M2

PalmettoGuy You'll have a great time in Vienna, it's a wonderful place but expensive. Get to Figlmüller's (choose 'English' at the right) for some of the best schnitzel you will ever eat.. As for the rest of Europa, don't worry about it. As you'll be with buds, you'll be safe. Just keep your SA and don't go anywhere where it looks like you shouldn't be there. And you can speed on the autobahns, it is still mostly unrestricted (speed wise) but where it does have a speed limit be sure to stay within 10 KPH of it. As for "getting serious" with the local babes, how serious can you get in a month? Even if you meet the woman of your dreams, you can fill out paperwork and still get a clearance. However, do be very careful when driving, some countries such as Belgium (where I am) have strange laws that could cause you problems. The one here that causes the most accidents is the 'yield to the right' law, where priority must be given to traffic coming from your right. Most countries have the same law, but usually mark the priority roads as having hte right-of-way. The problem here is that it applies everywhere, and some people will blindly pull a right turn at an intersection and if you are to their left and cause an accident, it's your fault. As for absinth, you are better off just sticking with beer. One of the main herbs in legitimate Absinthe is wormwood and its derivative essence thujone. Thujone is classified as a convulsant poison, having a similar structure as THC, the active chemical in cannabis. Both thujone and THC. are terpenoids and have a similar molecular geometry and similar functional groups available for metabolism. Despite the fact that thujone is classified as a convulsant poison, many doctors and scientists consider thujone to be a powerful drug, and psychoactive in relatively low dosages. However, little is known about whether or not it causes cumulative damage to the nervous system. Like I said, beer is a better option. It is great and it won't cause you to bust a piss test when you get home. Don't chance it. If you have any other questions, fire away. I've been stationed in Europe for seven of the past ten years, and grew up here as a kid. Cheers! M2

I just finished reading Charlie Wilson's War, about the Texas Congressman and his efforts to support the Muj during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan (it's a great book if you are interested in the subject), and it got me to thinking that we could get a thread going on some recommended books. I know we've touched on this before, I just want to revive the topic. I just got my paperback copy of Tommy Frank's American Soldier and can't wait to start that, but I am also trying to finish Tom Clancy's Shadow Warriors--Inside the Special Forces (great insight into the development of US SF during VietNam, many of the lessons learned there parallel today's challenges in Iraq and, to a lesser degree, Afghanistan) as well as get started on Robin Moore's The Hunt For Bin Laden--Task Force Dagger, which interestingly enough has a picture of Jack Idema on the cover. Anyone else? Cheers! M2

As a favor to everybody else, could we exchange all these witty insults via PMs or emails, instead of posting on this forum? Honestly, it really isn't doing anyone any good... Thanks! M2

Our BX has it, but you can also try Ranger Joe's (turn your speakers down, otherwise the "HUA" gets annoying) or Brigade Quartermasters. I like both the compression and HeatGear shorts, I wear them under my uniform and when I run; but find the HeatGear t-shirts too cool for subterranean life... However, I did buy several for my next assignment in San Antonio. Cheers! M²

Harabek Do us all a favor and go join the Marines...it sounds like you already have the attitude, and with it the USAF doesn't want you back. I have great respect for the Corps, we have a lot of Marines here at SHAPE (to include the former Commandant, Gen Jones) and I find them to be impressive officers and NCOs. But they are a completely different breed of cat compared to the USAF. I'm sorry to hear you had a bad experience in the Air Force, I have also met a lot of assholes in my 24 years of enlisted/Reserve/AFROTC and commissioned time, but for the most part I have enjoyed the experience and would strongly advocate it to most people. However, based on your comments, you aren't one of them. Goodbye and good luck! Cheers! M2

pcola stud I think they should be, but I can't check until I get to work. I have an Army Achievement Medal from working an exercise with them years ago, I am pretty sure (about 99.9%) it is in vMPF. All you would have to do is take your DD214 and copies of your decorations and orders down to your MPF to update your records. Or, if you are ever in San Antonio, see my above post. Cheers! M2

