Leaderboard

It's a shit idea. So we're going to create a system where you have to decide early in your career that you want to be a leader and do a bunch of non flying stuff to get there? How is that different from the current system where you decide early in your career that you want to be a leader and do a bunch of non flying stuff to get there? I don't trust a pilot who wants to be a general when they are still a copilot/wingman. I see no reason to codify our shitty system of early identification with a policy letter. I want to see the exact opposite. Promotion boards will only consider the past 3-5 years of service. Create a system where if a good pilot realizes late in her career she has a knack for leading and a desire to make a difference, she isn't shackled by her decision to focus on tactical proficiency and combat hours as a young Captain

It still bobbles my mind that the republicans, many of whom have been in office for quite a while, didn't have a polished, well thought out, well researched, and ready to go "Obama care repeal" oplan on the shelf. I guess I'll continue to vote anti-encumbent ....

The issue isn't wanting to be a leader, its dudes bending over backwards to check boxes and play the game when they should be studying and becoming lethal in their airframe as Capts. I've seen FAIPs/wingmen burning midnight oil to finish their AAD and people climb all over each other to be the Asian Pacific Islander month POC, no shit. We want leaders. We don't want tools who just play the game. The best solution: change the game.

brick, I understand your anger, and I get your post, but ONLY in the context of why you voted for Trump. I was in the "wait and see" camp when Trump got elected, and was excited to see what he and the GOP would do with a unified house, senate, white house, and supreme court. I've been horrified by the last six months. I understand that you are a true believer, and that nothing I say (and nothing Trump does) is going to change your mind. Just please understand that there are people like me, who consider themselves conservative (think WSJ, not Breitbart), who believe that Trump's contempt for things like the rule of law concern me as much as anything that happened during the Obama era. He seems to believe that he is the King of America, and his consistently erratic behavior is not something I value in the person who controls our nuclear arsenal.

If you read it critically, nothing changes. "Maybe make O-5." "3-4 years" when they are already supposed to be that. "Dream sheet final assignment" when we have to fill out an ADP every time we're on the VML. Smoke and mirrors, fellas...or better "same shit, different day." Move along.

Don't underestimate the value of boozing with a bunch of folks outside of your career field. Some call that networking and it is tax deductible. Many lessons have been learned over a few cold ones. Boozing with your bros is part of the SOS experience and along with the sober discussions, I found it valuable. If anything, I learned that not all officers are created equal.

