JVBFLY

Just completed the course, and yes it does take time. But for the most part, the weekly responses and course load are not that difficult. The most difficult was the final research paper, which took a lot of time to complete. If you are a decent writer, then you shouldn't have a problem. Two and a half years though to get through it all, so make sure you put your mind to it. Most of all my courses averaged about two operators per class. There are quite a few civilians. I also never had a problem getting extensions on the coursework. In fact, there was one person in my final class (research paper) that disappeared for 4 weeks and then posted everything in the final week. He still graduated. As long as you coordinate to be late, most of the instructors are very fair. Good luck.

The guard has one powerful weapon that the active duty forgot about - politicians. The politicians are going to fight this one. In fact, it is already being discussed at the their level. It will be interesting to watch no doubt.

there are both summer and winter weight flight suits. Summer is clearly marked while the heavier are not. now that I gotta see!

I rented from Richard the entire time and had no problems. The things they ask you to do before leaving are no different than in any other base housing contract. I have had many base folks refuse to restart BAH until items were completed. That is the same thing as not returning a deposit, if not worse. I would agree though that you have to be very stern to get your deposit from him right away. I refused to give the keys back until a check was written. I did not want to leave town without my deposit. There are so many landlords out there who will nickel and dime you after you leave, especially if they know you are not local any longer. I had no problems with response times, or calls being returned. In fact, we once locked ourselves out of the house and he came to rescue us. Another great landlord in the area is Kim Price, who rents several houses. His house was just a bit too small for my family. Good luck!

It can be a challenge, but it certainly is possible. Many people do it.

techs, AGR, part-timers? Who has to comply with this?

Not working on Monday. Four ten hour shifts for full-timers, equals, no Monday work. Part-time, you only show if you have to. No further guidance from here.

can you wear the new green flight boots with blues? It would certainly add a little professionalism.

they just need to start ordering and issuing glow sticks, you know the ones the kids all wear while trick or treating. That way, no one will ever be hit. Those make you nearly invincible. While you are walking around CC, do you still have to pay attention or is it the automobile driver's responsibility to "see and avoid"?

when this becomes an accompanied base in a few years, are families also going to have to wear PT gear and reflective belts? Or will they have specially made dependant uniforms?

OLD CROW...do you ever work anymore? Not anywhere close to Old Crow postings, but was certainly good for a chuckle after reading on Chairforce.com.

There is always a chance. You could always switch in the guard if another unit wants to hire and train you. I would only sign up for it if you really want to do it. I am not in your shoes, but I can tell you that UPT is not fun. You have to want to be there and you have to want to finish, otherwise you will not complete.

anything is possible. What do you want to do if this pilot thing is not for you?

Perfect analysis.

Bail instead of fix things...this is a very fine line I will tell you. It is certainly tough. To get promoted in the Air Force, on the whole, you at some point have to shut up, salute smartly, and move on with your daily job. Although process improvement programs are a constant buzz, people fear change (reference UAV scenario). You must complete PME, etc. Most commanders do not like senior Capts or young Majors that challenge them to change operating ways, etc. Most commanders do not want to change many things for fear of failure or looking bad to their rater. The AF promotion system is really solely based on this person's opinion of your performance. Hence, to get promoted (i.e. make more money), you must at some point be in line with your boss, operate his/her way, and not stray from the pack. If you are a person that challenges your leaders to do better, make changes, and improve processes, the civilian world wants you because you will make their profits larger by cutting out useless items. I am not saying this is necessarily the correct approach, but such is life. Being a field grader, wearing a reflective belt everywhere, filling out a 29B to go somewhere, and reminding someone in finance that they are "entitlements", is not fun for anyone. Sure the tide could change, but it is going to take a lot more than a few heads to get cut.