One of the few good things about a joint job is that you get jokes from the other services. I received this today and thought it was pretty funny... Cheers! M2 Dear Shipmates: It has been brought to the Wardroom's attention that some individuals throughout the ship have been using foul language during the course of normal conversation with their shipmates. Due to complaints received from some sailors who may be easily offended, this type of language will no longer be tolerated. We do, however, realize the critical importance of being able to accurately express your feelings when communicating with shipmates. Therefore, a list of 18 new and innovative "TRY SAYING" phrases have been provided so that proper exchange of ideas and information can continue in an effective manner. 1) TRY SAYING: I think you could use more training. INSTEAD OF: You don't know what the f___ you're doing. 2) TRY SAYING: She's an aggressive go-getter. INSTEAD OF: She's a f___ing *****. 3) TRY SAYING: Perhaps I can work late. INSTEAD OF: And when the f___ do you expect me to do this? 4) TRY SAYING: I'm certain that isn't feasible. INSTEAD OF: No f___ing way. 5) TRY SAYING: Really? INSTEAD OF: You've got to be sh___ing me! 6) TRY SAYING: Perhaps you should check with... INSTEAD OF: Tell someone who gives a sh__. 7) TRY SAYING: I wasn't involved in the project. INSTEAD OF: It's not my f___ing problem. 8) TRY SAYING: That's interesting. INSTEAD OF: What the f___? 9) TRY SAYING: I'm not sure this can be implemented. INSTEAD OF: this sh__ won't work. 10) TRY SAYING: I'll try to schedule that. INSTEAD OF: Why the f___ didn't you tell me sooner? 11 ) TRY SAYING: He's not familiar with the issues. INSTEAD OF: He's got his head up his a__. 12) TRY SAYING: Excuse me, sir? INSTEAD OF: Eat sh__ and die. 13) TRY SAYING: So you weren't happy with it? INSTEAD OF: Kiss my a__. 14) TRY SAYING: I'm a bit overloaded at the moment. INSTEAD OF: F__ it, I'm still going to get paid. 15) TRY SAYING: I don't think you understand. INSTEAD OF: Shove it up your a__. 16) TRY SAYING: I love a challenge. INSTEAD OF: This f___ing ship sucks. 17) TRY SAYING: You want me to take care of that? INSTEAD OF: Who the f___ died and made you Chief? 18) TRY SAYING: He's somewhat insensitive. INSTEAD OF: He's a f__king, c__k-sucker . Thank You, The Wardroom

What?!

I met Wuerffel's uncle, who was a staff chaplain when I was in Texas. A real nice guy. Yep, I am a Gator, it was a great school and I have fond memories of my time there. I have buds who went to both FSU and UM, so even though I give them good-natured ribbing (sts), at least they aren't Zoomies! We are placing high hopes on Urban Meyer, hopefully we'll get back to winning games more often than losing them! Cheers! M2

Try Tongue and Quill (AFH 33-337), you can download it here. Cheers! M2

I think he means the rumor promotions aren't as prevalent in AFSOC... The USAF considers you for promotion by AFSC and basically by what you have accomplished during your career and your potential (I know, I am simplifying this but I don’t want to get into a long, detailed discussion on the issue). Considering AFSOC’s OPSTEMPO, being in Spec Ops could be helpful and a hindrance. For one, PME might be a problem unless you get a residence course like ClearedHot. If you have to complete it by correspondence it might be tougher. Same goes for a grad degree, and despite what the USAF is saying that is still a weighty factor in promotion. I seriously doubt a senior rater will not use it as a discriminating factor for promotion to lieutenant colonel, if not major. It all depends on the senior rater. But, on the other hand, that same OPSTEMPO will get you the kind of experience the USAF likes to see. Right now Spec Ops plays a major role in the combat portion of OEF (again, I am not trying to diminish anyone else’s role, I am just sticking to AFSOC), that’s worth a lot of “promotion points.” Now, there may be a problem of guys getting into AFSOC and not wanting to leave, which can have a detrimental effect on your career. As much as we all hate it, staff jobs and “broadening tours” are part of the career process. You can forgo those to an extent, but your advancement may suffer because of it. But shit, if you enjoy what you are doing and would rather do that then sit in an office typing BS on a computer all day, like some of us do :( , then go with what your gut tells you and push hard for that AFSOC assignment. If I were a young lad it would certainly be high on my list. Just my €0.02 and the ramblings of an old fart. I am sure CH or some other old AFSOCers will roll in on this one to give you the true gouge... Cheers! M²

