nothing, since that employer hired that person to do 2 separate jobs. For example, if a TR takes mil leave at the same time they take PTO from their GS Treasury dept job to maximize their vacation, no one blinks an eye at them getting paid twice to do the same thing by the same employer. What makes it all stupid (and gives an incorrect outside *appearance* of potential F/W/A) is the unfair rules piling up on ARTs over the years that blur the line between their civilian and military status. The biggest of which is tying an ART's civilian GS job to their part time TR status. They can't quit being a TR and just be a GS employee, nor can they typically quit (at will, like any other GS job that's not an ART) the GS job and stay a TR (without repercussions). The GS portion should be decoupled from the TR portion, but they won't do that because they know either no one will take the job (especially if there's a requirement to have military aviation experience in the unit's MWS), or they can't retain full time experience for cheap anymore. Part of the problem is following the AD model of using squadron pilots to fill jobs: a scheduler doesn't need to know how to fly the jet, just the scheduling and crew rest rules. Training shop just needs to understand how to read the training tables (if the A1C in SARM/HARM can do it, why do you need a GS-12+ to do it as an ART?) But all of those can be done by someone without wings for much less money. And if it's something that needs a pilot's inputs, they can get that one weekend a month from a TR assigned to the shop, or anytime from an AGR. Much less important, but related, is forcing ARTs to wear a military uniform while in civilian status, which completely blurs the line between what status they are working in, and creates the appearance of doing *military* work when they are in fact doing *civilian* work. This appearance can lead to thinking they are paid twice for the same work: once for their military leave for their part time TR job (military job), and again for being in the office working in a military uniform they are forced to wear off duty (civilian job). The government is utilizing them like full time AD, without paying them full time AD pay and benefits. This also gives DoD a lot more flexibility in manning, since civilians don't count against end strength, making the positions easier to create/eliminate (maybe not at the unit level) as needed, so long as funding is available. And yes, AD is the better comparison than AGR, as AGRs have limits on how they are utilized.

Great questions, and they go to my point about the conversation. Refuse to have it, and we get what the ignorant masses force on us. Take part in the conversation and maintain some say in what those measures/definitions are.

Why? Because I don't agree with some of the points on the right, and I'm not willing to blindly jump on board with everything spouted by people on an internet forum? I'm a moderate, leaning conservative. And like I said, very clear definitions need to exist. Engage in good faith in the debate, and we get a say in those definitions. Act like they're trying to steal our guns, refuse to engage, and we're stuck with whatever they decide. That's a bad strategy...

Most of the people I spoke with definitely saw Trump as a major incendiary figure. However, their major point was that this stuff has been a problem since they were born. I do agree that Republicans may get more of the blame than they’ve earned (although not completely beyond the realm of reason). And democrats can sometime get a pass. And that some POC take advantage so as to avoid some responsibility. However, those are universals that all sides do; human nature. The point here is that there are real problems that should be acted on rather than ignored, denied, orrationalized away.

Perhaps. But Trump did as much or more than any Democrat or pundit to sow distrust in his own executive branch and its institutions. I think we will look back at four years of Trump as entirely self defeating for the Republican Party. Both parties should now concentrate on effective governance and restoration of people’s faith in the democratic process.

This problem isn't deranged kids with guns, it's deranged kids with intent to commit violence. Guns make it easier (so yes limiting their access is important), but if someone is intent on hurting people, they will find a way. But it's easier to talk removing guns than to address mental health issues and treatments, class size (smaller sizes encourage teachers to build a better relationship with students), bullying in schools, and parental responsibilities regarding their child.

Good discussion here. BLM is a problematic organization. The Marxist connections and the bizarre statement about the eliminating the nuclear family are confounding. HOWEVER, I’ve taken the opportunity to sit down with (actual, real) black people and get their perspective. I’d strongly recommend doing the same in order to challenge your thinking. Some don’t perceive any racism but the vast majority do. It can be uncomfortable as it initially comes off as “all white people are bad” but after some reflection that wasn’t the case. After years of having grievances dismissed or having to deal with always-hostile reactions from the “I’m the least racist person I know” “I have a black friend” or the “yeah there’s maybe some racism, BUT...” crowds you get pissed off - such that opening a pressure relief valve is dramatic. Also, some folks use the problematic aspects of the BLM organization to discredit any and all complaints from the black community. That’s Fox News, Newsmax, and talk radio SOP. All of whom, by the way, are part of the mainstream media. They celebrated/defended Trump as much as MSNBC and CNN attacked/discredited him. So, overall Trump coverage was balanced, although bimodal.

