Trogdor
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Posts posted by Trogdor
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5 hours ago, 08Dawg said:
New Vice Chief: Slife Nominated for USAF’s No. 2 Job (airandspaceforces.com)
Saw this in the morning news blast
I learned two things as a young CGO under his tenure.
1. from his one slide PowerPoint, 10% of people need groomed, 10% need mentored, and the rest of the 80%… you’ll figure it out
2. From one of his hand picked subordinate commanders, you’re an officer first and pilot second. Your time priorities should reflect that reality.
Everyone loved it and his leadership. They all signed the bonus as soon as they could….. as long as they didn’t get RIFd after having their VSP denied 2 months prior.
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22 hours ago, Pooter said:
Yeah man.. welcome to the real world. The right isn't exactly jumping through their ass to prosecute their own people either. Last I checked the DOJ is under the executive branch. Do you live in some moral high ground fantasy land where it's realistic to expect Biden to prosecute himself? Or his son? Or his friends?
You're talking about how politics should be. I'm talking about how politics is. If you want to even the scales, stop complaining and start winning.
Think nsplayer covered it.... But man, if it's the common and public position that the DOJ should enforce the law based on who is in power, then we are in a sad state as a country.
Isn't this relative moral high ground you describe one of the reasons our country decided to go it's own way a couple hundred years ago?
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On 6/9/2023 at 9:36 PM, brabus said:
Don’t paint with a broad brush - I’m willing to bet the number of people actually wanting a civil war are in the hundreds, e.g. not even a blip on the radar.
I bet it's slightly larger. Maybe by a hundred or so...
All this talk about how great or terrible cities are... Don't forget that there are large swaths of this country that feel underrepresented. They feel that cities like SF, Seattle, Denver, or Chicago get to dictate what goes on in their states. The fact that things like Texit exists (actual state legislators signaling support) or rural counties voting to leave their state point to a much larger dissatisfaction with city-state politics. I feel the addition of TQ+ to the LGB asking along with social media is only accelerating the issue. But I feel that was the goal even 20 years ago. So, now we have states voting in sweeping legislation one way or another, like MN or FL to name a few.
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2 hours ago, nsplayr said:
As Master Yoda once said…I believe there are *two* giant bag-of-dicks Generals who have been ravaging AFSOC lately. RIP to all my bros who have to keep putting up with that level of BS on top of all the deployments and other tastings that keep them away from home 69% of the time.
Think those two convinced a wide swath of aircrew to separate when they were wing king and grp/cc. Helped me make up my mind as a young captain. If you weren't part of the 'mentor' or 'groom' top 10% of CGOs, you were expendable. And that was from an 'officership' perspective, they couldn't care less about your tactical proficiency... Unless it made them look bad. Then Q3. If they did care, definitely not message received.
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21 hours ago, FLEA said:
You are but I don't think most people feel the same. Like 99% of people are just thinking 1.) there's only a 1% or less chance my daughter is ever even in that situation and 2.) even if my daughter is in that situation, was she really competitive for an athletic scholarship anyway.
You can see that now with the current media hype. The only people at the HS/Collegiate level getting any media attention are young women who actually had shots at financial incentives. For everyone else, people are simply asking "what are the damages?" in a very judicial sense of "no one is entitled a right to fair competition."
I respect you're willing to go to bat for your daughter but just thinking of the local crop of parents in my child's own school 99% are of the mentality "how many summer camps can I get them into so i don't actually have to raise or watch them over the summer."
I don't disagree with much of what you are saying unfortunately. I can see it happening at the younger level, where financials are if little concern. Anyone that has competed, or has kids that compete competitively, knows how bad it sucks just to miss out. But to say, what are the damages? That train if thought has to be squashed.
My wife was a collegiate athlete... She likes to remind me that women fought for generations for their 'right to fair competition' in sports. I think she is more infuriated than I am at any story of a high school or younger sports story where a trans person places or gets a spot somewhere. That was one less actual girl making the finals, getting a medal, making the team, etc. She is more pissed about that than she was at 'Lia' Thompson winning NCAA gold.
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22 hours ago, FLEA said:
I don't think its going to get any real traction until athletic scholarships (i.e. something of material value) are taken up. But right now women outnumber men 2-to-1 in college (and they don't seem to realize that) and at the same time transgenderism is so rare they aren't taking any opportunities in any scale that people are paying attention to.
This should absolutely get traction with anyone that has a daughter below high school age. School boards and local politics do make a difference. High school girls across the country are missing out on state level opportunities to compete, or being the last girl to not make a team. It is happening and I think it is only growing right now, especially if you live in certain states. I'm willing fight for my daughters right to have fair competition....just be ready to be attacked like Riley Gaines
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Guess I can't bring mine home now...