Dirt Try the main page that Rotorhead referenced (Scott's USAF Installation page) and you should be able to find all the info you need. Otherwise, I would recommend going to the web site of a specific base and seeing if they have a link to the base's history, or try Global Security for some of the history. I know some, such as Langley and Bolling, are quite old. However, why they are in their specific location is usually due to a variety of reasons. I don't think there is specific rhyme nor reason as to their locations, at least not that I know of... A long time ago I heard a rumor that RAF bases were named after the closest train station, but that turned out not to be an all-encompassing rule. Cheers! M2

OK, I won't say anything then... Cheers! M2

Toro pretty much answered all your questions, I had a saber guard at my wedding but it was all my USAF buds. We purposely had one bud, a female, at the end of the line so she could swat me in the butt with the saber (it is tradition for the last guy in the saber detail to swat the butt of the bride, but to make it fair I got swatted as well!). Best you talk with your bud about the uniform, as like Toro I have never been to a formal wedding that wasn't mess dress for military personnel. Now, a justice of the peace wedding might be in service dress (a.k.a. Class A's for the Army types), but if he is going to have a saber guard it is pretty much a formal wedding! Lastly, as for the sabers don't worry too much about it, just go with what they can get their hands on (saber-wise, that is) as you will only be wearing it at the end of the wedding, once the nuptials are all done and the groom kisses the bride and all that jazz. That is the saber team's cue to get geared up and formed up outside of the church. Just try to look and act as a team, and you'll be fine. Seriously, even if you hose it up, what's anyone going to do, give you a LOR or something? This isn't a Gold Bond Powder video we're talking about here! And one last last, enjoy the day, at least you're not the one getting married! :eek: Cheers! M2

Look at or download (right click on and 'save as') this file - The Military wedding. It's USAF specific but it should answer your questions. Also, next time try Google. Armed with Knowledge Cheers! M2

Operation Bolo: 2 January 1967 By late 1966, U.S. losses over North Vietnam (to both MiGs and SAMs) were mounting. Colonel Robin Olds of the 8th TFW worked up a plan to decoy the PAVNAF (People's Army of Vietnam North Air Force), setting up Phantoms to electronically resemble Thuds on a bombing mission. http://www.afa.org/magazine/Nov1998/1198mig.asp Met Olds in C. Springs many moons ago, he got rid of the handlebar mustache. Apparantly the CSAF told him it had to go... Cheers! M2

