HuggyU2

Unconfirmed word is that it was the skipper: CDR “Tess” Stickles.

I'm sure there are things you will stand for on principle... and that others may not understand.

Maybe so. But Beale does.

AZWildcat, For solo flight, will they not allow you to just carry bare-bones paper pubs for backup?

Almost exactly what I was going to post.

And you have a problem with old people coming back, Junior? Show a little respect for your elders. And get off my lawn. Ram!! Get me an Ensure! And give me your lunch money.

Good question. Hmmm... I got mine years ago... sent it to Turkey with an MC-130 friend, who got the usual mods done... and have never worn it one day the entire time I've had it. I'll keep it, though. Maybe I'll get a custom paint job on the back, and start wearing it when I fly WWII taildraggers.

This really sucks to be one of them. https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/man-woman-caught-having-sex-on-flight-to-detroit-after-meeting-on-plane

You are wise beyond your years.

2024... at least. USecAF_VCSAF_HAT_Rescission_Memo_19-Oct-17.pdf

Havasu AirFest is this Saturday. If you're in Vegas and want a change of pace, drive down and join us. Weather should be perfect.

Yes, I'm aware that is the reason. However, I can think of a few ways to get the specific info out without putting the person making the post at risk. It isn't that difficult.

Who is "we"? Is there a need to protect which Ops Group Commander this is? If more posts like this would put a commander's name to the incident, it might be helpful.

Fair enough. Thanks for the reply. The reason I got zero reply, however, is that the decision was made, and will have to trickle down. In this day or immediate internet rumors and leaks, DoD and the AF simply cannot work this type of issue quietly, and have the sub-organizations make the necessary arrangements before it is announced. So instead, they must announce it, and then create the action plan. Nothing "involuntary" will happen on this recall unless something drastic happens... like North Korea going kinetic. As for a voluntary program, it will have no success with retirees unless DoD is willing to allow retirees to keep their retirements during the recall period. That retirement was earned, that deal is done, playbook closed... start a new contract. Almost every retiree pilot I know personally is doing quite well. Some are DoD contractors, entrepreneurs, flying for other gov't agencies, corporate pilots, charter pilots, high-end computer/tech guys, Wall Street financial folks, consultants, etc... Not all are airline pilots. But every single one of them would be taking a SIGNIFICANT pay cut to come back if their retirement pay was removed from the compensation equation. Even WITH the retirement pay staying, it is a financial loss for most, as well as fraught with the other hardships all of you are familiar with. Will the program get retirees back if they can incentivize it financially? I have no idea. But if DoD/AF won't ensure that the financial hit is minimized, a voluntary recall will not attract retirees that have been out more than 12 months.

As a retiree who came back in 2010, I have to ask: "why not?" Do you believe we are too old to do the mission? When I was stationed in England (yes... I wore a SAC patch then), the RAF base near us had two pilot retire the same day: one had 38 years of RAF service, and the other had 37. They flew nearly their entire career. While the retiree program may not work well in the some squadrons or cultures in the USAF, don't let your bias extend everywhere.

Out of curiosity, I called the AFPC 800 number and asked them about the program. After the 18 minute hold time, the person that answered had no clue what I was talking about, and thought I was referring to the program to bring back 25 officers. I was transferred to a rated recall office somewhere else in the building, but the SME was gone already (1532L in San Antonio).

Haha... you guys crack me up. A big thanks to those that generously responded. It is a big help. Funny how much briefing skills can atrophy when you don't use them much for 3 years.

Side note: I knew Boots from the airshow circuit. Made Captain... but got fired around 3-4 years ago while commander of NAF El Centro. In any case, don't ask him. He didn't like discussing the shootdown. As an additional curious side note, my tablemate from UPT was the guy that flew cover over Boots and engaged the enemy. He earned the Air Force Cross doing it. Well deserved for a very good guy.

Not in the U-2. A few seconds past break release, you go, unless the Cuisinart stops blending completely. I'm go-oriented in the T-38. My technique for T-38 ops used to be abort if you were below bug speed. Then it was abort if below 100 KIAS. Then it was abort if the burners hadn't lit Then it was abort if the engines won't start. Much easier decision since you're going so slow.

I'd like a template of a lineup card for formation flying. Something from the T-38 or T-6 is probably the best for what I need, but I'll take anything. I'd rather not reinvent the wheel. It needs to be editable. PM me for an email address to send it. Thank you.

I hold no animosity toward you. I simply disagree with you on this issue. Yes, I've drank with you, and I've fully supported your pursuits. I wouldnt have if I didn't respect your viewpoints. You are well-read individual, with a wickedly sharp intellect. I would lose to you in a formal debate. I thoroughly enjoyed the thought provoking discussions we had in the 'Stan. I didn't agree with all you stated, but you do give compelling arguments that must be contemplated Additionally, I apologize for grouping you with Vertigo. Very poor form on my part. But you and I see this case differently. After 28 years on active duty, I trust my intuition on which ones I'd keep... and which ones I'd cut loose. The military cannot have... or save... everyone. I hope you and I can raise a beer together in the future.

Part of it is that I believe Christians are tired of being the last group that can be maligned, abused, and discriminated against. World-wide, and in America. I'm not a very good theologian but if these four young Airmen "took up their cross", and truly repented for their actions, Jesus would forgive them. Duh. The feel-good story would be if one or all of them turn their lives around, enter the seminary, and become clergy. Maybe one of them will come back as an AF Chaplain and be able to relate their story to other Airman. Wouldn't that be great, LR? https://www.osv.com/OSVNewsweekly/Story/TabId/2672/ArtMID/13567/ArticleID/13934/Former-Satanist-becomes-Catholic-leader-teacher.aspx But save me the "what would Jesus do", WRT to the military's decision. That's a decision for the pastor and the local congregation. I imagine you might be the second person (right after Vertigo), to scream bloody murder if the the AF based their decision on "WWJD?". The AF shouldn't be in the business of offering absolution to these Airman. It take a lot of time, money, and resources that can be used for... you know... killing people trying to kill our way of life. And as a side note: I'm not interested in helping out people that identify with the Satanic lifestyle. It's contrary to what I believe are the characteristics we should look for in military people. Just my personal preference. YMMV. Not everyone that actually gets into the military should be there. The screening process isn't perfect. I'm of the opinion that these four slipped through, and now that they've been identified, they should find a new career. Another point: with ages of 18, 18, 19, and 20, they haven't been out of Basic Training that long. If they principles and discipline of BMT have already been discarded by them... especially the two 18 year olds... I believe there are some serious character flaws that disqualify them from military service. I wish them the best in life, and truly hope they turn their lives around. But I'm personally not interested in putting them through AF-sponsored rehab. They had their chance at a military career, and they porked it away. Adios.

Knocking over porta-potties with their buds inside is "kids being kids", in my opinion. Personally, I want nothing to to with "kids" that want to tag a historic church with satanic graffiti. I don't believe this behavior meets the cut, and I do not want them in my country's military Additionally, had the target of their vandalism been a synagogue, NAACP office, or a building flying a gay pride flag... with the appropriate words that get media attention... the outrage would have been front page national news. These Airmen are broken. Get new ones. We have almost nothing invested in them. Just one man's opinion.

Or the trainees going through the course could meet the standard that has been set. Everyone doesn't get a medal. Get tough or join the circus.

Holy shit, Hacker. And all this time, the only reading I thought you did were P-51 flight manuals, beer labels, and steamy romance novels. Look at the big brain on his shoulders!