MX or aircrew?
https://www.npr.org/2019/07/30/746596629/tsa-officials-find-missile-launcher-in-texas-mans-luggage
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11 hours ago, FLEA said:
Oh man I want to rant and rave so badly about the PT test but I think about about the 9 or 10 year point you just lose the will for it anymore. The AF is not serious about building healthier airmen. What's the point in trying to get them to realize how to make it better.
I also have given up on the AF actually caring about fitness....as I have gone a decade struggling to get a 90 or almost fail because of the waist but can still run around a 10 min 1.5 mile (sometimes 10+, sometimes in the mid 9's). I still lose 7+ points on my score due to the waist alone. I got numb years ago to the out of shape little people getting better scores than me.
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https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/visions-of-the-future/
I thought of Squadron Posters the second I saw NASA's poster art. I thought maybe Squadron Posters did some of the design... Maybe the style is just one of those viral/in vogue design things that I don't keep up with. Like Squadron Posters, I think they look cool.
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3 hours ago, pawnman said:
Can confirm. Almost every B-1 schoolhouse sortie includes some Lancer time.
Does the B-1 use the Bronco MOA's? From my time at Cannon they seemed mostly inactive. Although, we only headed that way occasionally, asking ATC to cut the corner through the Bronco MOA's.
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19 hours ago, FlyArmy said:
Which is why I said “So long as it wasn’t too saturated with Luke, TUS, and DM traffic.” I don’t request or use airspace in the area. Just said on paper it looks like there is a lot of airspace out there to use. Apparently not enough.
Think someone already said it, but Reese would be perfect. Airspace still on the sectional (hardly used from what I have seen) but it also says it is a private field now, but I know the pavement of the old three runways is still there. If you look at from the air, it still looks like an AFB. I bet many in AFSOC would of been much happier if AFSOC West could of been an hour down the road in Red Raider country.
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1 hour ago, Orbit said:
If anyone wants to re-hack your cyber awareness training.
That has to be one of the funniest things I have seen in awhile...can we just send that link out on .mil accounts and just rehack the whole Air Force at one time? NBD right?
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Thanks for the reply's all! I am taking terminal, about a month's worth. Brabus, I was thinking that was the case but it scared me a bit when I am 2.5 months or so out and the local AFRC scares me into thinking I am not going to have coverage (or having to pay that ridiculous 1500 Tricare gap premium). I will keep reaching out to my new unit.... just trying to keep the balance of staying on top of things vs. being the annoying new guy to a new platform/new guard unit. As of now, I would prefer the free TAMP vs guard/airline healthcare.
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7 hours ago, akang2006 said:
AFRC has allegedly released their 2018 pilot bonus to include ARTs. Any word on ANG?
Funny....AD doesn't have one yet. I know three '06 guys in my squadron alone that have already separated with never being offered a bonus once, with a fourth to separate soon. '06 year group never got an early offer like the year groups before. So, I guess retention is a high priority among those on high. I know... I know... the bonus is a little more complicated than a wing king just throwing out money. Or maybe, those even higher up realize those that will stay, will stay regardless of a bonus... so it doesn't really matter when they drop AD bonus?
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34 minutes ago, nsplayr said:
The guys with "the right stuff" have been ID'd for a while, so it makes sense to me that the brass can look at the field and see there ain't enough shiny pennies around to fill all the seats.
As an 06 guy...In my community (with some data points across other airframes), the guys with "the right stuff" are at school or off doing AF level staff stuff now. The next level and below are doing MAJCOM staff or filling deployed CC/DO billets. I think MAJCOM did a good job picking the people with "the right stuff," for the most part. Although, I think there are some surprises that will be interesting when they are in charge. Outside of the shiny penny group... I know two... literally two 06 year group aircrew that are sticking around. Everyone else I know has left already, dropped paperwork, 7 day opted, or plan to 7 day opt on the next deployment/PCS (I wonder how the bonus taker stats will relate to those that have left without ever being offered a bonus????).
I kind of feel bad for "the right stuff" peeps. They aren't going to have any peers to help them out when they get back to the squads, groups, or wings. You know, the ones with the first hand knowledge of deployed tactical ops or working the staff grind. But, experienced IP's/EP's will just be replaced with less experienced IP's/EP's... with those lesser experienced peeps being pulled for "other" type jobs and deployments due to the vacuum above. The status quo will change by the time they return in two-four years.
Overall, I think things are changing for the good and heading in the right direction, but I think there is going to be some choppy waters for the next few years as the AF figures this out.
