ClearedHot

Meh...you are dodging the issue or maybe you didn't watch what happened? Of course we want the FBI chasing these idiots back to their caves, but we are still a country of law and some VERY shady shit happened. "How many FBI agents or confidential informants actively participated in the events of Jan. 6?" Cruz asked. Sanborn said in response that she could not discuss "the specifics of sources and methods" of the FBI. Ok, valid discussing sources and methods is something we have to protect, although I don't think it was a big secret that the FBI had people in the crowd. HOWEVER: Cruz then broadened his question by asking if any FBI agents or confidential informants actively participated in the riot. "Sir, I can’t answer that" Seriously?!?!?! You think this is a source and method? Cruz then asked if any agents or confidential informants committed crimes of violence on Jan. 6. When he received the same answer, he asked if any agents or confidential informants "actively encouraged" crimes of violence on Jan. 6. "Sir, I can’t answer that." Come on brother, you have to know this is wrong. I am really curious to hear how you think the is a legal method that needs to be protected?

Concur - Leading a crew of 13 across the ocean to employ in dynamic CAS fights inside 25 meters while dodging AAA, MANPADS and avoiding clueless chodes in the stack is WAY different than flying around as Blue 4 making "Twoop", "Bingo", "Leads on Fire" and I'll take the fat one" calls.

He had no choice. I wonder which IG is doing the investigation, the statement made it sound like he directed the IG investigation which keeps it internal to AFSOC and thus his control. Since the accusations surround a sitting three star this should go straight to the AF/IG. Finally, not sure I would classify him as a 40 pound brain. Smart?...At times. Socially awkward...ALWAYS. A political chub gobbler...usually. But definitely not the Smartest guy in the room.

You shouldn't be crucified, but how do you know there isn't more proof? In my very limited experience with AFSOC there is usually at least some truth in frustrated letters like this. I would be willing to bet email or other evidence was provided that is still being held back. The response form the AFSOC/CC is VERY telling...yeah we get it, there is context, but there is no denial of the facts. Again, no denial of the facts. Sadly, this narrative jives with a lot of other things leaking out of AFSOC/HQ. Why did so many senior AFSOC officers leave rather than serve under him? Why did both folks slated to fleet up to WING/CC punch at the same rather than serve under this guy? Why is he pushing the most caustic human ever to wear the uniform to replace him? Did he really classify the entire gunship community as killers without conscious who enjoy killing...and thus they need down time to reflect on themselves? I, like you, know and respect some of the people named. However, if any of the alleged facts related to them is true...there is some serious splainin to do. Seriously, if she was truly offered a Tier 1 position if she would stay, does that pass any sniff test other than a woke agenda? I am sick to my stomach hoping that part is wrong.

The dude that helped invented MRNA Vaccine technology or at least had a lot to do with it), explains the lunacy of what has happened. Big Tech is the devil and there is some serious bullshit taking place with our "masters". https://rumble.com/vrtdku-joe-rogan-jre-1757-robert-malone-covid.html?fbclid=IwAR1uDDwIB0fxwOTjmTDmevf2vYWK2r9KXaChtkQaclnK9JLl26z1g8CpcpA

Sadly, it is only going to get worse.

Just close all the bar so no one will be offended...problem solved.

Whats you address again?

Nothing now, it all fell in the ocean, from my boat, that I don't own.

How much is "deep"? I thought I was a bit overboard with 10,000 .22, 4000 .45, 5000 9MM and 10,000 .223 until I discovered a friend who purchased 100,000 .223 just as the Pandemic was starting. I am a much better shot than him so I guess I always have a back up stash if things go way south. 🙂

I'll give you a slightly different take. Is he a douche, yes. Were the people that shouted things at Trump in official settings douches, yes. Was Rep Joe Wilson a douche when he shouted at Obama during the State of The Union, yes. However, there is an underlying principle of the Constitution that separates us from every other country, the First Amendment. Events like these rub against common courtesy and decency, they can be sicking to hear, and they often make people like me mad, but they are absolutely protected free speech and we should embrace that no matter much we dislike it. Think about it, in other countries you would be sent to the Gulag, poisoned, or simply disappear. The First Amendment is powerful, and first for a reason. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Our country is very divided at the moment, but not as divided as we have been in the past when politicians used to duel or the ultimate disagreement when we found a civil war and killed 2.5% of the American population. Free speech isn't free only when you agree with what the other person is saying...tolerance is a tough pill to swallow at times, but it is a necessity in our system and it may be the tool that brings us back together, or close enough we can get things done in the middle. Brother I feel your anger, I've been upset when people say things that I think are moronic on this forum. I've lost my temper and replied in anger, but at the end of the day I circle back to everyone in this country having the right to believe what they want. Your statement above is the best approach to dealing with such douches, but remember, in this great country they do have the right to be a douche. Just my .02

So much nonsense with this post. First, by nature of being office people are going to say some nasty things about you, par for the course. I think the issue many had was just how far the negative stuff against Trump went. I know some horrible things were said about Obama but I don't recall any pictures of famous people holding his severed head. Regardless, when did the mods stop people from saying negative things about Trump? Second, warning military members is completely valid. Volunteering to serve means you surrender some of you basic rights as an American including parts of the 1st Amendment. The perceived anonymity of the internet some times causes people to skirt the line and thus the legality of their service. Third, and most importantly, a large portion of the mods are no longer in the service and have the full protection of the Constitution to say things like F*** Joe Biden. Trump is a horrible human but in my opinion as a President he did a FAR better job than Biden. He endured a full onslaught form the mainstream media, the same media that is holding up this empty meatbag of President Brandon.

