M2

Not even his ability, all you really have to do is eliminate his will to fight. The problem is that people only see "airpower" as the ability to fly great distances to break things and kill people. We all know it is much more than that (but it is always good to be able to do that proficiently!). The general public needs to realize that "airpower" is the ability to extend US goals and objectives anywhere on the globe quickly and efficiently. It is just as much flying MREs to refugees as it is conducting CAS for ground pounders in Afghanistan and Iraq. To paraphrase Churchill, if you think winning a war with airpower is tough, trying winning one without it! Cheers! M2

No prob, PRK fixed that! Cheers! M2

OK, a little reality check here. That ain't the Texas Tech swim team! I suspect it is a 'Miss Texas Tech' beauty pageant or something, but those fine young fillies are not competitive swimmers. Trust me, I have scrutinized that pic for hours! (Actually, I have been told they are the 2003 Tampa Bay Storm Cheerleaders; and the TT logos were Photochopped on. But who cares?) Secondly, Mt Home was “only” an hour away from Boise but it wasn’t a drive I would want to make every day. We all can and do “embrace the suck,” but it bites when our families have to; and anyone who says that taking care of their family is not important will soon find they won’t have one to take care of! I have encountered that bozo mentality too many times, to include having a squadron commander who once told me “the Air Force cost me my first marriage.” Bullshit! He cost him his first marriage by putting the Air Force ahead of his family. I wish I could remember his name, but I once heard a very astute Army one-star speak who laid it out perfectly (which surprised me considering the color of his uniform). He said you first priority in life is to take care of family. If you didn’t do that, you were of no use to him; as he knew he wouldn’t have your full attention if you were worried about your wife and kids. You second priority should be to yourself. If you don’t take care of yourself, than once again you are no use to him. The military comes third. Once you have completed the other two, then he knew you could focus on the mission and deliver him the 100% he needed from you. As much fun, exciting and rewarding my military career was; one day it was over. But my life wasn’t, and the reason for that was because I still had a wife and kids waiting for me when I came home and hung up the uniform for the final time. Like it or not, folks will go to Cannon and they will make the best out of it; but wanting better for your family is nothing to berate a person about. If anything, it is a commendable trait that more people should have. And the folks of AFSOC will go to Clovis and make it work, despite the attitude of the mayor and a few others. Why? Because they are professionals and that is what they do (and do a lot better than most of the Air Force). Also because they know if the Viper guys could survive there, they sure as hell can! And I’ve been to Lubbock, and I have no desire to go back! Cheers! M2

Somewhat related and I didn't feel like starting another thread, but there was a good article in this month's Air Force magazine titled "Why Airmen Don't Command" that's worth reading. And while your at it, also read "Beyond the F-22 Problem - Why, on an issue of supreme importance to the Air Force, does the Pentagon find itself unable to agree with USAF's leadership?," which highlights another key leadership issue within the USAF going on right now. Cheers! M2

Crog You are correct, Mr Burns had no combat time before taking over the helm at USAFE. He finally "got some" by scoring a ride on an RJ in SWA or something like that; but he had a big goose egg of combat time in the Viper...It was one of the many reasons he was considered a perfect assbag! As for his tenure at MSU, it turned out exactly as I expected it to! I guess now he'll return to Mingo County, WV and ruin it as well... Cheers! M2

Back when F-111s still ruled the universe, I was up at Mt Home. Many had bad things to say about it (I didn't, I liked Idaho!), but many more said "at least we're not at Cannon!" Whereas I am a strong advocate of making the best out of any situation, I also wonder why the USAF has to force everyone to "embrace the suck?" I can put up with it, but as CH so aptly stated none of us want our families to have to put up with it as well! The thing about Hurlburt was at least you knew your family was in a nice place. We all know the reasons the USAF chose Cannon, ain't no way you are gonna convince us otherwise. And watch what you say about Texas, junior! I think people would prefer even El Paso over Clovis! Cheers! M2

My philosophy towards chutes (and a lot of other things) is that 'it is better to have and not need, than to need and not have!' Having jumped from a few aircraft (for fun, of course!), I always thought it was a good skill to have. Honestly, there is nothing tough about it...all you have to do is remember to pull the cord! Other than that, all you are doing is falling... Cheers! M2

