drewpey

Headed to Kadena this summer. Any current info available? Just found out, so no sponsor yet, and I don't have any specific concerns yet, just looking for general advice.

Good to see an even distribution. I always saw the instructor corps as being fairly influential in "encouraging" students to go one way or the other. A good variety of instructors with war stories is always a good thing.

Doing some research for a paper and would like to talk to a CV-22 guy about some general questions...(only so much you can teach yourself from books). Too busy of late to stop by and ask questions, so looking for an online contact. All emails will be through a .mil email if that helps. Pilot or Eng, no matter. Much appreciated, let me know if you can help!

cylon cylon cylon make fun of me for watching Battlestar Galactica now...bitches!

Nah, it's just part of the cylon technology oh yeah...I went there...

...riiiight...

NSFW http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/865615/Mile-high-sex-games-with-my-spy-in-the-sky-Anna-Chapman.html

http://gizmodo.com/5581881/the-first-flight-of-the-cias-own-secret-blackbird

It's surprisingly common. I didn't really know how many brewers there were around until I started talking around the squadron about it. Austin Homebrew is good for the flatrate shipping. That's probably who you are talking about though.

some good SABC gouge... NSFW

Any AMU grads out there? Looking for info on the practicum vs exam for the capstone class. Looking for any inputs on how either was. I don't want to take a comprehensive test on everything I've forgotten, but the practicum is talking about finding a workplace mentor and logging 120+ hours of work etc.

http://www.camber.com/?news=35 will have to let us know what it's like...it'll take quite a bit to fill the T-43's shoes!

Most places will have military discounts. I know Ski Santa Fe does. I think it was in the form of a free lift ticket or something...not sure.

looks like her aim is off a bit...cross-hairs are about 8 inches too high...or low, depending on your preference!

Just to reiterate, each platform is in the US inventory for a reason. We still need strategic bombers and fighters. The big picture is that in war we don't always want to bust down the door kicking teeth in and breaking everyone's toys. There will be many conflicts in the future. Not one of these conflicts will you see AFSOC sitting the bench. On the flip side of the coin, many of the future conflicts you will see leadership hesitate and in the end bypass the large-scale confrontation that strategic bombers bring to the table. Anytime, anywhere my friend!

Can I get a semi-script of a roll call? Not the specifics, but just a general rundown of the events covered? roll call/alibis hails/farewells offerings grievances etc?

any news on how those spiffy bag tags are holding up vs regular embossed straps?

Kadena and Mildenhall are also options for certain AFSOC types. As far as missions go, just google some of the planes and read, and then go talk to your instructors and pick their brains. There are typically a few AFSOC types running around nav school that can help brainwash guide you. As far as pros and cons go...I'm going to go ahead and take off my "quiet professional" suit, and place my flame-retardant suit on before I piss a lot of people off just to give you some advice for your future career decisions... Ok, if you want to fly fast, and occasionally blow shit up, sit around talking about how awesome red flag was, go to the pointy nose jets. The future of war is in special operations. It's not to say other airframes don't have their place...they do, but this isn't their type of war, and this type of war isn't going away anytime soon. There are only so many problems you can solve with a bomb. The administration has made their top goals to expand special operations (read Gates' speech about FY10 defense budget). Commanders are shying away from liberal CAS use: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/12/airforce_airpower_121209w/ And the public is slowly growing tired of grand public conflicts...so those in power turn to those behind the scenes, to walk amongst the night and get the job done! Gaining ground in this war will take a different approach, a different mentality, and a different soldier. This is where special operations comes in. Special operations requires a vast skill set amongst all the branches in order to accomplish the awesome missions it does day-to-day. Sure a terrorist may stay awake at night from the roar of a B-1 at altitude, but what really makes him lose sleep is the fear of the burly bearded snake-eater in the dark carrying nothing but a knife and a polaroid of his fugly face. (see pic) In AFSOC, we are the air component that helps make that happen. You will meet and work with legends that could never be recognized for the missions they've hacked or the history they've rewritten. You will develop an unspoken level of trust between you and the user because you both know and appreciate each others' hard work. You'll go home at night in awe of some of the people you work with and you will strive to emulate the sheer dedication and tenacity of those around you. It will breed an unparalleled mentality to bend over backwards for the user, and to never falter on your end of the contract. THAT's the AFSOC lifestyle... Choose wisely!

As far as mission and lifestyle there's quite a plethora of experiences between the different AFSOC platforms, so it would be difficult to compare "15Es vs AFSOC". I will add in a few cents on AFSOC pros: AFSOC has several platforms which use CSOs, and moving in between them is completely doable, and in many cases even encouraged (for career broadening, etc.) Even moving outside of AFSOC is entirely possible if it's not for you, however it's a one-way door, and AFSOC generally views it as you burning their bridge. As far as career length, either will be around for many years, beyond your career definitely. However, AFSOC will be the last command to take CSOs out of the air. I would ask a E guy about ops-to-ops opportunities. The way I understand it going from an operational tour to another operational tour is difficult, and you are expected to "do your time" in another capacity (white jet, staff). In AFSOC it's entirely possible to keep flying the line for several assignments, if that's what you desire. All I can think of at the moment, feel free to ask if you have specific questions...

same drum, different day...I bolded my favorite part... http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/12/airforce_deptula_121909/

sorry, no boobs...just rage.

one of the classes I saw go through got permission from the copyright holder. Easier than you'd think. I also recommend ProgSpec. Their work is great!