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So, my local AFRC has not been much help because I thought going AD to guard made you eligible for TAMP? I thought a briefer in my TAPS class said I was, but that was five months ago, and I found this is the quote straight from the Tricare website:
"Separating from regular active duty service and agree to become a member of the Selected Reserve of a Reserve Component. The Service member must become a Selected Reservist the day immediately following release from regular active duty service to qualify. "
However, the main AFRC TAPS guy had me reference a three letter code on my sep orders, which he told me that it indicated I was not eligible. Is this three letter code on my sep orders because my PF has not been completed yet, or is there something my gaining guard unit is supposed to doing in the various computer systems?
I am starting to get close to my final out and it was a surprise to me when the AFRC guy said this to me. I am waiting on some final paper work from my guard recruiter, but I don't believe I will have a break in service. Stopping by my local Tricare and finishing up some final med stuff was on my to do over the next week, but I thought I would ask here to see if anyone has recent first hand knowledge.
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24 minutes ago, ThreeHoler said:
Absolutely nothing wrong with reserving the whole block of rooms with your card. Each member of the crew just gives their card at check in time. It’s called being a ing AC...man the us and take care of your crew.
You can even pay for all travelers on one GTC if it comes down to it as an AC. There’s a finance form to claim airline tickets / hotels / expenses for a group in which you’re the “senior traveler.”That is what I ended up doing, after wasting some time, and I 100% agree... but in my little corner of the AF, just booking rooms without going through DTS or contacting the contract travel agents is one sure way to get yourself highlighted without letting your CC know what you are doing (non-AMC, so maybe we don't have the finer points figured out or the usual skids greased). My CC was fine with it, but the power that is given to the group civ RA's is infuriating. My main point is to highlight that the "official" process our group follows in order to honor the JTR makes life infinitely more difficult. This process starts at the top, at the highest levels as far as I'm concerned. Our group has had several emphasis item's and emails on using proper channels, using gov lodging, threats/instructions from the group Civ RA's to our CGO squad RA's, and general just making life difficult.
I'm just upset the commonsense and easiest way will get you in trouble. It just brings back memories of that stupid debit card thing they did back in 2012 or so.... The reg and process is built to the lowest common denominator of arm snuffy who goes TDY once every five years. All of it in an effort to fight fraud/abuse for said lowest common denominator which makes the life of aircrew infinitely more difficult who has to deal with this on much more frequent basis.
This might of been better for what's wrong with the AF, but thought it fit here as well.
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1 hour ago, pawnman said:
No it isn't. I approved plenty of leave for others captains as a captain. If it were in the programming, it wouldn't even be an option.
Leaveweb never updated my promotion to Major (actually I never bothered to fix it is the correct answer)....I've been approving leave for Major's as a Captain (according to Leaveweb) for over a year. Not a single one rejected. This just sounds like an airman with a chip on his shoulder.
But like previously said...looks like you got a day off from your leadership without it actually counting against you. Could be worse.
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Recent experience that validated my soon to be separation...
One last short notice TDY for mother Air Force: Called preferred hotel and asked if they have availability at gov per diem rate for the short notice TDY, they don't but another very suitable option exists down the road. Do I want to reserve said rooms on my GTC and then even it out between everyone's GTC once we check in? I say no and think I will try and do the right thing according to mother Air Force. I call the gov contract travel agent.......WHAT, I cant reserve the rooms without the GTC number, DOD ID number, birth date, phone number, address, and email of every person on my TDY?
What I could accomplish in a literal three minutes the Air Force turned into a two hour plus ordeal......
All I'm saying, it's not just additional duties that are driving people to leave. I would just reserve the rooms..... but you know, some GS-11 RA at the group will threaten the wrath of an irate O-6 down onto my O-5 and me for not following Air Force protocol for government mandated travel...... oh cant forget the threat of footing me with the bill on top of that.
If the guard is anything like this...I may just say see ya for good....
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So, is United taking a play out of Big Blue's book? Can anyone with United say if you're getting paid for this four hour training?
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5 hours ago, FUSEPLUG said:
Serious questions since I’ve been out of UPT for 12 years now - but do you guys run ORM before each T-6 sortie, or is that some bullshit only the MAF does?
Based on what I’m reading here, I could easily come up with enough points to drive my ORM approval up to a level just shy of the SecDef.
What is the ORM process for IP's at the AETC these days? I know in my corner of the AF, you can mark your risk as high/extreme or whatever. But, if the appropriate level of leadership signs off and tells you to fly anyways... that's why they are called orders.
I also wonder if the ORM approval has gone up any higher than what was previously stated. But, if risk is identified and the appropriate level leader signs off then you do still have a choice. Sack up and fly, or refuse the order and be ready for whatever punishment may come down. Although, it does sound like a mass strike might be brewing from the likes of this thread.