Uhhhh.... This isn't just the Republicans. Democrats literally lied to everyone for 3 years that a Russian spy was running the nation's executive.

True...with the exception of the latest mutations. There is a lot of concern about the B.1.1.7 variant which come out of Europe (primarily the UK). I am not en epidemiologist but from the basic reading I did they are concerned for three reasons. First, the mutation is in a different part of the virus (protein spike), and that may have implications on the vaccine effectiveness. Second, it is approximately 50% more infectious. Third, it is approximately 30% more deadly. There is also a brand new mutation called South Africa’s 501Y.V2. Initial reports indicate the vaccine will be effective but there is concern because much like B.1.1.7, this variant has several mutations. Again, not an expert, but the sooner we can get the masses vaccinated the sooner we can stop the spread. Also, I would hope the biotech are working to adjust the vaccine to account for the mutations.

If mail in voting is secure for a subset of people like you caveat, why is it not secure for the general population? Waiting in long lines to vote is a failure of the voting system; it means the voting infrastructure does not support the number of people that are voting. Either not enough voting sites, or not enough voting booths. Same with long waits at DMV; long waits exist due to inadequate staffing. In addition, how would requiring everyone to vote in person actually work? It would require a complete closing of our economy for every election/vote. Otherwise, how do you ensure those that have to work have an opportunity to vote? Especially if there are long waits at the polling sites. If you don't think it'd be a problem, you've never had a crappy boss. On top of that, would there be any compensation for lost work? Primarily for low earning, hourly workers struggling to make ends meet, and don't have paid time off available to them. Mail in voting means these people do not have to take time off work to execute their civic duty to vote. Every American citizen already has skin in the game every election, as we are voting for our representatives, it sometimes directly on measures. If you want voter ID, what we have is completely inadequate (voter card, driver's license). You would need to verify the ID somehow. Just like our CACs; picture ID, scan and retrieve info from a database to confirm picture/name has not been altered, then two factor authentication, like chip (something you have) & PIN/password (something you know) to authenticate your vote. Anything short of that would not be secure in our modern age. If you're just going to signature match, then there is no reason it has to be done in person (so why is mail in voting insecure?). I prefer mail in voting, because it allows me to slowly go through the ballot, research each item up for vote as needed, and make my vote without having to remember what I decided on and go somewhere to vote. Plus my state also provided a voters packet, with statements from each candidate, and for measures being considered, a statement for and against it. I'd argue it helps encourage more informed voting.

More unity...FIVE new Bills hitting the floor of the house on the same day...all gun control and some draconian: 1. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/121/text?r=96&s=1 Hiring several hundred new ATF agents for "enforcement." If you follow guns at all and recent events around pistol braces and searches this should alarm you. The public will see it as "great, lets enforce our gun laws." 2. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/125/text?r=67&s=1 Seven day waiting period to buy any semi-automatic weapons, any silencer (dumb because due to approvals it takes months to get a silencer), armor piercing ammo (sounds good on the surface but they are trying to classify a wide range of ammo as "armor piercing"...even hollow points. 3. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/127/text?r=17&s=1 To provide for the licensing of firearm and ammunition possession and the registration of firearms, and to prohibit the possession of certain ammunition. This should SCARE everyone. First they are trying to require a training class and license in order for you to exercise a core right in the Constitution. Second, this is a back door method of creating a gun registry....EVERY gun you own, every round of ammunition you buy is now under the purview of the government. 4. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/130/text?r=15&s=1 To require the safe storage of firearms and ammunition, and to require the investigation of reports of improper storage of firearms or ammunition. Regulates how you store not only your guns, but your ammo. Creates a red flag system where anonymous friends/family/acquaintances can report you for improper ammo storage and ATF can come search your home. 5. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/167/text?r=7&s=1 To prohibit the transfer of a firearm at a gun show by a person who is not a federally licensed firearms dealer. No more private party transfers at gun shows.

tough report to read. there but the grace of God go i...