I know you guys are tired of hearing the "which aircraft are at which base" question so I figured I'd try to help out future pilots and pilot-selects. Black=Operational base Orange=Training base Blue=Operational & Training base F-15E - Seymour Johnson (NC), Mountain Home (ID), Lakenheath (UK); Active force inventory: 217 F-15C - Kadena (Japan), Lakenheath (UK); Active force inventory: ? F-16 - Luke (AZ), Spangdahlem (Germany), Aviano (Italy), Osan (Korea), Kunsan (Korea), Misawa (Japan), Hill (UT), Shaw (SC); Active force inventory: 444 A-10 - Davis Monthan (AZ), Spangdalhem (Germany), Osan (Korea), Moody (GA); Active force inventory: 144 F-22 - Tyndall (FL), Langley (VA), Elmendorf (AK), Holloman (NM); Active force inventory: 91 U-2 - Beale (CA); Active force inventory: 31 B-2 - Whiteman (MO); Active force inventory: 20 B-1 - Dyess (TX), Ellsworth (SD); Active force inventory: 65 B-52 - Barksdale (LA), Minot (ND); Active force inventory: 85 EC-130H - Davis Monthan (AZ); Active force inventory: 14 MC-130H - Kirtland (NM), Hurlburt (FL), Kadena (Japan), Mildenhall (UK); Active force inventory: 20 MC-130P - Kirtland (NM), Eglin (FL), Kadena (Japan), Mildenhall (UK); Active force inventory: 23 AC-130W - Cannon (NM) , Active Force inventory: 12 HC-130 - Kirtland (NM), Davis Mothan (AZ), Moody (GA); Active force inventory: 13 AC-130U - Hurlburt (FL), Active force inventory: 17 AC-130H - Hurlburt (FL), Cannon (NM); Active force inventory: 8 C-130J - Little Rock (AR), Dyess (TX), Ramstien (Germany); Active force inventory: ? C-130H - Little Rock (AR), Yokota (Japan), Cheyenne (WY), Peterson (CO); Active force inventory: 186 C-17 - Altus (OK), McChord (WA), Charleston (SC), McGuire (NJ), Dover (DE), Hickam (HI), Elmendorf (AK), Travis (CA); Active force inventory: 134 C-5 - Kelly/Lackland (TX), Travis (CA), Dover (DE); Active force inventory: 70 C-21 - Keesler (MS), Peterson (CO), Scott (IL), Andrews (MD), Ramstein (Germany); Active force inventory: 35 KC-10 - Travis (CA), McGuire (NJ) ; Active force inventory: 59 KC-135 - Altus (OK), Fairchild (WA), McConnell (KS), Grand Forks (ND), MacDill (FL), Seymour Johnson (NC), Pease (NH), Birmingham (AL), Scott (IL), March (CA), Kadena (Japan) and Mildenhall (UK); Active force inventory: 195 RC-135 - Offutt (NE) ; Active force inventory: 16 E-3 - Tinker (OK), Kadena (Japan), Elmendorf (AK); Active force inventory: 33 E-4 - Offutt (NE); Active force inventory: 4 E-8 - Robbins (GA); Active force inventory: 17 CV-22 - Kirtland (NM), Cannon (NM), Hurlburt (FL), Mildenhall (UK); Active force inventory: 50 (planned) HH-60 - Kirtland (NM), Nellis (NV), Davis Monthan (AZ), Moody (GA), Kadena (Japan), Lakenheath (UK); Active force inventory: 64 UH-1 - Kirtland (NM), Andrews (MD), Yokota (Japan), Fairchild (WA), FE Warren (WY), Malmstrom (MT), Minot (ND); Active force inventory: 62 U-28 - Hurlburt (FL); Cannon (NM) Active force inventory: 6 MC-12 - Beale (CA), Active force inventory: ? NSA - Cannon (NM); Hurlburt (FL); Active force inventory: ? MQ-1B - Creech (NV), Cannon (NM); Active force inventory: ? MQ-9 - Creech (NV), Cannon (NM); Active force inventory: ? ANG/AFRC bases and aircraft (ANG, AFRC) A-10: Ft Smith AR, Ft Wayne IN, Baltimore MD, Boise ID, Selfride MI, Bradley CT (103rd), Moody C5: Westover MA (439th), NY (105th) C-17: March, Memphis, Jackson MS C-21: Bradley CT, Fargo ND, Battle Creek MI C-130: 109th NY, 107th NY F-15C: Great Falls MT, Portland OR, Klamath Falls OR, New Orleans LA, Jacksonville FL, Barnes MA F-15E: Seymour Johnson F-16: Homestead ARB, Sioux Falls SD, Des Moines IA, Madison WI, Tuscon AZ, Freson CA, Tulsa OK, Toledo OH, Andrews DC, Atlantic City NJ, Burlington VT, Buckley CO, Duluth MN. South Carolina, Burlington VT (158th), , Springfield OH, Lackland TX (FTU), NY (174th) F-22: Hickam, HI (199FS) HH-60: Patrick, Davis Monthan, Moffett CA, Kulis AK, Gabreski NY KC-135: Seymour Johnson, March ARB, Pease NH (157th), Bangor ME (101st), Scott, Birmingham Predator: Fargo ND

And I thought I didn't understand this Uber shit...

"...Chief Operating Officer of the non-profit Lexington Institute" "The Lexington Institute receives funding from many of the nation’s leading defense contractors, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and United Technologies." All you need to know

Why does the AF/military think it has a monopoly on "leadership"? If anything, very little real "leading" happens in the AF- mostly just management in a leadership position. Plenty of opportunities to "lead" outside of the AF, despite what it wants you to think.

No... k1313 is engaging in discourse with you. That's what you want, is it not? And, yes, we understand navy is your first choice: we are asking our questions to help understand why since your rationale seems to be founded on a loose foundation. Do you want us to state "Yes it appears you have thought this through thoroughly. You should go navy." ? Or do you want our input?

