Bender

His "more than 5,000 hours" produced 2 Air Medals and an Aerial Achievement Medal. Impressive. Bendy

It's not about extra-curricular stuff anymore...it's about job performance. If she fries chicken better than you hit the drop zone, you lose (which apparently every last one of you fuckers are up for a bad bomb board soon). ...now go trim up your damned mustache and get back in the vault. Bendy

So competing in Cross Fit competitions is one of my civil rights. I've never thought of this complex concept from such a point of view before. I'm going to go to Pizza Hut, ask them for a Whopper, and sue them for a million bucks for infringing on my civil rights to eat what I want to eat at Pizza Hut. Am I doing this right? This world is getting more baffling by the day. No wonder you start out knowing it all and end up wondering WTF is going on... Bendy

I don't see a single hair on any of those faces...and it's already a week in. Weak. The "winner" won't be coming from this group. Bendy

Oh, I do not disagree that the snowball was clearly in motion. I just was entertained with your "I'm going to put a stop to it", then proceeded to give it a good push faster. Despite my break in attendance here, surely you remember enough to know I couldn't give a shit either way. Measure dicks, don't measure dicks...it's of no consequence (to me or any other person on the planet), so shouldn't even take up space. If that was your actual point, I agree...well done, good point. The humor I found in it was the reason for my post. You can deny the "mud slinging and name calling" aspect of your contribution all you'd like, since it's based on a "first hand example", but I think you're hard pressed to deny it wasn't contributory to the ensuing "pissing contest". You just have a side in it, that's cool. No one will fault you for having an opinion or sharing your experiences. Man, I sure missed you Toro. Bendy

So you're just participating in the pissing contest before it becomes a pissing contest? One might call that starting, at least instigating, said pissing contest. But, I guess you stay cleaner when you piss first. I know a number of young T-38 trained MC-12 pilots that would love to be able to get back onto the fighter track. Their dreams of such are, of course, crushed at every opportunity. Went as far as creating a mock AMS robot email for applications to some fictitious F-35 opportunity...quite funny really. There isn't too much logic, I don't think, in going any further than T-38 trained individuals. During the previous crossflow experiment, these guys went back and flew 38s, then to IFF, then to RTU, and still couldn't catch up? Sounds like more of a motivation issue than a capability issue. It didn't get harder. Bendy

I think you are an honest man...but, do not believe. Bendy

Out loud: I learned that in SOS. In my head: Damn it. Bendy

Ha...I like that line. Since school and staff seem to be so important (overlooking the possibility that this prioritization may be part of the underlying issue), what could make "the system" better? One wants the O-5 promotion board to have the ability to select better quality individuals, but "eliminates" 80% due to these experiences...we need to have more people checking these boxes. It will still be difficult for all to get staff billets, but the numbers could be increased beyond 20% (if all school selects in fact get those billets as it is): Is the length of Squadron Officer School the only reason 100% attendance is possible? We could save a small chunk of change on TDY costs by admitting SOS is really just a networking booze fest. This sort of thing can be done on any number of bases, Maxwell AFB is not some magical conduit of learning. It appeared to have no special super powers when I was there last. When was the last time the curriculum of either ACSC or AWC was adjusted in an attempt to reduce their durations (or even add more benefit)? What on earth takes an entire year in residence really? If it even comes close to rivaling the correspondence material, I may change my opinions more towards shit-canning the whole thing in lieu of the 100% online option too, but I'll reserve that opinion since I haven't been in-residence and it may still yet be some miraculous leader factory. These are your top performers, can't we move this "process" along any quicker? How long are the days, we getting weekends off in between trying to stay awake for 50 separate semi-random speeches? To-to-today, Junior...either we need to know it or not. Listening to a speech online is NO DIFFERENT than listening to it on the internet (minus the ability to ask a question afterwards, which I seriously question the value of). With a shrinking number of staff billets across the force, why not "meld" the first year of a staff billet into ACSC attendance (if it's deemed attendance is worth keeping), effectively turning a 4 year staff tour into a 3 year staff tour (or even a 2 year staff tour for that matter)? It will take more individuals to fill the same number of staff billets, allowing more to do both school and staff…increasing the pool of eligible airmen without the ability for a board to skate using a couple of "checked boxes" on the front page. Certainly “continuity” wouldn’t be the issue with people being in a staff job for only a couple years (it could actually be a good thing), and most would probably be relieved being able to return to operational assignment more quickly. I can see it increasing costs in some areas (PCS), but they could be hedged in other areas. Anything that costs money is most likely initially filed in the “nice to have, not need to have” and/or “don’t fix it if it isn’t broken” categories. Perhaps the "dog shitting on our lawn" is elsewhere. There are still ALOT of people that think AFSO21 does work and drags people into HORRIBLE meetings to enact it. I think I have my "black belt" by osmosis. Bendy Edit: It's true, mind blowing will ensue! I won't even edit that out...I got a really good laugh out of it myself, twice. Thanks for the catch 56&2.

