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Spur38

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Posts posted by Spur38

    National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Nope. It's the basic tenet of a culture that doesn't view the volunteer's desire to

    1) exclusively pursue their primary duty, and

    2)to do so in the company of peers who feel the same way in a traditional-cultural politically incorrect social environment of brotherhood-in-arms

    in such pejorative light. The rest of the cultural differences that distinguish the QOL between AD and the ARC are but mere corollaries of that basic principle.

    ADCON is the legal measure that allows the ARC component to get away with it. Remove that, and the culture is quickly usurped by Active Duty. The problem with the latter is that since there is no formalized economic incentive to tolerate an antagonistic culture in the Reserves (the incentive is mainly cultural) like there is in the Active Duty, the proposition of retaining quality personnel on a formula of Active duty life with Reserve pay is an immediate non-starter.

    Active Duty arrogantly assumes that the ARC will be there in its present capacity even in the presence of their cultural takeover. They base all their economies of scale regarding expanded reservist numbers base and participation on the assumption of such supposed inelasticity. They are of course, fatally wrong. They don't care of course, as AD is a virus, spreading and infecting cancer into healthy organisms, until there's nothing left. People in the Reserves are largely folks with options, generally unafraid to combine civilian employment exigencies into their military voluntary service. They are generally not a group of people to find themselves economically bound/dependent to the shit sandwiches of a dismissive and ungrateful military employer. They get enough of that as civilians to know better than to pigeonholes themselves that way. It may seem like hyperbole to an Active Duty koolaid drinker, to witness a Reservist quit over cultural issues, but he would be wrong. It isn't hyperbole, it's the reason said Reservist probably left Active duty for Reserve life in the first place. Many have, and many will if these changes come to pass. The remainder will be an inexperienced hollow force of young guys who resemble AD in every way except they don't get paid like Active Duty. This of course, will never materialize. Even young people without experience to leverage, can count with their fingers.

    You want to change the paradigm? Flip the culture over. Make Active Duty a place where flying your ass off and going home without people ######ing with you in garrison, is not viewed pejoratively. A place where the few who will end up at the top do the practice bleeding. That will never happen of course, this place jumped the shark a long ass time ago.

    Contrary to popular belief, money's got dick to do with it. Most independently wealthy individuals I've met in my professional and academic life, have in fact been Reservists. Active Duty is clueless.

    The continued frustration by both AD and ARC which has developed into a polarizing fist fight can, is in my estimation, be attributed to the historic feud of funding and real estate control by myopic leadership on both sides. Poor leadership resounds. Down at the trench level, the hearts and minds are very similar between the two organizations. "Give me the shit I need to do the job, take care of my family and I'll fight for mom and apple pie". The cultural differences that have evolved as hindsight2020 points out is exactly on point and very eloquently stated. Those of us who have lived in both worlds really understand the accuracy of what "hindsight" says. The question remains, how do we carry with a collective notion of "One Team, One Fight". It won't happen if we continue to express our frustration by blaming it on the "other guy". It really comes down to the strength of the SECDEF and his/her ability to be mindful of the protective mission for the country and the obvious need at the state level (Governors and their needs to provide for they're states, in the case of the ARNG and ANG assets). Its a mess but I realized and conformed to the cultural side of the tenants "hindsight' ascribes after 10 yrs. of AD and moving into ARNG for the next 30 yrs. There is a very big distinction in the differences between the two. As an AD member you have and develop an attitude that the "Week End Warrior" is without capability...totally wrong and without merit. As an ARNG member you have the great foundation that was provided by AD but with a better resolve for how to be combat ready and more proficient in your duties without the interference of iniquitous bull-shit that you experienced on AD. The results for me on my last Title 10 deployment really showed me the difference. Our Guard aviation unit had an average aviator flight time of over 7,000 hours of experience, gained through the years of AD and similar civilian flying jobs and National Guard "Part Time" accumulation. Average total service time, 18-20 years credible service both Active and Guard. We were under the administrative command of AD folks with 20% of our experience. But we listened and followed directives until they became uncomprehensible and clearly counter to our mission/combat experience and that's when we developed a "make-me" attitude and a "lets get real and stop thinking about our personal annual "Report Cards" and get on with the mission. The feeling I got from the AD guys was that they're "life blood" was dependant upon what the boss thought of them or how he would/could determine they're fate with a pen. Certainly not their fault but a cultural anomaly. There was a complete lack of "thinking outside the box' or scared to even think about it....mindless follower's, yes sir, yes sir, three bags full!