Air Force Personnel Center News Service April 8, 2005 Release No. 031 Air Force announces Thrift Savings Plan open season RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Civilian and military employees can sign up for, or change, their Thrift Savings Plan contribution amounts during the "open season" April 15 - June 30. "TSP is a long-term retirement savings plan, which everyone should consider," said Ms. Jackie Holland, task manager at the Air Force Personnel Contact Center here. "It's a great supplement to military and civilian retirement plans. "It's also important to note that TSP is not limited to investing in stocks," said Ms. Holland. "People can choose safer government securities as well." This open season applies only to regular TSP contributions. It does not include TSP catch-up contributions, as they are not tied to open seasons, according to Janet Thomas, of AFPC's civilian benefits and entitlements service team. TSP offers investors the chance for lower taxes each year they contribute while not having to pay taxes on earnings until they reach retirement. "Eligible employees can take out loans and make in-service withdrawals from their TSP accounts," said Ms. Thomas. "And you can keep your account, even if you leave military or federal civilian service." Investment money is deposited directly from each paycheck "so you never have to think about it," said Ms. Holland. "That makes it easy to 'pay yourself first' while only investing what you deem appropriate." The five TSP funds are: the Government Securities Investment (G) Fund; the Common Stock Index Investment © Fund; the Fixed Income Index Investment (F) Fund; the Small Capitalization Stock Index Investment (S) Fund; and the International Stock Index Investment (I) Fund. TSP also hopes to make "Lifecycle" funds available mid-2005. Lifecycle funds are 'target asset allocation portfolios' that will hold a mix of the five funds currently available. The mix of funds is chosen based on the date the employee expects to need money for retirement. The Thrift Board is still working out the details. In the meantime, a series of questions and answers on the lifecycle funds can be found on the TSP Web site at: http://www.tsp.gov/curinfo/specint/LFC-Qs&As.html Additional publicity will be issued when final details become available. "As with any individual retirement account, the sooner you begin contributing, the better," said Ms. Thomas. Contribution elections and/or changes made between April 15 and June 11 will take effect June12, for both military and civilian personnel. Changes made on or after June 12 will become effective at the beginning of the pay period following the one in which the election is made for civilians and the following month for military. Public Law 108-469, signed into law Dec. 21, 2004, will eliminate TSP open seasons. The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board is implementing this law effective July 1, 2005. As a result, beginning July 1, civilian employees and military members may start, change, stop, or resume contributions at any time. For civilians the elections will be effective at the beginning of the pay period following the one in which submitted, and for military members elections will be effective the following month. Some of the specifics of the program include: Military -- Military members can contribute up to 10 percent of their base pay, as long as the annual total of tax-deferred investment doesn't exceed $14,000 for 2005. Airmen also have the ability to invest all or part of their bonuses or special pay. -- Those serving in tax-free combat zones are allowed up to $42,000 in annual contributions. -- Military members can enroll through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service web site at http://www.dfas.mil/emss/ They can also enroll by filling out a form TSP-U-1 at local military personnel flights, finance offices and family support centers. -- Contribution allocations (how an employee chooses to invest money among the five funds) can be made by calling the TSP automated ThriftLine (877) 968-3778 for members in the 50 States, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and Canada, or (504) 255-8777 for members elsewhere, or on the TSP web site at http://www.tsp.gov/ For general TSP questions, call the Air Force Personnel Contact Center at (800) 616-3775. -- Specific TSP information is available for Air Force military personnel at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/mpf/TSP/th...avings_plan.htm Civilian Contribution limits are based on which retirement system an employee has. For the current open season, the following contribution rates apply: -- Federal Employees' Retirement System employees may contribute up to 15 percent of basic pay each pay period. Once eligible, the government provides matching funds of up to four percent as well as an automatic one percent each pay period, whether the employee contributes or not, making the government's contribution five percent. -- Employees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System may contribute up to 10 percent of basic pay, but do not receive any agency contributions. -- Beginning in December 2005, there will no longer be percentage limits on how much FERS and CSRS employees may contribute each year. Contributions will be restricted only by the Internal Revenue Code's annual limit, which is $15,000 for 2006. -- Specific information is available for civilian employees from the Thrift Savings Plan web site at http://www.tsp.gov/ and the BEST homepage at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/dpc/BEST/menu.htm -- All Air Force-serviced civilian employees will make their TSP contribution elections or changes electronically through the Web-based Employee Benefits Information System at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/dpc/BEST_GRB/EBIS.htm or through the BEST automated phone system at (800) 616-3775. Hearing impaired employees may contact BEST by calling TDD (800) 382-0893 or commercial 565-2276 within San Antonio, Texas. Overseas employees will dial the AT&T Direct Access Number for the country they are calling from and then enter (800) 616-3775. AT&T Direct Access Numbers can be obtained from access instructions can be obtained from http://www.business.att.com/bt/dial_guide.jsp Counselors are available weekdays from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Central Time. -- Contribution allocations (how an employee chooses to invest their money among the five funds) are made via the "Account Access" section of the TSP website http://www.tsp.gov , or by calling the ThriftLine (1-877- 968-3778 for employees in the 50 States, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and Canada; 1-504-255-8777 for employees elsewhere). More information about the Thrift Savings Plan can be found in the booklet "Summary of the Thrift Savings Plan" on the TSP home page under civilian or uniformed services TSP Forms and Publications. Cheers! M2

