M2

Not true, you can hope all you want...not, whether it happens or not is another question! I would recommend trying to get in touch with a USAF rabbi and asking these questions. You'll probably get the same answers as here, and possibly more insight into what it is like being Jewish in the USAF. Honestly, a person's religion is their business, and as long as you understand and accept that you may have to make adjustments due to your military service, you will be fine. But as stated, your service will take priority in some situations, even as an intel officer or if you do get to Cyber Command; and if you cannot accept that, then you should really look for some other line of work. But it is not as big of an issue as you think. Hell, I even work with a Navy officer who is a Muslim. It's not about his or anyone's religion, but about getting the job done, that matters... Cheers! M2

Pin a medal on that Flight Lieutenant! Anyone notice this? And we had some Army GO order all our SF guys who were there to shave. Just goes to show you who has true SA... Cheers! M2

Dang, beat me to it...great minds think alike! And CH, you're not insinuating that mischief05 might be a troll, are you? Cheers! M2

From AFA today (after you read through all the articles about Buzz and Wynne resigning...)

Hate to say it, for as noble as his actions were, walking off after this guy is lying on the ground bleeding (intentional or not) is not going to fare well in court! Had he (Todaro) stuck around and called 911, his defense of it being an accident that this assbag got hurt so bad would have been much stronger. As it stands, regardless of the reasons for what he did (and I fully agree with someone protecting the fairer sex), the result of his actions are how he is going to be judged. And if he gets convicted, it ain't gonna be pretty when the USAF gets a hold of him. That is, unless he was a world-class marathon runner whose daddy is a retired OSI colonel! Cheers! M2

Well, that's your first problem...treating this like some covert operation. What you want to do is make it very overt, and excute the mission in broad daylight. Just act like you are suppose to be doing what you are doing, look like you belong where you are, and 99% of the time no one will question you. Don't ask me how I know this... Cheers! M2

I does my old caveman heart good to see some of the old spirit of the USAF still survives! If that were some O-6 thinking he had a chance at a star, he'd be calling every agency on base to string those poor lieutenants up by their balls; but Worden tosses it right back at them! Don't read too deep into his reply, AEWingsMN, as it was intended for a select audience and this doesn't need to be turned into "some GO at ACC said UAVs suck!" blowback... Cheers! M2

Yeah, "naked" bikes are better for learners as a simple tip-over can be costly on a sportbike with full fairings. Trust me, I know that the hard way... The Suzuki SV650 is a great choice, and there are others out there that are equally good. Cheers! M2

Damn, just when I was saving some money for my kid's college fund, Springfield comes out with this. I hope he qualifies for grants and student loans! Cheers! M2

"I got it" "No, I got it" "No, I've got it!" Just kidding. Speculate all you want, it has no impact on the investigation as it is just a bunch of guys tossing down thoughts on a forum. I doubt anyone has any "inside" knowledge, and if they do, they know not to post it here. I blame al Qaida! Cheers! M2

Steve Considering that our justice system was adopted from yours, you should know that he is innocent until proven guilty... Cheers! M2

All true on the airline info, I fly with my guns all the time and all you need is what brabus said, but check with the airlines beforehand as many have different policies on it. Usually their web site will have the info. Otherwise, you can ship them via your HHG, but again check with TMP prior on how to do that. But even though Hawaii has a restricted may carry law (Not many permits are issued, as the standard of "exceptional" case is tough to prove. In the last 15 years, no law abiding citizen applying for a permit to carry a concealed firearm in Honolulu has been granted one -- not one domestic violence victim, not one person whose life was in danger, not one person working where they may be robbed at gunpoint. And the police chief has no plans to change that under Hawaii’s current law), it doesn't mean you can't keep a gun in your house for self-defense, it only means you can't carry it around. Cheers! M2

Everyone needs raise a glass for ClearedHot, who is celebrating a major milestone in his career today! Those who know him know what I am talking about, and the rest of you will just have to take my word for it; but it is a substantial achievement for any Air Force officer and I can think of no one more worthy than CH! CH, I wish I could have been there to celebrate with you, but my schedule just wouldn’t allow it. But I will toast your accomplishment this evening in line with Air Force traditions! Cheers! M2

This came out today...interesting... Cheers! M2

Port Dog Great to hear! I am a .45 fan, but the 9mm is just as effective of a round; what's most important is shot placement! The great thing about 9mm is it is cheaper than .45, so you can get more range time in! Once you get more comfortable with the weapon, see if your range has practical shooter clubs that will teach you how to handle it during a more dynamic situation. Too many people think they can shoot because they can hit a paper target while standing and aiming; but it is more important to "get off the X" in a threatening situation and learning to shoot on the run will serve you better if you ever need it. As for hand size, I also have small hands for my size but the XD was the best double-stacked semi-auto I found. A single-stack handgun such as the 1911 is easier for me to handle, but the flip side is a much-decreased ammo capacity (7+1 vs 13+1 in my XD45). Plus, "plastic" guns are much easlier to conceal carry, at least for me. Congrats on the purchase! Respect that weapon, treat it well, and it will serve you a lifetime! Cheers! M2

I sure hope that's sarcasm... Cheers! M2

** Thread Revival ** Hacker Did you ever try the ESS ICE sunglasses that were issued to you? If so, any thoughts? I had a set that I liked, and recently picked up a set of the new ICE-2X NAROs at Panzer Barracks in Stuttgart. I like 'em for range glasses, and think the new smaller NAROs might work better under the motorcycle helmet. I've never owned a pair of Oakleys in my life, and would be interested in hearing how they compare. What prompted this thread revival was I saw a nice set of polarized iridium Oakley Whiskers for $205 at La Cantera (a.k.a. San Antonio 90210) but the more I spend on stylish sunglasses, the more likely I am to accidentally smash them to bits. As such, stronger, cheaper sunglasses such as the ESS ICEs are preferred. Cheers! M2