    My guys, were a pain in the ass, bringing up "Why are we doing it that way or why do we have do do it this way?" But we were of a collective mind, arguing like siblings but hadly ever taking it to the personal level. Just making educated, collective decissions and moving forward, getting the job done and having a great time and sense of mission accomplishment. Always knowing that we would get out of the shit-hole at some point, go back to some normalcy with our families and civilian or full-time Guard employment and be ready for the next time we had to go.

    Now, as a retired guy, sitting on the sidelines and loving the BO discussions and very the important role it has keeping constructive, meaningful and hysterically funny contributions, I have nothing but the highest admiration of all of you who are Active, Reserve or Guard and appreciate all you do for all of us! :salut::beer::beer::beer:

    • Upvote 2

    Last Beer You Drank and Rate It

    in Squadron Bar

    Posted

    Wait, are you Army?

    Retired Army

    Wait, so saying "what's the G2" means "what's the intel?"

    Hell, I was in the Army, and I've never heard that before.

    Anyway, Torpedo good (my palate, not that sophisticated)

    You may have come in after I left 1969-2009....I bought Torpedo and its really good stuff! Thanks sputnik!

    "Cadillac" Health Care Plans and Obamacare

    in Squadron Bar

    Posted · Edited by Spur38

    Every citizen must purchase a new set of golf clubs, before April 2014.

    This law has been passed, because until now, typically only the wealthy or financially responsible have been able to purchase new golf clubs without the assistance of their government.

    This new law ensures that every American can now have "affordable" golf clubs of their own, because everyone is equally entitled to new golf clubs. And if you want to keep the golf clubs you already have, you can do that, until April 2014.

    These affordable golf clubs will cost from $1,000 to $3,000 each depending on your income level. This does not include taxes, pull cart, electric cart fees, green fees, membership fees, balls, tees, gloves, range finders, storage fees, maintenance, or repair costs.

    In order to make sure everyone participates and purchases their affordable golf clubs, the costs of owning golf clubs will increase 50% each year up to 400% by year 2018. This way, wealthy people will pay more for something that other people don't want or can't afford to maintain. People who can't afford or refuse to maintain their golf clubs will be fined. However, children under the age of 26 can use their parents’ golf clubs until they turn 27 at which time they must purchase their own golf clubs.

    If you don't want or think you don't need golf clubs, you are still required to buy them. If you refuse to buy a set or make claims that you can't afford them, you will be fined $800 until you purchase a set or face imprisonment.

    People living in farming areas, ghettos, inner cities, Wyoming, or areas with no access to golf courses are not exempt. Age, health, prior experience or no experience are not acceptable excuses for not buying, maintaining, and using your golf clubs.

    A government review board that doesn't know the difference between a hook and a slice will decide everything. This includes when, where, how often and for what purposes you can use your golf clubs along with how many people can ride in your golf cart. The board will also determine if participants are too old or not healthy enough to be able to use their golf clubs.

    They will also decide if your golf clubs have outlived their usefulness or if you must purchase specific accessories, like a range finder with slope adjustment or a newer and more expensive set of golf clubs.

    Those that can afford memberships at expensive golf country clubs will be required to buy memberships. If you are already a member and you like your membership you can keep your membership. After April 2014, a different country club will be assigned for you to purchase a membership.

    Government officials are exempt from this new law as they and their families and some of their friends and a few of their friends friends can obtain golf clubs at taxpayers expense.

    • Upvote 1

    Aviator's Joke of the Day

    in Squadron Bar

    Posted

    A Baptist Preacher was seated next to a retired WWII Fighter Pilot on a flight to Texas. After takeoff, the retired fighter pilot asked for a whiskey and soda, which was brought and placed before him.