You thought he suggested growing a mustache out of regulation? Even if he had suggested such a thing...there are far too many assholes between him and your mustache. That almost makes me want to keep my mustache come 1 March. Almost... Bendy

That shit is funny right there. +1 good sir. As for the rest of this stuff...big fat -1. Bendy

I agree that much of the complaints that fly around this board are born of bitterness and self-inflation. That said...it doesn't mean the system is grand, and I can assure you the bureaucracy does not need your defense. Your quote above isn't a challenge at all; the system is all the notification they need. The challenge is getting the 21st percentile to internalize the difference between themselves and the 20th percentile before the system notifies them of such 8-9 (10 recently) years down the road (sounds like you have a system in place to do that, the majority do not). The real challenge is getting young CGOs to internalize what being in the top 20 percent of the world's greatest Air Force should actually mean (there is more than enough GO shenanigans to know that we need to course correct to some extent). I assure you that it is certainly a difficult pill to swallow as the 21st through 25th percentile press through the next years into O-5, as the top 20 percent stovepipe into year long academics (to precious to muster in any fashion for the 21st percentile), then a staff tour (where they gain some worldly view of military operations unknowable to 21st plus percentile) only to roll back in on top of the 21st percentile as directors and commanders inspite of their performance in any those roles while "away". Grand indeed... There is plenty of room for bitterness (as well as ego, to some extent) that is both legit and understandable within the current construct, it's just not always expressed in the most productive fashions...and certainly not with all of the facts. I, personally, revel in the successes of all of my peers I know whom were school selects. I knew who they were before I ever saw the list, although there were a few surprising ommissions. I can find satisfaction in their success, and I can continue to contribute in the roles I am lucky enough to find...I do not doubt that I will ultimately influence the next generation of AF Officers more than some of them ever will. I will also hand hold that new CC as he takes his new job and promptly goes head under water to ensure he succeeds. The system is not grand, rather than defend it as "right more often than its wrong", lets just make it better. AFSO21, right? Bendy

That may be too much brevity for a "tanker dude" to understand what you're asking. Bendy

I noticed my core flag had changed from "11M" to "11R" on my SURF the other day. It still shows "HB" as my RDTM though...which corresponds to "11MXB" (C-130E/H). Quasi interesting reading on pilot manning (a bit dated, but this is a very complicated problem that will take centuries to solve, never mind the decades we've been dealing with it): http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monograph_reports/MR1550/MR1550.ch4.pdf The above document briefly touches on the origins of the RDTM system, but AFI 11-412, Flying Operations Aircrew Management, is the implementation document. It describes the RDTM as, "Rated officers are uniquely identified by their RDTM Code (Table 6.2) for the purposes of inventory management." No where in the document is Core ID referred to. The document is clearly a simple read and it's amazing that it can't be implemented effectively to avoid manning issues from occurring. Simple, simple indeed... I was told, once upon a time, that the RDTM code was how your functional at AFPC was assigned. I can't vouch for any shred of truth to that statement, even years later, but if it were true, then changing one's "Core ID" would have no implication other than allowing one to be clumped into this "blue" box rather than that "blue" box. EDIT: VSP Matrix shows "11X and 12X eligibility is determined by an officer's RDTM Code", so it's not based on Core ID either. While I have no interest in VSP, nor does the RIF concern me, the amount of ambivalence this is seemingly being addressed with is astounding to me. Maybe we should find a general to put in charge of AFPC that believes a priority of the center is to know how many people we have, what they are doing, then working with others to determine what we need. I would think this should be a 24/7/365 task for a personnel center, not something we struggle through when we're told we need to address end strength issues. I honestly empathize for all of you that give a fuck about this; sounds tough. Bendy