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One more thing, go to your local AFRC. They used to have counselors that would do a certain amount of sessions for situations like this free of cost that was completely anonymous, nothing recorded, and nothing pushed to the med group. I cant imagine that program has gone away. The one they had at my base was someone from a local city that would do this part time. So, she wasn't military and she had seen it all. After hearing my story she help immensely with my thought process, my ex's thought process, and also talked about avenues to fix the marriage (if that is possible). You could do it as a couple or by yourself. Thought it could be something you could look into.
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1 hour ago, Vertigo said:
Talk. Talk with friends, counselors, mentors, whomever... just don't let depression get ahold of you. If you have guns in the house, ask a friend to hold them for you for awhile. The stress of going through the break up will cause you to not sleep very well and could affect your appetite. Those two things can mess with your head and put you in a dark place you wouldn't ordinarily go to.
Don't jump into a new relationship right away. You will need time to grieve and heal.
As much as I despise them, go through a lawyer. They'll think of things to cover in the divorce agreement you'd never think of covering.... all of it to CYA. She's not entitled to any of your retirement (must be married a minimum of 10 years during your service) so don't let her go down that road. Everything else should be split 50/50- assets AND debts.Two on consulting with the lawyer and everything else Vertigo said... no kids should hopefully make it an easier process. You should know that different states can have different rules on what is considered marital property. Some states, the only stuff that gets divided are debt/assets you accrued while married (you keep what you brought into the marriage). Some states, it doesn't matter, everything is common property/debt once you are married. Standards on alimony payment varies with states, length of marriage, her job before the military marriage and her job now, did you pay any of her debt, living standard increase on her part (or yours), etc.
Also, a lawyer can help with the peculiar nuances of being married in one state and getting divorced in another. Although, if you two can do this amicably, some states will do a no contest divorce. Basically, it is pretty cheap with no lawyers. You show up to the judge and anything in your possession/name on the day of the divorce is now yours. If she/you want to fight about anything... then that wont be an option.
Additionally, knowing the state laws will keep your expectations (and hers if she/you choose to fight something) within the realm of reality. So, after initial consultation with a lawyer you could go down the path of a no contest divorce and save some money in lawyer fees/court costs (which is how mine went down).
Talk to your commanders, get their advice on your class dates. Last thing you want in B-Course is constant syllabus dev's due to dealing with this situation...across state lines. I would recommend getting this closer to a resolution or way ahead before starting formal training.
I say all this in the implication that the marriage is in fact over.
Every situation is different, it sucks, time does heal the wounds, immediately seek help from friends/family if you see any self-destructive tendencies in your actions, and I wish you well.
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On 6/9/2017 at 2:32 AM, tac airlifter said:
It took me a bit to digest your post, which I've truncated above, probably because I was imprecise in my original statement.
To answer the bolded section directly, which applies to my post, I'll say: yes. I'm going to shit on the guy in the SQ that wants to show up and just fly..... because in MY mission set, you can't be good if you just show up to fly. TTPs, ours and enemy, change too fast. Technology changes. AORs change. Users change. If you aren't being assertive about keeping up, you're getting left behind which makes your presence on the crew a liability. And all the extra study happens on the ground, in the SQ, not while flying.
When a dude says "I just want to fly" if he means 'I just want to do the flying mission' (which requires extra ground work) then let him! Become an expert, we need it! However, if he honestly means 'I just want to fly' and has no patience for the non-flight ground duties essential to refining flight skills (he's not showing up for a weekly tactics test or doesn't know the newest software, etc) then he's not the guy I want staying on the line for a career. And there are lazy pilots masquerading as line dogs, who have lost the hunger to excel, and should be purged from units incompatible with their loss of drive. Not a lot, but some, and my comments were directed only at them.
as to your opening remark about money, no, it's not about money to me. I got paid enough as a major and loved being an EP & ADO, I didn't need more money to put in extra hours. I loved it. Still do. Now I hate my life and job and wouldn't continue if they offered me quadruple pay. But we're all different, and my answer is not indicative of a trend.
I also could of framed the post a little better, but I agree with you. Believe it or not, my mission set is much the same and flying two instruction flights a week (which is the norm for me and most IP/EP home station) takes up a majority of a 40 hour work week. I actually love it and am still doing it. I was within two years and turned down the staff gig... because less/no flying and more non flying paperwork doesn't sound appeasing.
Although, I think staying in the squadron wouldn't even be enough for me (bonus or no bonus), as most weeks turn into 50-60 hours. Air Force has to fix that. When you deploy/TDY someone for half of a year most will be unwilling to deal with 50-60 hour weeks. Choice is easy... flying in sqdn with long weeks and deployments, staff with no flying but maybe steady/predictable day job, or get out when companies are paying well....
College Football
in Squadron Bar
Posted
Funny thing was that Nebraska beat Wisconsin in the regular season, only to lose my 69 points two months later.