Air Force Personnel Center News Service April 8, 2005 Release No. 031 Air Force announces Thrift Savings Plan open season RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Civilian and military employees can sign up for, or change, their Thrift Savings Plan contribution amounts during the "open season" April 15 - June 30. "TSP is a long-term retirement savings plan, which everyone should consider," said Ms. Jackie Holland, task manager at the Air Force Personnel Contact Center here. "It's a great supplement to military and civilian retirement plans. "It's also important to note that TSP is not limited to investing in stocks," said Ms. Holland. "People can choose safer government securities as well." This open season applies only to regular TSP contributions. It does not include TSP catch-up contributions, as they are not tied to open seasons, according to Janet Thomas, of AFPC's civilian benefits and entitlements service team. TSP offers investors the chance for lower taxes each year they contribute while not having to pay taxes on earnings until they reach retirement. "Eligible employees can take out loans and make in-service withdrawals from their TSP accounts," said Ms. Thomas. "And you can keep your account, even if you leave military or federal civilian service." Investment money is deposited directly from each paycheck "so you never have to think about it," said Ms. Holland. "That makes it easy to 'pay yourself first' while only investing what you deem appropriate." The five TSP funds are: the Government Securities Investment (G) Fund; the Common Stock Index Investment © Fund; the Fixed Income Index Investment (F) Fund; the Small Capitalization Stock Index Investment (S) Fund; and the International Stock Index Investment (I) Fund. TSP also hopes to make "Lifecycle" funds available mid-2005. Lifecycle funds are 'target asset allocation portfolios' that will hold a mix of the five funds currently available. The mix of funds is chosen based on the date the employee expects to need money for retirement. The Thrift Board is still working out the details. In the meantime, a series of questions and answers on the lifecycle funds can be found on the TSP Web site at: http://www.tsp.gov/curinfo/specint/LFC-Qs&As.html Additional publicity will be issued when final details become available. "As with any individual retirement account, the sooner you begin contributing, the better," said Ms. Thomas. Contribution elections and/or changes made between April 15 and June 11 will take effect June12, for both military and civilian personnel. Changes made on or after June 12 will become effective at the beginning of the pay period following the one in which the election is made for civilians and the following month for military. Public Law 108-469, signed into law Dec. 21, 2004, will eliminate TSP open seasons. The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board is implementing this law effective July 1, 2005. As a result, beginning July 1, civilian employees and military members may start, change, stop, or resume contributions at any time. For civilians the elections will be effective at the beginning of the pay period following the one in which submitted, and for military members elections will be effective the following month. Some of the specifics of the program include: Military -- Military members can contribute up to 10 percent of their base pay, as long as the annual total of tax-deferred investment doesn't exceed $14,000 for 2005. Airmen also have the ability to invest all or part of their bonuses or special pay. -- Those serving in tax-free combat zones are allowed up to $42,000 in annual contributions. -- Military members can enroll through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service web site at http://www.dfas.mil/emss/ They can also enroll by filling out a form TSP-U-1 at local military personnel flights, finance offices and family support centers. -- Contribution allocations (how an employee chooses to invest money among the five funds) can be made by calling the TSP automated ThriftLine (877) 968-3778 for members in the 50 States, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and Canada, or (504) 255-8777 for members elsewhere, or on the TSP web site at http://www.tsp.gov/ For general TSP questions, call the Air Force Personnel Contact Center at (800) 616-3775. -- Specific TSP information is available for Air Force military personnel at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/mpf/TSP/th...avings_plan.htm Civilian Contribution limits are based on which retirement system an employee has. For the current open season, the following contribution rates apply: -- Federal Employees' Retirement System employees may contribute up to 15 percent of basic pay each pay period. Once eligible, the government provides matching funds of up to four percent as well as an automatic one percent each pay period, whether the employee contributes or not, making the government's contribution five percent. -- Employees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System may contribute up to 10 percent of basic pay, but do not receive any agency contributions. -- Beginning in December 2005, there will no longer be percentage limits on how much FERS and CSRS employees may contribute each year. Contributions will be restricted only by the Internal Revenue Code's annual limit, which is $15,000 for 2006. -- Specific information is available for civilian employees from the Thrift Savings Plan web site at http://www.tsp.gov/ and the BEST homepage at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/dpc/BEST/menu.htm -- All Air Force-serviced civilian employees will make their TSP contribution elections or changes electronically through the Web-based Employee Benefits Information System at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/dpc/BEST_GRB/EBIS.htm or through the BEST automated phone system at (800) 616-3775. Hearing impaired employees may contact BEST by calling TDD (800) 382-0893 or commercial 565-2276 within San Antonio, Texas. Overseas employees will dial the AT&T Direct Access Number for the country they are calling from and then enter (800) 616-3775. AT&T Direct Access Numbers can be obtained from access instructions can be obtained from http://www.business.att.com/bt/dial_guide.jsp Counselors are available weekdays from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Central Time. -- Contribution allocations (how an employee chooses to invest their money among the five funds) are made via the "Account Access" section of the TSP website http://www.tsp.gov , or by calling the ThriftLine (1-877- 968-3778 for employees in the 50 States, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and Canada; 1-504-255-8777 for employees elsewhere). More information about the Thrift Savings Plan can be found in the booklet "Summary of the Thrift Savings Plan" on the TSP home page under civilian or uniformed services TSP Forms and Publications. Cheers! M2

