YoungnDumb

This. On a side note, what did they change about PIT?

Link won't go beyond the first sentence for those without subscriptions. And it wasn't just Veteran pilots who were pissed about it. The new syllabus has a lot of good chances in it but also a lot of stupid things. Like the fact that the students aren't taught how to fly ELP's (engine out procedures) anymore. But hey it's air education and TIMELINE command

More bureaucracy in short. As of right now I envision a separate branch that does not add any capabilites that we do not already possess. While I get the AF separating from the Army didn't change much we at least were big enough to warrant the split. As far as space, what would be the benefit? One unified command? Isn't that why we have Space Comm or whatever it's called that is full of joint billets? All I really see is an expansion of red tape and more pointless upper management. Now if someone actually unified some other agencies underneath it (NRO and such) then it would make more sense. But instead what will happen is this thing will stand up, we'll keep Space Comm, and then other DoD areas will maintain their own space assets. What was truly accomplished? Side note, what would a deployment for them look like? Go to California and kick it with Elon?

Isn't that what Space Command is? A space force thats owned by the AF?

Either way it's a stupid idea.

Follow up question, if we're planning to use this against people with means to shoot back in a serious way, doesn't that defeat the concept of the light attack? In that case wouldn't we use something like a Strike or a Hawg? I get that dudes in Afghanistan can shoot back, but I can't help imagining they're using much more than a drug dealer or wanna be terrorist from South America. Reason I ask is that I thought this was being sold as a COIN and CAS aircraft for a low threat environment, not something that will head in day one of the war.

Former FAIP (finally), but valid, I'll shack myself accordingly

That's as close to smiling as I've ever seen that man, except right before he hooked me as student.

My question (forgive if stupid) is why did they drastically change the design? If it was working just fine then why screw with it?

FIFY, since we all know the AF won't actually make a decision/do anything worthwhile for at least 3 more years, and then even after that you gotta pork barrel the hell out of it.

A-29, combat proven. It's legitimately ready to buy off the shelf. While I like the AT-6 I just foresee more testing/wasting time/money.

Vance sends their FAIP's/heavy IP's to SPS for a week to shadow/sandbag IFF.

100% agree, no harm at all, I like to think it would make them better IP's since they've been exposed to more things. I'm curious as to whether this will spread beyond SPS, since CAFB also has in house IFF, so there's potential. And it wouldn't really be that hard to have the DLF/END guys do IFF then walk across base and start PIT.

I mean isn't the point of any course to not suck by the end of it so to speak? Or at least suck less, so to speak. Anyways, getting this back on topic. I don't think there is much disagreement about T-1 bro's being able to fly a T-38. I do agree with the statements concerning knowledge and exposure to actually being wingmen being important. The only way you're going to get that is by sending fighter dudes back to UPT, good luck with that.

Yes. B-Track, so the multi-role one.

Interesting, wonder what happens when they head to bombers following their FAIP tour?

@HuggyU2 I believe the Tophats, 310th FS, is the only US Viper squadron left at Luke (the Ducks might still be there, can't confirm). Holloman currently has the 311th, 314th, and the 8th (they're still building up though). Rumor on the street is Holloman will eventually stand up the 7th as well to bring 4 squadrons to the base.

This has been going on for a few years now...people are just now catching on?

The transition has been done before, give them a call, worst they can do is say no.

Glad the pilot is okay

Very curious to see what actually happened with the seat and how the AF responds.

Someone recently told me that this has gone away

This is why I'm embarrassed to have spent 4 years there

Okay, so young guy question (check user name). What' the likely course of action for this? Like FEB, slap on the wrist, Q3, nothing? Just curious

Walmart?