From AFA... I love the linked article, especially the comment "Crew members forced to evacuate in-flight aircraft with parachutes, for example, have much gentler impacts with the ground than those without chutes." Real funny. I know the Stratotanker has an excellent safety record, and the odds of actually getting out with a chute on are slim; but I would be curious as to what "real" crews thought and not the brainwashed gerbils that AF/PA gets to quote in their reports? Cheers! M2

Yeah, this sounds hosed. Your plan to go back to the ed office and ask about it is a good idea; but I would advocate talking with somebody different this time... Cheers! M2

Europe is a different animal. For one, the drive on the right side of the road, meaning you won't have to worry about new headlights or anything. Two, as there is more room on the Continent, roads are usually wider. Not always, you will still find some ancient cobblestone pathway that is being used as a road; but for the most part having a larger vehicle is not as much of a problem. I did a tour in Germany and Belgium, and although your minivan will stick out somewhat (they do have them over there, but they aren't as popular as they are in the States. And don't feel bad, we've got an Odyssey), you'll enjoy the hauling capability when you go shopping! Parts may be a problem, but if you find a good mechanic it shouldn't be an issue unless it is a piece of shit and breaks down all the time. As for motorcycles, most definitely bring one! It can go in your HHG and riding in Europe is a experience of a lifetime. A bud and I rode south through the Alps into Italy and it was the best motorcycle trip I have ever taken. Plus, you can haul ass on the roads over there, and drivers are much more motorcycle-friendly than they are in the States. All that said, as much as I like Aviano I would take Spang over it in a heartbeat. Driving/riding in Italy can be nerve racking, the Italians do deserve the reputation they have. However, Germany and especially the Eifel region around Spang is a lot less crowded and quite beautiful. We used to go there from Belgium all the time, it was a much nicer drive than going back down to Ramstein where we'd been stationed previously. Either place would be great, but given the preference I would chose Spang over Aviano. I am sure many would disagree with me; but if those are your options, then consider yourself quite lucky! Cheers! M2

All good advice. I was stationed in the UK and have been back there TDY on a few occassions. Even drove over from Belgium via the Chunnel on two trips. I gotta say driving a left-hand drive vehicle in the land of right-hand driving can be harrowing. For one, as HercDude said the hedges are scary, and I swear you can even see the groove in them cut out by the mirrors of passing vehicles. Secondly, you really have to pay attention at intersections when you turn, on numerous occassions I had think twice about what I was doing as I almost turned into on-coming traffic. I found driving a right-hand car to be a lot easier. Heck, if you like Jeeps (I own an LJ myself), go find a newer RHD TJ and take that with you! Or, as sugested, but a secondhand car while you are there. Although not as cheap as they used to be, you can still get a lot of your money back when you leave, as long as you take halfway decent care of it. I just think the Tacoma would be a lot to handle on the UK roads...and maybe even moreso for you wife. But I wouldn't let this one issue keep you from trying for an assignment there. I love the UK, the people, the culture and the countryside are all wonderful, and you haven't lived until you've done a real pub crawl! Even though things have changed a lot since I lived there (it was always expensive, but now with the even stronger Pound it is a lot worse), I still enjoy my trip back and if I ever had the chance to move there again, I would gladly do so. There is a lot to do and see, and a lot of history there! Cheers! M2

You can take it, but you may want to consider getting something locally instead. For one, you will be sitting on the opposite side of the vehicle and although it is doable, it is not optimal. Secondly, the roads in the UK were designed for considerably smaller vehicles, making maneuvering a mammoth like the Tacoma a bit tricky. Third, insurance may be expensive, and parts won't be as easy to come by as if you were driving something sold in the UK. And your US warrant will no longer be valid, if the local Toyota dealership in the UK even services your pick-up the best you can hope for is the same warranty it would have there, if it even sold there. If you need any warranty work done, be prepared to pay for it yourself then fight with Toyota to reimburse you. Not always the case, we took a Passat to Germany and the local dealership actually did a US recall fix on it, but it was a German car in Germany so we had a bit of an advantage. And you will be limited to how much gas you can get on-base, I think it is equivelent to only going back and forth to work; and if you have to fill up on the local economy, be prepared for a shock. Gas is $7-8/gal over there, maybe even higher. And, don't bother going to the UK customs web site, as your vehicle will be transported over via the US military. Contact TMO for the info. You do have to make some mods to a US vehicle if you bring it to the UK (some white running light up front and a rear fog light if I remember correctly); but you will not be subject to import customs. However, you will stick out as an American. Not a big thing in the UK, but you never really want to stand out overseas. Cheers! M2 p.s. Also, read this.