Just to piss in the Wheaties a bit, and nothing personal here, but SPACECOM probably had more of a dog somewhere in the big GWOT scheme of things than AETC (to include the USAFA and AFROTC). And as I watch the US Army specialist in my office get his 13th or 14th AAM (I lost count), it's kinda tough to MF the USAF about having too many doodads on our uniforms. So who really gives a flying **** if the powers that be want to raise the morale of 85% of the military by giving out another $7.50 worth of worthless ribbon and metal? Just slap the SOB on your mess dress and the next time you are smoking a cigar at a dining out or AF Birthday Ball make jokes about it. If they embarass you that much, go out and earn some real ones... Cheers! M2

Another thing to mention for future reference, when you PCS be sure to hang on to your personal records/files if you are contemplating buying a house at your next assignment. I didn't do so when we left Germany in 1999 and bought our house in San Antonio (in my defense I hadn't planned on buying a house), and the asspain was tenfold. I recently bought some Tupperware file holders and transferred all my files from my metal file cabinet to them, and will probably put them in my hold baggage. Just something to remember down the road... Cheers! M2

Agree with Toro, you should wait until your first duty station. One year isn't enough to break even on real estate, and if you turn it into a rental property you will always have one-year tenants (UPT studs). Think about it, would you want renters like yourself?? Seriously, for that first year it is better to get yourself a low-mainteance apartment. Cheers! M2

Dactyl If you are ever in San Antonio, USAA has a large complex that covers both the insurance and banking sides of their operations. The also have major offices in Phoenix, C. Springs, Norfolk, Sacramento and Tampa. Contact info can be found here. Cheers! M2

Sorry, I missed the second part of your question. See the other thread from a few weeks ago titled 'Retirement'. Bottom line, no, you don't get any retirement benefits until you have completed 20 years, unless you are medically retired for some reason... Cheers! M2

Jeez, did you completely miss the recent thread titled 'Money'?? :confused: Cheers! M2

Pogo No physical differences in the jet, just the mission. An OA-10 is an airborne FAC with a different weapons load. There are some who think the OA-10 designation came about during Cheney's axing of single mission tactical USAF aircraft post-DESERT STORM. Adding the observation mission made the Hawg a dual-role a/c, see? Funding was also an issue, but that gets too complex. Bottom line, it is the same aircraft. A Hawg can fly an OA-10 mission in the morning and an A-10 mission in the afternoon... Cheers! M2 [ 07. April 2005, 11:54: Message edited by: MajorMadMax ]