Jill Biden has to know but she denied he is mentally deficient in her riveting CBS interview. They are holding this guy up with puppet strings. Absolute confusion on his face. Father uses vulgar insult during holiday call with President Joe Biden "Biden responded by repeating the phrase. "Let's go, Brandon," he said. "I agree."

What's wrong with that? v/r Clearedhot, Col, USAF (Ret) ( • )( • )

How many gunner tailbones got bruised int he old days...those floor seats...

Very odd.

That's it, not exactly the picture I am looking for though. I was there when it was installed the first time! As I recall it had a landing gear and the wingtip light worked.

When I went through UPT 100 years ago there was a T-38 wing mounted to the wall int he O-Club as a table. Is it still there? Anyone mind sending me a few pictures if it is? Trying to upgrade my mancave/hangar.

It can be used in a negative/humorous manner.... MANY years ago (before facetime and email), we were moving a couple Gunpigs around theater on a long deployment. We had a new guy on his first deployment and when we explained the set up he asked if he could call his wife. On the spare radio we briefed the other airplane, entered a fake frequency and the new guy went to work. The other airplane flawlessly pretended to be the MARS operator and added some appropriate sound effects. "Standby for your party, over", new guy thought his wife would answer and the sound of a dude threw him off. "Where is Rachael over?" "She is not here man, she doesn't want to want to talk to you, she is with me now - OVER." New guy melted down, I felt bad for him, even after they told him he had a hard time recovering. They finally got an actual phone patch to his wife and he recovered.

Steve - others have covered it well, but a bit more color. 100 years ago when I flew T-38's we would do a rudder effectiveness demonstration in the landing configuration. At altitude we would slow and configure the jet. As you got closer to touch down speed the IP would have the student move the stick form side to side, the jet was absolute mush and would barely roll. Next the IP would have the student rapidly apply full rudder, often you would find yourself hanging upside down in the straps. The change in pitch sensitivity Wheels mentioned along with the change in rudder effectiveness make for a different jet, especially when flying in close proximity to another aircraft and near the ground.

Before I give COAs (and not sure there are any good ones at this point), I have to wax philosophic for a moment. One of our biggest faults as Americans and with our foreign policy is our attention span. Unlike our adversaries we suffer from ADHD and Alzheimer’s, we quickly lose focus and absolutely refuse to play long ball. We have the world's most powerful and capable military but we want quick victories with few casualties so we can get home as and back to Facebook/Twitter. We constantly change our goals, shift our expectations and completely revamp our strategy as often as we change a roll of toilet paper. Our adversaries may adjust their approach for the current environment but ultimately, they play chess while we play checkers. China wants Taiwan and has been steadily marching towards that goal since they lost it shortly after WW II. Scholars have openly noted they were employing a 100-year strategy towards reunification. Our tragic flaw has manifest in every conflict since WW II. How many times did we change our Afghanistan strategy (if we ever had one), finally signally to the Taliban (and every other threat), if you wait, we will tire and go home. I think my theory is easily proven when looking at the situation with Ukraine. When the former Soviet Union collapsed and the wall fell, we went to great lengths to sway Ukraine in hopes they would lean to the west. At the time they had a significant stockpile of nuclear weapons which WE convinced them to destroy in return for a paper promise that we would provide security. While we did not offer full-fledged NATO membership, we certainly led them to believe we would be there when they needed us. Flash forward to 2014 when Russia invaded the Crimea and what did we do? Barack Obama suggested that defending Ukraine against Russia wasn’t a core U.S. national-security concern…sorry you gave up your nukes, you are on your own. Obama and his minions finally provided aid, but it was all humanitarian. In total since 2014 we have provided $1.6B in aide but we have mostly stood by and watched them struggle. That strategy came to full fruition in 2017 when Ukraine was forces to sign the annexation of the Crimea to Russia. The Trump administration did change the game in some regards when they agreed to give Ukraine lethal “defensive aide.” Philosophically I wonder, would Ukraine still have the Crimea if Ukraine still had their nukes? Putin immediately tested Biden when he took office, the buildup of troops and equipment along the border has taken time. The fiasco in Afghanistan sent a very clear commitment about our resolve. If Putin does move against Ukraine, you can bet your paycheck that will signal China to speed the clock against Taiwan. As far as COAs, there are only a few and the only palatable one I can see would be to act now at N minus to bolster Ukraine and deter Putin. It is one thing to give Ukraine more lethal aide, it is another to place U.S. forces in Ukraine. Perhaps a game of chicken but it would drastically complicate Putin’s calculus. Barring that COA we will likely melt like butter and Russia will steamroll Ukraine.