What do you think this is...Iron Eagle??? Cheers! M2

Escuse me while I call you out...just a few posts about the one you just made... You stated... So what was it, you only read the important stuff, or you didn't read any of it and just took the tests? Never mind, I already know the answer; but you've got 2 years to get your shit together. I would start now... Cheers! M2

I'll throw a dime on top of that, Cap-10 nailed it...STFU and take the online training. I know you cadets think you are smarter than the USAF, but even old retired shits like myself who don't even need it are taking the SERE CBT. Why? 'Cause you can never be too smart or too good looking! I know, I've tried both... And you can pat yourselves on the back for figuring ways to get around the training, but what is the real objective here? This isn't the CBT on human trafficking or some other useless subject, as Cap-10 said there is info that you either forgot or never retained in the first place. Take the time to go through this and see if you might make yourself a little smarter (or at least better looking!). Cheers! M2

Listen to Bluto, he's giving some good advice. For more info on the Dragon, go to the Tail of the Dragon web site. It even has a link to the Two Wheels Inn. Have fun; but be careful. The Dragon takes several motorcyclists every year. I see where it took its first on 28 April, a 'Busa rider from Maryland. And if you really want a motorcycle adventure, ride the Alps. Nothing comes close. Cheers! M2

For any and all of your NW carry questions: Concealed Carry.net NM page Cheers! M2

Just a few quick things to always remember... - School first, ROTC second. - The "education" goes far beyond the academics. It is a once-in-the-lifetime experience to go to college. Use the time well. - It all ends if you get bad grades, so unless you want to work at a grocery store for the rest of your life, find a good balance and maintain it. - Chill. Ain't no one shooting at you, so don't stress it. - Don't risk any unprotected sex. Sounds funny, but I've seen several dudes fall because they knocked some chick up. And it usually isn't 'Miss Right,' just 'Miss Right Now.' Paying alimony and child support down the road means you don't get to buy the Jeep you always wanted. Instead you'll end up with a Kia. - Cut your hair and wear decent clothes to the interview. A suit may be too much, even a tie is a little over the top but you can probably get away with it. Just dress nicely (no shorts or jeans, and a collared shirt), shave and have fresh breath. Be friendly and yourself, and don't BS or asskiss. Let them judge you on you, not someone you are not. - Finally, good luck, you can never have enough of it! Cheers! M2

For those who question the use of a shotgun for home defense, get one and go shoot it at 10-15 feet. It is not a blunderbuss, the pattern at that range is very contained, at most 6-8 inches. Plus, shotgun pellets are far less likely to overpenetrate the target like some smaller handgun ammo. Anyone interested in the "truth" behind ammo and penetration needs to visit the Box 'O Truth web site. Great stuff! And here is the section on shotguns...notice that at 12' the spread was only 3.5" with Remington 2 3/4", #4 Buck, 27 pellets. Smaller pellets than 00 Buck, but more of them (27 vs 18 from a 3" 00 Buck shell). And there is more great info on tests with other shotgun shells...and be sure to read the 'Lessons Learned' at the end. I seriously doubt you will engage someone at a distance greater that 10-15 feet, and if you are, then you need to consider an assault rifle like an AK-47 which only sets yourself up for all kinds of legal headaches as if the threat was that far away, why did you really need to engage it in the first place? My Mossberg is 18.5" long, the minimum allowed by law (sawed-off shotguns belong that length are illegal), and with the pistol grip I have the ability to move throughout the house and still keep it pointed in the right direction. Trust me, although I have never had to use it, I have trained and practiced with mine as you should do with any weapon you plan to use for home defense. And you want Buckshot, as Birdshot is not nearly as effective on a human target. And instead of overpenetration, you might want to worry more about underpenetration (no jokes, please) as given the situation you want to be sure that if the bad guy is hiding behind your couch, you can still "reach out and touch him." And before someone suggests one of those "snake guns" revolvers that shoot .410 shot, such as the Taurus Judge; they may be good for snakes and maybe pissing off a human assailant; but unless you are loading it with slugs, it really doesn't make for a good self-defense weapon. Plus, they are huge and not easily concealed. Cheers! M2

There is an old saying that for home defense, a handgun is only to get you to your shotgun! The best thing would be a combination of both, and decent ones can cost you as little as $850 for everything if you shop around. I keep all my handguns locked up in a location very close to where I sleep. I have a number pad combination safe that I can open within seconds even when half asleep (I've done it several times). It is very secure and I don't worry about leaving all my guns loaded in there. My main "go-to" gun is my Springfield Armory XD45ACP, 13+1 rounds and very reliable. One will probably run you about $500-550, but you'll have to shop around. I have a LaserMax "target illuminator" on it but that is an expensive luxury; but it is also my carry weapon so I want it to be highly functional. In the closet I keep a Mossberg Persuader 12-gauge shotgun loaded with 3" magnum 00 buckshot rounds. Mine is the pistol-gripped model, and I keep it with shells loaded in the tube but none in the chamber, and unlocked, on the top shelf of the closet. The wife and kids know where it is and keep away from it, and only the wife also knows how to operate it (load a shell and take the safety off). I have a 120-lumen SureFire 6P flashlight mounted on it to blind the hell outta whoever I am pointing it at. It is the criminals last warning before they get peppered, and if you haven't ever seen what a 3" magnum 00 Buckshot fires, it is 18 pellets that are almost a quarter-inch wide! Anyhow, the Mossy will cost you about $350-400 and again you might be able to find it cheaper if you try. Just some suggestions, hope they help! Cheers! M2