You guys getting bent around the axle over the huge number of republicans believing in a stolen election are missing the forest for the trees. How do you know that there isn't a breathable atmosphere on the moon? With the exception of very few people, it's because you were told. There are a whole lot of obvious truths that are only obvious because no one disagrees with them on any meaningful level. With Republican politicians seeming to resign themselves to a world where truth is a political liability, I think we're going to see a whole lot more surprising beliefs spreading through the population. The anti-vax movement, even before the coronavirus, showed that for a subset of the population even a minute level of support for a counter narrative is enough to believe the conspiracy. Even when the supporters and supporting information for the prevailing narrative, in this case the vaccines are largely safe and effective, a certain number of people will choose the conspiracy. For the stolen election conspiracy, the fucking president was supporting the conspiracy. That's way, way, way more support from prominent figures than any flat earth, chemtrails, or anti-vax conspiracy ever had, so it should be no surprise that a huge portion of the population believes it.

Agreed, but there's a lot of that going around these days...

Fix your detection device.

I guess I'm naive to believe that the GOP would hold to it's professed values, and boot extremists from the party. Instead, they clung to "well, they'll increase our voter base" in the name of maintaining power ahead of maintaining their values. So they sold out their soul to increase party membership, and that caused a shift in values, which was reflected in the party's nominee. Trump is the symptom, not the disease

And this gem from the NY Times this morning calling Biden "the most religiously observant' president in 50 years" SERIOUSLY? Last I checked he is a Catholic who advocates for abortion. The mainstream media just can't help but slobber all over his knob. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/23/us/biden-catholic-christian.html

If you’re inside a year, come and go and do as you please. You’ve got to take care of you, because no one else will. what are they gonna do, fire you?

Contract simulator instructor for me, Herk engineer. AC-130H,U,W/MC-130E,H,P,W Mission qual, sim refresher, system refresher, I even taught maintenance engine run for awhile. Ten years at Hurbie and ten at Cannon. Very cool job that I enjoy even after 20 years. That's what I meant by still doing airplane shit. Is it the same as sitting in the seat and doing the job? No, but it's close. I get to do several observation flights a year to evaluate what we teach versus what the guys are doing, hopefully it's close haha. Stan/Eval qual helped me get this job for probably obvious reasons.

Do you ever think that Trump may have gotten more negative press coverage because he’s a worse human being with worse policies? Just like how I talk more shit about my sisters abusive ex husband than her current husband? Not everyone is entitled to 50-50 good:bad press.