OK, I'm confused. What "fees" are you talking about? And how are you taking grad school classes where the tuition is only $276? I am working on a second masters, and tuition is costing $825/semester. It's been a few years since I got my first masters and I am no longer on active duty; but if you are still getting 100% tuition assistance than you should be getting at least $750 a class ($250/hr). You get squat for books and whatnot. I am lucking out as my company is paying tuition reimbursement, not quite as good as TA in as I have to pass the class before I get paid for it; but at least someone else is paying for it! And I would also advocate being grateful to be getting paid to sit around on casual status, back in "the day" we all waited to get on active duty, some folks up to a year! I was lucky as I only had five months... Cheers! M2

Shame, as the lad was over there trying to get some real experience that would serve him well; and once again, the media fucks it all up! Props to him for not being a FOBBIT and actually getting some Afghan dust on his boots, and to the Drudge Report for not knowing when to keep their big mouth shut! Cheers! M2

If you're being mounted in a vehicle, you've got bigger problems than not being able to draw from your leg holster! I had no problems with leg holsters when riding in vehicles, but to be honest I preferred shoulder rigs. Cheers! M2

Not the optimal draw in that position, plus I would still feel uneasy about its direction even thought I know it won't AD on its own! Get a leg holster like every other cowboy out there. Still, much like his uncle Andrew, he is "the spare" and therefore can take chances the primary can't. That said, I give him credit for being over there and getting the experience. I hope the idiotic press doesn't spoil his chances of seeing some action... Cheers! M2

Very nice, I would love one of those as it makes for a great concealed carry weapon! On a different note, I may have a chance at a Winchester Model 94 30-30 lever-action rifle that I don't really need but have always wanted. It has a low number of rounds that have been through it (10-15) and looks to be pristine, the only issue at the moment is the seller may have another buyer. It is cheap ($150) and if I get the chance I will probably grab it, I was just wondering if anyone had any firsthand experience with this particular rifle... Cheers! M2

Got this from AFA this morning... Cheers! M2

You knew it was only a matter of time before the Spwing-wearing space geeks started whining about their role in it all... The Navy schwacked it, stand back and let them bask in the glory! They deserve it... Cheers! M2

I cleaned it up for ya, once was enough... Cheers! M2

Welcome back, dude! Cheers! M2

Yeah, the Navy bubba in my office has been grinnin' about this all morning. I gotta say 'BRAVO ZULU' to them, schwacking a satellite at 17,000 MPH with a missile not specifically designed to do that (yeah, I know the AEGIS is close being a ballistic missile defense system, but it's not specifically designed for hitting satellites) was a real feather in their cap. It also has the Rooskies and Red Chinese up in arms, which is another plus! So you can hit a stationary object in space; big shit, we can hit one that's traveling at Mach 22! (and before the 40lb brainsteams attack, I know I am apply caveman math to the situation...just let it be!). Too bad the weather was shit here last night, we missed the eclipse; but we still have 40 days of the football-sized debris from this satellite floating around before it burns up. Might make for some more good UFO-sightings here in Texas! Cheers! M2

The AFA report... And the DoD Press Release... Cheers! M2

Yeah, read that, and it was a Navy guy who started the discussion. I wonder if it is the Aegis System utilizing Raytheon RIM-161 Block-1a SM-3s? Hopefully the Pentagon will release more info. The Boeing YAL-1 Airborne Laser (ABL) is still in development, but this would make for a fun test of that platform. Cheers! M2

Funny, we were just talking about that AP report! As usual, the normal disclaimers were present... But we were wondering what would really be feasible. Of course, it is well known that a US F-15 successfully destroyed a satellite using the ASM-135 ASAT on 3 Sep 1985. It took off from Edwards, climbed to 80,000' and vertically launched the missile at the Solwind P78-1, a US gamma ray spectroscopy satellite orbiting at 555 km. Although successful, the program was cancelled in 1988. (thanks Wikipedia!) I am sure the 40-lb brains have thought this through, and if anyone sees any official public releases on how this going to be done, please post them up here...and please, no sensitive or speculative insights, keep it to publically available information. Cheers! M2