Danger41

Even with enlisted aircrew, a lot of people of varying ranks think they have to be everyone’s friend. Not the case. Don’t be a jerk to the E’s, but be clear, direct, and fair with them (that whole golden rule thing) and you’ll do fine. Biggest thing I’ve seen with E’s is that if you know what you’re doing and treat them respectfully, fairly, and lead them, they’ll run through a wall for you. If you’re a weak person that tries to be everyone’s friend, they’ll run all over you.

Any nuggets out there for the app that trip guys up? Currently going back and listing various military schools I attended and getting official transcripts and such. I also had a guy recently ask me what he should do about having a failed civilian checkride that didn’t show up on his FAA records review. I said still list it, but it’s like the opposite of hiding something there and makes you look odd.

Homemade cookies are always good and the church types make good ones. Ensure that a piece of bread is included in the bag. Works great to keep them moist. Depending on the unit, board games can be a big hit. I never knew Settlers of Catan could get so competitive/aggressive, but that game made a deployment way better when it caught on in the squadron.

Crazy/sad story of a Combat Controller just ID’d by the Air Force that unintentionally came out of the back of a 130 into the Gulf of Mexico. Massive search effort was unsuccessful. https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2019/11/10/air-force-identifies-combat-controller-lost-in-gulf-of-mexico/

Ricky Gervais on Twitter consistently roasts that Yaniv individual and it’s awesome.

If you end up going into something non-ejection seat and want to be tactically oriented, AFSOC is probably where you want to go. Given that you already have neck issues, I would avoid any AC-130 variant though. In the left seat, you’ll spend a ton of time with your nugget turned left and looking down with NVG on. I’ve got several Gunship bros that have pretty severe neck and back pain. YMMV. Best of luck!

Good point. What did YOU do?!

Is there any place you guys have wanted to go over the last 20 years and never made it? I think a big trip to celebrate could be cool. As lame as it sounds, I think if you put together a book of photos with you and the kids over your career and then inscribed it with something heartfelt would be a cool touch that they could keep. Congrats on retirement!

I spent a lot of time with the Kurds over the last few years and I think we should support them in getting their own state. Drastic, for sure, but the Iraqi Army of ~20k abandoned Mosul to 200 guys and the Kurds basically saved the day (including Baghdad). The only reason they’re so screwed is a treaty from post WW1 that left them in the cold. I know it’s about 15 layers deep with all the regional players and such, but they actually seem willing to join the 21st century and fight for what’s theirs.

In the few jets I’ve flown, you could do either. But only in the F-15 was it a specific units of AOA you’d fly instead of just on the green donut. The others have been airspeed or AOA. The Eagle also could calculate landing speed with something similar to the T-38 (I think it was 138+gross weight or something) but AOA units was much easier. Do airliners give you the 1.3 Vs out of some computer and it varies each time or is it a consistent speed?

That guy was also featured on the PBS “Carrier” documentary a few years back and his (very Navy) callsign is “Sex” hahaha.

Is there seasoning for non-AETC guys doing white jets in the Reserve? Does it vary by airframe? Base?

What types of deployments would that be? Quick Devils Advocate, but why should UPT bros be exempt from deployments? It’s another entire MAJCOM full of people to help share the burden. I know UPT production is super important, but isn’t doing/enabling combat missions the #1 thing in the AF? I suspect those deployments are probably to al Udeid to make coffee and update slides for 6 months though... Standing by for spears.

Probably some Gen Z beta cuck SNAP trained on VR and safe spaces in the People’s Republic of Austin that didn’t EARN that Strike Eagle like back in my day!

Are there good POC’s for reserve UPT IP hiring? I’m interested in something a bit different (current WIC IP) that still involves teaching. I’m a EN grad and hindsight mentioned being an IP there is a bit different. How so? Also, confirm that you will get your commute paid for? I don’t plan to live IVO any UPT bases and that would be pretty sweet. Also, do they put you up on base or something while you’re in town? Sorry for the ignorance.

Has anyone ever showed up to fly and thought everything was good and after filling out the form realized things weren’t good? I ask because some people think that sheet is crazy important and others (like me) just rely on decision making and actually asking the crew how they feel. And the OG will get on your case if you canceled in that situation? Wtf?

Anyone read Mattis’ new book?

I went through Sheppard with several guys that were Academy DG’s, who then went and got Masters at MIT type schools, aced that, then got to UPT and either washed out or graduated bottom of the class. Sometimes collegiate performance translates to piloting ability. Often it doesn’t. I put zero stock into someone’s pedigree when I make my assessment.

Are you in AFSOC? They have chiropractors just a phone call away as well as human performance people that can help with neck issues.

Anyone here work for/have a good POC for the 141 ARS with Washington ANG?

If you’re in flight suit version of OCP, don’t blouse.

I bitch as much as the next guy, but what would be a good thing for leadership to do to show they “care”? Not trolling, I’d love to hear some actual suggestions other than (my standard game plan) just complaining. I bring this up because someone asked me this yesterday as I was holding court and bitching about this and I didn’t have an answer.

Put a ton of effort into learning instruments correctly from the start. Don’t get through the phase and dump the knowledge. That solid foundation will pay off whether you’re flying an Eagle back into Lakenheath or a tanker landing in a sandstorm.

That was awesome

Why doesn’t the T-6 Pensacola guy who had the Sheppard story earlier take the General up on his offer and get his waiver? Ref Bashi earlier because it works.