You’ve got some very good points in there. I actually agree with you on quite a bit of it. Some things he did were absolutely good calls, too bad he had to do them in the ways he did... Having the respect of the world is on an identical footing as doing some of the things he did. Problem is, he’s lost us so much of that “respect capital” that it will make it hard to be taken seriously going forward. We’ll be able to get there, but it will be that much harder. China, loved the positions he took with them, hated how he did it. Paris climate accords, agreed with the action, not his stated reasons for it because it continues to enable those of you in here (don’t know your stance on it, so royal you, not you specifically) who continue to pull out bogus science to deny the overwhelming bulk of scientific evidence that says climate change is real and that we could do something about it. The accords are not good for America, once again, we end up doing the lion’s share of the work. The WHO, absolutely agree with you again. But also, once again, he’s POTUS, act like it. You didn’t mention holding NATO’s feet to the fire, but I’m sure you’re on the same page. Good, but again, bedside manner matters. I also agree that the press, by and large, is garbage, but I also don’t have a ton of heartburn over the way he was treated because he gave worse than he got on the daily. He can’t complain about unfair treatment when he was goading them, lying to them, and constantly belittling every personality that he didn’t like. You honestly think that had nothing to do with his treatment? You honestly think it would have gone down similarly if he had treated them with respect from the get go? I don’t. His press secretary started lying from the moment he was in office, which was simply behavior carried over from before he was sworn in. I mentioned on here I wasn’t a fan of many of the EOs Biden signed on days one and two. Let’s see if he keeps up the pace. He’s gonna need to sign a lot more to catch up to Trump on that face... At the same time, Biden’s a politician, he has to show his base why they elected him. If he keeps going, ignoring everything else out there, then yeah, but I’m willing to give the dude more than half a week before saying his pledge to be a president for all of Americans, R or D, is BS... I also agree about the Twitter crap, again, I’m no fan of social media. Call a spade a spade. Again, though, Twitter’s a business, so they’re gonna do what makes sense for their bottom line. A US citizen, president or not, is subject to the public opinion of the US population. A Chinese press release, not so much. Not a Trump apologist, fine, I’ll take your word for it. But you sure did a nice job of cherry-picking the only line out of his speech that one could taken as peaceful. You’re not being intellectually honest if you think Trump was intending peaceful protest with his delivery of his peace inspiring speech. MLK struck the same tone in his “I have a dream” speech... Trump sure didn’t stand up to tone things down when his lackies said other “peaceful things”. I’m sorry, but as much as us comfortable white people want it to not be true, there are 100% racial inequalities in this country. Comparing Trump’s behaving like a sore loser since he lost, and riling up his base until it eventually lost control, and POC’s fight for social justice is just a non-starter. Forgive most of the world (because almost everyone but us privileged white people in the US sees it, so clearly we must be right) for giving a little slack to people that simple want to not be looked at as criminals when driving their cars, have an equal shot at getting the job, not get life sentences when a white dude gets probation, etc., etc., etc. Rioting doesn’t help, it won’t make the problems magically go away, and the left definitely owns some of that through tacit approval of the actions. It isn’t right, but man, it is definitely understandable after centuries of mistreatment that started with slavery and has seen every shade in between. But again, parade out some twisted statistic to show how I’m wrong, all while ignoring the FACTS that are screaming from literally every corner of the world of history, recent and distant. One last point, I love all of the arm-chair mental health experts out there that are convinced of Biden’s mental decline because he’s “showing all the signs of it”. Actually, no, I won’t address it more than this, it’s just stupid because Trump was the picture of mental health, a rational actor... ETA: Harris is scary for sure, and I hope and pray for Biden’s health for that reason. I vote for the P though, not the VP. Safe bet is that this will go down like the overwhelming majority of admins in the past have, the P will be the P and the VP is largely forgotten. Here’s to hoping I’m not wrong...

#3Maglula 9mm UpLULA Universal Pistol Magazine Loader/Unloader: Best for Durability. This has done the trick for my glock and sig mags with zero issues. Its great.

When selected for UPT, that spot is really tied to a an operational need, which drives a FTU seat, which drives a UPT (or theoretically a cross flow) seat, and not just a generic "pilot" position. So the AF works backwards: operational need -> FTU dates -> UPT dates. For example, just because the C-17 FTU can hypothetically crank out more copilots due to extra capacity available doesn't mean the line C-17 units can absorb them, or that the AF wants to pay for extra C-17 copilots, especially if the AF really wants a F-35 pilot. So the AF may delay a seat in UPT to align with when a seat at the FTU and IFF, if there's nowhere else that UPT seat can be used to fill a different AF need. This helps keeps the AF from having a UPT grad sitting on their hands waiting to class up, when that time/money/position could be used elsewhere within the AF, since there's a finite budget and a limit on end strength driven by Congress. The pilot shortage is about pilots on staff and manning the FTU (which some/many may see as undesirable), and not necessarily about pilots flying the line.

https://www.airforcemag.com/app/uploads/2021/01/27-Jan-2020-ACC-Bagram-Airfield-E-11-AIB-Narrative.pdf AIB released on E-11 crash in Afghanistan. TLDR version: Engine failure followed by shutdown of good engine with no air start.

Well the shenanigans wouldn't have been needed if the republicans hadn't faked 9/11 to garner unilateral support and install fox news and the patriot act in 2001. YOU really only have yourself to blame.

UPT studs right now were 5-6 years old when this thread was started. Damn we are old.