    The flight attendant then asked the preacher if he would like a drionk. Appalled, the preacher replied, "I'd rather be tied up and taken advantage of by a woman of ill-repute, than let liquor touch my lips!"

    The fighter pilot then immediately handed his drink back to the flight attendant and said, "Me too, I didn't know we had a damn choice!" :airforce:

    • Upvote 4

    Investment showdown -- beyond the Roth, SDP, & TSP

    in Squadron Bar

    Posted

    Pajaro....good job! You're not a pilot I assume....only on wife #1 and you obviously dont drink or gamble :) but as a suggestion and since your child is only 1yrs old. Take some of that mountain of cash and purchase a pre-paid college tuittion for the little nose miner! Sure, you can probabally do somewhat better by investing a set aside monthly amount but at the kids current age the cost for future 120 college credits is well worth it.....most states have pretty good plans (IRS 529 plans) and I know that Nevada's Pre-paid tuittion plan, as an example, can be used at any college up to the value/cost of the University system. My daughter is on her last college semester and my total outlay was about 6K; I signed up when she was seven. Additionally, the plan can be resinded, money back or transfered to any other child if college isn't in the cards for the first one. Another education possibility is transfering your GI Bill education credits. Good program and since I already had all the sheepskins that I need I transfered the 36 months for her graduate level education. Oh yeah!, and get a estate plan going before you cross the street and get hit by a bus with all that money in your wallet! :beer:

    • Upvote 1

    AF Light Air Support Aircraft

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Lawman's #481 post hit the target! Back in the old days we Cobra pilots were creaming in our jeans thinking that the Hog was on the horizon for the Cav.

    Great article and commentary assessment in this week's AW&ST by Bill Sweetman: "Making Bacon" Warthogs on the chopping block.

    Sweetman really stated an excellent and objective viewpoint....also noting that only one aviator in the last 30 years chaired the JCS...

    WTF? (**NSFW**)

    in Squadron Bar

    Posted

    A recent World Health Organization report paints an alarming picture regarding the health implications of Europes economic crisis, including how some Greek citizens are infecting themselves with HIV in order to receive 700 euros in government benefits.

    WTF? (**NSFW**)

    in Squadron Bar

    Posted

    WOMEN: I could only make it to 1:23...I'll watch it later and in the bag so I can improve my time....All perfect candidates for the "Knock Out Game"....this is one of the best WTF's I've seen on BO! Thanks for validating my belief that the human race needs a few thousand more years of evolutionary development!

    MC-12 Crash in Afghanistan

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    damastas: This will give you the necessary aerodynamic information

    Please see: http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aircraft/airplane_handbook/media/faa-h-8083-3a-3of7.pdf

    A stall occurs when the smooth airflow over the airplanes wing is disrupted, and the lift degenerates

    rapidly. This is caused when the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack. This can occur at any airspeed,in any attitude, with any power setting. Pilots must recognize the flight conditions that are

    conducive to stalls and know how to apply the necessary corrective action.

    As a retired Army C-12 IP, Like many aircraft mishaps, the Indy08 mishap had several red flag issues when you read between the lines...Aircraft Total Pilot Time, CRM, Identification etc. etc. etc.

    What astounds me is when you said "I'm just a mere sensor and especially troubeling, "its almost a taboo subject to bring up at the squadron" I sure hope that all AF squadrons aren't like that. As a flying crewmember I would think that you should have an active part in any and all discussions talking about flight safety. You should also, as an aircrew member have a distinct role enabeling you to ask questions, offer assistance, speak up! Whatever, to ensure the safety of the flight....CRM

    Just saying and thanks for what you do for all of us!

    Aviator's Joke of the Day

    in Squadron Bar

    Posted

    Two Bosnians are in a foxhole. One says "I have to take a leak, back in a few"....hours go by and the guy finally comes back. He's all disheveled and sweating profusely the other guy says "What the hell happened to you, why were you gone so long?"

    "The other one says "Well, I went out to take a leak and ran into this Serbian chick, I got it on with her, best sex I've ever had, every position imaginable!!"

    Amazed and curious the other guy says "Did you get any head?" The disheveled on answered, with a big grin "Head? What head? She didn't have one!"

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