M2

Well, thanks to whoever posted the link...we saw the message but I didn't see these pics... Honestly, they are looking more and more like the Army ACUs that I say we should just wait a couple of years and then start wearing them (teh ACUs) like we did with the BDUs. Seriously, they are a better design and it will make them a lot easier to get as someone will already have paid the design and developmental costs. If we want to be "distintive," then we need to come up with a way to do so with the basic uniform. Why don't we use velcro nametags on the new Army ACUs (they already have velcro on the shoulders) and be smart and wear the shiny pin-on officer rank in garrison (you can remove it if you go out in the field)? That would be a the cheaper solution, and then we could use all the extra money to fix the C-130 wing problems! Shit, too bad I'm not the CSAF! Cheers! M2

PP21 If you wife is disabled/handicapped, then she should be enrolled in EFMP. As such, that will dictate where you can and cannot go for your next assignment. I know, I have a son who is autistic and is EFMP enrolled. It was one of the reasons I wanted to go to San Antonio for my final assignment before I retire, so he could get the help he needed. Here is all the info you need on EFMP. Note enrollement is mandatory and required immediately upon identification of a special need for all active duty service members with family members with special medical and/or educational needs. Also note it considers those needs during the personnel assignment process, pecially when approving family members for accompanied travel to overseas locations. In the Air Force, the Special Needs staff are located in the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) only. The EFMP Re-Assignments Branch is a personnel function. Family Support Center staff provides Family Life Education, Information and Referral and Personal Finance Management services but do not have a designated Coordinator. The Air Force Special Needs Identification and Assignment Coordination (SNIAC) process identifies eligible U.S. Air Force families with special medical and/or education requirements and helps those families obtain required services. This SNIAC process ensures those families have access to necessary services upon reassignment, whether CONUS or OCONUS. The SNIAC process identifies sponsors whose family members have special needs for reassignment purposes. The SNIAC process assists the Military Personnel Flight (MPF) in updating the Assignment Limitation Code Q that is assigned to the sponsor for the purpose of ensuring availability of medical and/or educational services upon PCS. Therefore, SNIAC enrollment is mandatory for active duty sponsors whose family members meet enrollment criteria established by DoD and U.S. Air Force policy. The SNIAC helps families connect with medical and educational programs with the goals of increasing family self-sufficiency and improving family self-advocacy skills. The Air Force Special Needs Coordinator (SNC) and Family Member Relocation Clearance Coordinator (FMRCC) are typically located in the Life Skills Support Center and/or Family Advocacy office at the Medical Treatment Facility (MTF). More info on their web site. Cheers! M2

Concur! Cheers! M2

Yep, you will need your squadron commander's permission, and for the most part it is frowned upon for officers, especially activities such as bartending. How would it look if some of he enlisted folks from yoru base showed up at the bar and you were serving them? If you have that much spare time on your hands, go do some charity work somewhere (church, scouts, etc), that way you are also positively representing the USAF in the community. Sorry for the upcoming war story, but I remember at one base I was at an airman wanted to get a job as a male dancer. Of course the squadron commander didn't automatically deny the guy's request, but made him report to his office so he (the squadron commander) could see what kind of clown would submit such a request in the first place. I remember the commander later saying the guy would starve as a male dancer... Cheers! M2

Chuck Not only do I own the book, but I have the series on DVD as well (check Amazon). Although not 100% historically accurate, it's a great read and even better video. Just the sight and sounds of the Spitfires is worth the money. Great suggestion, it's one of my favorite books. The other is 1000 Destroyed - The Life and Times of the 4th Fighter Group (a.k.a. Death Squadron or Mr. Tettley's Tenants) by Grover C. Hall. I picked it up over 20 years ago at Moron AB in Spain and my copy is starting to fall apart from being read so many times. It's the story of one of the RAF Eagle squadrons that eventually became a US group flying Thunderbolts and then Mustangs. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in WWII flying. Cheers! M2

BlackJetDriver Read that, great book! Cheers! M2

The "don't look like an American" stuff is AFN brainwashing. I know, I have been subject to it for seven out of the past ten years. Most Americans stand out like sore thumbs in Europe, even when they try to blend it. Kinda hard to hide with USAREUR tags or even the ones we have in Belgium (which have blue lettering, and the locals have red). Plus, a Camero or F-150 pick-up isn't a common sight over here, and NASCAR fans are pretty much non-existent. There really isn't a threat over here, so it isn't as necessary as the propaganda would lead you to believe. At most it makes you more likely to be targeted by petty criminals. Believe it or not, for the most part I have found the French to more friendly to me once they find out I am an American, which is odd considering that most Americans wouldn't extend the same to someone they found out was French! I am not saying I like the French, many are idiots and they are conceited as hell, but I have yet to have one become belligerent with when they find out I am an American. Bottom line, don’t worry about it. Common sense will guide you through, just make sure you use it. Cheers! M2

Didn't we just recently discuss this? I'm too lazy to go looking for the thread... Just sold a condo I owned as a lieutenant, made $52K after about 12 years of ownership. Bought a house when we got to San Antonio in 1999. Sold it in 2002 and made $18K. However, you can lose money as easily as you make it. That's the rule with investments. BRAC can hose you big time. OK, got over my laziness. If you are interested in investing, read this thread or this one. Or just go happy witht he 'search' function. Cheers! M2

Click on the link and look under FAQ. Honestly, I get the same effect from a Figlmüller's schnitzel! Just one note, Figlmüller's is a wine stübe, so they don't serve beer. However, there is no shortage of places to have a beer after you eat there... Cheers! M2 [ 06. May 2005, 10:44: Message edited by: MajorMadMax ]

Back that URL up... https://tiltrotormech.com/ ...and they have a forum as well, plus pics, videos, etc. Cheers! M2

Gearpig Well done! Did you make that list up yourself? Cheers! 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