They certainly make it a challenge to take care of everybody. Perhaps there is an under-utilized LT running around somewhere (I've heard rumint of such creatures) that can read up on it for you...you could make him/her give you a briefing on the ins and outs in PowerPoint and everything! One less LT OPR bullet you'll have to write later (which could easily be made into a pretty decent one)...win win! Bendy

No help from me on #1 or #2, but I'm always good for a #3. If anyone has "guys", perhaps it could be a good idea for you to read the "fine print". Maybe it's just me... Bendy

The IDT dwell counter is relatively new and shouldn't be used for shit other than your own bewilderment. That thing was just counting and on this deployment, just continues to count... Is there some sort of implication here that AFPC is looking at this to make decisions? Bendy

That sounds a lot like the USAF as a whole...the missile world just being an insulated laboratory for the bacteria to thrive and grow. There should be a whole lot more of this going on...before the "rot" starts showing (too late in most cases). I hope this makes things better for you guys/gals and doesn't just result in another inaction pony show. Bendy

It has to be what, what? Our new thing is waiting until your outside in the cold to put on your hat...the shit never ends. A PRU Lt, eh? I wonder what a PRU Lt does all day... Also of worthless rank...although I don't seem to have any trouble finding useful things to do with my time/energy without harassing MSgts about their crooked caps. Who the fuck are these people? I can't even think about this anymore...although I did enjoy the re-read of the "Herk Derka Cunt Cap". That guy... Bendy

If it can be swapped within the wing, why would there be a need to PCA somebody? How can anyone not "catch on" (duty status *should* reflect it)? Maybe they don't check that...seems important, but what the fuck do I know. RTB nailed it. The whole thing is beyond stupid at this point. We just took something stupid and made it stupider. THAT is not easy to do...you have to try. AFPC has been trying really hard lately. Bendy

Did you update the right thing? Duty history is relatively easy to update via vMPF, the TDY history is not. I don't see what your duty history is really going to do to alter a 365...your STRD however could be altered if past TDYs are not accounted for correctly. Bendy ETA: A contingency deployment listed as "Awaiting DFAS Input" = bad.

Do 179 day taskings even have a name attached to them when they hit the wing? I didn't think they did, but I don't know for sure...what I do know is thinking that you need to deploy a deployed person is straight out fucked up. We definitely better shut off all the rest of this force management shit quick! Bendy

I'm not sure I could even make it through that book without throwing up. It's a difficult job, but it's impressive just how difficult people continually make it look. Have the AF build some more UAVs, that'll help the Army out...it's so adorable really. The spin contained in that book would just be too much for me. Thanks for the post though, Spoo. Bendy

Thanks, it certainly makes since that having an entire squadron full of individuals instantly coded as "experienced" would lead to a lower number of training events, thus a reduced cost of proficiency. I guess with an service-wide inability to understand "fully burden cost", it's not important who paid for them to get that experience. Although, there is additional logic of not sending guys to staff, non-flying TDYs, incessant influx of noobs, etc. that aren't as prevalent of an issue (I'm assuming)...once experienced, they stay that way. Bendy

Can someone explain this sentence to me? I'm kind of dense, so I'll need it in English...it's my only language. Thanks in advance. Bendy