[AC-130H The Final Chapter]

A damn legend

[Selling leave]

I have heard conflicting information and wanted to get some info before I go ask finance their opinion. Basically I heard an officer can sell leave one time in their career, but I have also heard that you can only sell it if you are separating or retiring.

If it is possible to sell leave, could I sell it while on a deployment and avoid the taxes? I will have about 100 days accrued by the next fiscal year so it seems like a good option for me.

Selling leave to avoid taxes = Dumb idea

General selling leave info:

- You can sell leave anytime

- You can only sell back 60 days (max) in your career.

- You only get base pay (no BAH) if you sell leave

My advice: Save that shite for when you are getting out (separating or retiring) and take terminal leave. Higher rank & higher pay by then + Terminal comes with BAH. Not to mention you could pick up another job (even federal) while on terminal.

[Academy informant program]

I was a little bummed when I left the Zoo after only 4 short months...

That is, until my 1st day on campus at Arizona State.

Oh the famous Arizona State --- Three campuses, 69,000+ Students ..... about 60% female ..... all dressed accordingly and appropriately for the weather.

My friend ........ you did the right thing

[China creates new air defense zone in East China Sea]

China sends jets into air zone as Japan, South Korea defy it

The Chinese planes had conducted normal air patrols on Thursday as "a defensive measure and in line with international common practices,"

Shen said China's air force would remain on high alert and take measures to protect the security of the country's airspace, Xinhua reported.

News Video:

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/video/china-sends-warplanes-disputed-air-103027974.html

[Happy Thanksgiving]

[ANG Orientation]

Hello all,

It's been a while since I've been here, but I've put in my packet for a boom operator position in a local tanker squadron. They recently got back to me and invited me to go to an "orientation"

What can I expect? Is it going to be a group or individidual thing? I'm thinking it's a walk around the hangar and then a meet & greet. What should I wear? I'm thinking "business casual" type stuff with appropriate tennis shoes because we'll might be on a flightline. Any tips besides study up on the aircraft/unit?

-Thanks

Just be yourself dude.

"Orientation" means they want to meet you; a good way for them (outside the formal process) to gauge how you'll fit on the crew. Group or individual? Different units do it different. Regardless, when you get out there, make some effort to step around and shake some hands. Get to know as many people as you can around the unit and throw out a little about yourself too. I've heard of units that take this "orientation" thing as serious as your actual interview. And when I say interview, I'm mostly talking officer aircrew, I'm not sure if this unit will hold interview boards for booms. Enlisted aircrew with most units go through the regular recruiting process. They to however get a chance to mix with the bubbas at the squadron before signing the dotted line.

What should you wear? Look smart. I wouldn't say throw on a suit; and I wouldnt say throw on some jeans and tennis shoes either. Folks out there have presented well with business casual and some clean work boots, or some comfortable decent shoes.

Studying up on the Aircraft / Unit = Good idea. You want to fly with these guys? It would be nice to know what you are getting yourself into, especially when asked. Not talking aircraft manual and technical orders here; you'll get that shit in KC-135 school (which is what Azimuth eluded to earlier). Talking more aircraft mission, capabilities, etc. Y'know, the general shit about what you will be flying and the unit you'll be flying with.

Go out there, make friends, have fun. Remember, fundamental question in their minds is: Is this a guy we would want to hang out with on an X-month deployment to [wherever the f*ck tankers deploy to these days] while we support a bunch of vipers and hogs out there killing shit & breaking people?

Bottom line: Don't be an asshole.

[Army PR push: 'Average-looking women']

This just in...

Damn, that was fast!!!