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Addressing the OP: If you thought the USAF screwed you over, just wait until you experience an airline during contract negotiations. It sounds like outside influences have been crafted your outlook for you. It may be completely true that you were actively screwed by the system, but getting bitter only means you're letting the system win. The airlines will happily assume the role of screwing you over if you let them. I can show you a large collection of 30-year widebody captains making millions of dollars who are thoroughly convinced they've been screwed by the system. They are no fun to be around. It's all perspective. Pick your's with care. Choose gratitude instead of trying to pinpoint who's screwing you over. The answer to that question will always be "someone and/or everyone". Conversely, if you focus on what you're grateful for, you'll find a lot of good things in life. Pick one, you can't focus on both. I punched at 17 years and joined the reserves for 3 years. Now I'm at a major airline. In all three of those locations it is VERY easy to look around and wonder why the grass isn't as green as advertised. Reality is that the grass on the other side is just a different kind of grass. Once you get into a new organization, you'll see all the warts. You get to decide if it's good or bad, but if you let the system decide, it'll definitely suck. Truths: The system (usaf or corporate) doesn't owe you anything. Your hard work will be overlooked, but it will craft your reputation among your peers. Once you're gone, the system won't care. Maximize your personal gain without screwing others over, ignore the BS, do your work will, keep your integrity in tact, find a niche you can enjoy. Focus on good things, and your next career will be great. Focus on the hate, and you'll hate it. It's a DAILY choice.

An expert legal analysis; https://www.dailywire.com/news/cornell-law-professor-shreds-entirely-unconvincing-war-crime-accusation-against-hegseth

Never had a positive OSI experience - I feel like every single one I’ve interacted with, even in an unofficial capacity, is a total slime ball just looking to nail anybody and everybody, truth be damned. Do not trust OSI, ever.

I was an exec in my first squadron and a laptop went missing. I got a call from OSI asking me to come over they wanted to chat. I was completely naive mainly because I didn't take the laptop and thought that was obvious. I truly thought they wanted help figuring out when it went missing. I walked in and they took me to an interrogation room where good cop bad cop immediately started. It was very apparent they wanted me to confess. The idiot even said "I know you took it, how about you explain to me why I shouldn't think you took it. I replied, "first, you already screwed up because you are recording this and never read me my rights...second, my career as a pilot is not worth a laptop and none of your horseshit is going to change my answer. He looked extremely butt hurt, then read me my rights. Asked another question and got the same answer. You can go now. It was like they were reading (poorly), off a script.

Everyone involved knew they were on candid camera and smarter than the average bear, so I agree not at all likely. More than a few would be in the kill chain and pulled the plug if they weren't onboard. If it were me, I'd go dark and keep sinking them. No more announcing of the tally. The 20 strikes so far have certainly sent the message. Drug boats continually disappearing without a trace or announcement will be the "service after the sale". WaPo needs more than an anonymous sources word. If WaPo had anything like a video for evidence, it would already be on YouTube. It's a simple rule of survival don't get on a boat hauling drugs and you'll be fine. From WaPo "To comply with a spoken order from Hegseth to kill everyone, the Special Operations commander overseeing the mission ordered a second strike that killed the two survivors, according to two people with direct knowledge of the operation. Those people, along with five others in the original report, spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the matter’s sensitivity."

My last day was to send my flag and retirement certificate to this address, not rent a crowd ceremony. Most of the Senior E's in my Sq I wouldn't piss on them if they were on fire. Started my terminal leave and couple days later my boss calls and asks me why I'm not at work. That Sq was so petty I never got my flag or certificate.

You're not wrong. I had that perception too. Similar experience, but I decided that the people who's opinions matter to me noticed important things in my life, all other's opinions don't matter.

my sq/cc didnt even know it was my fini flight and last day on active duty. just a O&B jet rescue for me and that was it. not even a handshake or "thanks" for 12 years. i just landed, got my shit, and left. not even a follow up from him when i showed back up three months later as a part time reservist. just a shoulder shrug. it was kind of funny actually. wasn't too upset about it cause he was an asshole and totally clueless. at the end of the day big blue doesn't care and will (has to) churn on. make the satisfaction the bros you meet, their respect for your work, and the mission you did together.

Carnies. Small hands.

Not getting caught diddling an E is a pretty low bar. Photo evidence submitted at Ratner's trial:

So you drank alcohol with the Es? Welcome to every guard squadron. WTF.

Not a gun… but a really interesting training tool. https://www.acexr.com Current line is most of the popular pistols out in the ecosystem. Requires you to get a headset, but Black Friday deals are ongoing… Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Once again I'll disagree with Ratner and do it in a less verbose fashion. Finding the right guard/reserve unit is an absolute game changer. This isn't just work for everyone and it only takes one or two bad leaders on AD to be the difference from the best 20 years of your life to 10+ years of "fuck this shit..." I know a number of CAF dudes that have had similar experiences. I've been there myself. That being said, there are guard/reserve units that have all the things AD should have (good leaders, commaraderie, purpose etc.). Good luck.

Hard to believe this was 12 years ago. For all of you out there deployed or remote standing watch...you are not alone, you are NOT forgotten. I am grateful for each and everyone of you. God Bless

Dibs.