Yes there is a precedent. In the early days of the U28 program several IPs were dual qual'd as instructor pilot and instructor CSO. Although some flew that way in combat (switching back and forth between crew positions) episodically and by exception, the main utility was in rapidly expanding the cadre of instructors available for home station training. To my recollection, "authorization" was in a note in our METL pub. There wasn't a true 11-2-U28 v1-3 for a few years, but I believe the pubs we used were signed by the AFSOC A3. i don't think you're missing anything. If you have a good idea to improve the mission and your idea is not specifically forbidden.... game on to execute until told otherwise.

Judgesmails, I"m assuming you're "flyguy" on the other forum. Good on you for asking there AND here. That's smart. On the other forum, you stated the navy had better bases. From a pilot perspective, I disagree. But everyone has different tastes. Since I"m assuming you are looking to go fixed wing, could you give examples of why you think that? You also state you like the "Navy culture" better. Since you've never been in the military, how do you know the culture? Maybe you were prior enlisted? You like the Navy's shorter pilot commitment. For AF pilots, it is 10 years + 1 year of pilot training. For Navy, I believe it is 8 years from your winging... but pilot training and the additional stuff the Navy puts you at about 10 years. Is that significant to you? You stated that the Navy "flies more impressive aircraft" than the USAF. Again, I respect your opinion, but could you elaborate on that? For me, the USAF has a much broader and unique collection of fixed-wing aircraft.

For Lt Cols its 70 a month. Should exhaust the list by November. For Majors the list is exhausted by the end of September, leaving the 08 guys to pin on in October. No updates on what the rate will be yet on mypers.

Anyone that can chime in regarding the EC-130J (Commando Solo) from the Guard side of the house? I know the EC-130 (Compass Call) was mentioned but nothing from the Guard end.

My point wasn't what I thought (more on that below), but rather on the obsession on absolutely everything (real or imagined) negative that is placed on Trump's skull. So why not the good things as well? (Not being serious, I realize why not) Trump is not a good politician. Trump is a successful tycoon. Those facts work both for and against him. The GOP still isn't comprehending why Trump defeated the other 16 career politicians that ranged from Democrats except for the identification to reasonable but ineffective at getting results Republicans in the primaries. Both sides of the aisle aren't comprehending why Trump beat the anointed one - Hildebeast. The heart and soul of the country was signaling that it is getting raped by a government run amuck; a media intent on assisting that rape; and a tidal wave of social ills that it wants fixed or not to progress (Go ahead, pick the nit on my wording...). Instead of absorbing the lessons learned, both sides, but especially the Republicans are choosing to reject that message. Instead of reversing those things that were specifically named as anathema to many people - Obamacare, unchecked illegal immigration, social engineering that tramples dissenting views, etc, etc, etc, the GOP postures and does nothing. Not even slow down the liberal, progressive train. Seven years to have a strategy and plan in place to repeal Obamacare "if only you'll vote for us" in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016. Even passing a repeal knowing Obama would veto it. But come an actual TOT and they whiffed. Badly. I have to give kudos to the Democrats. When they have the power, they use it. The Republicans are debating themselves as to who is more "mavericky" and standing up to Trump. McCain/Flake/Sasse, et al. I will donate money to any and all primary opponents. Not because I think Trump is the Messiah (however, he is a very naughty boy...). but because he is a means to an end and you refuse to cooperate on the important things while preening for MSNBC. A pox on both Houses

^^^THIS!!!^^^ So much! SOS was very depressing for me because I realized just how screwed up the Air Force was overall. I knew that day that I'd be punching.

Yeah, this is great. The stock market is up what, 20% since the election? Just a quick question though - if the stock market were to fall 25%, would you consider that Trump's fault (or does he only get credit when it's a positive thing)?

Not sure if it matters but the website works fine on my phone, just the baseops.net and tapatalk apps giving the error.

Since Trump gets blamed for, literally, everything in the world, I thought I'd throw this little bit of good news in: DOW JONES INDU AVERAGE NDX (Dow Jones Global Indexes:INDU) 22,016.24 Delayed Data As of 4:40pm ET +52.32 / +0.24% Now he may not be responsible for the number, but if he's gonna get the blame for everything, how about a little of the credit as well?

Places chase approved! 4 months parole, and just under a year GI bill to reserves. approvals at all levels with letter of intent to hire. At SAF PC for 8 weeks Thanks for all the help guys!!

Judgesmails - What do you want to fly? What are your other goals? I'll assume your goal is to fly fighters, if not, you'd be best served looking for an opinion other than mine. With that said, if I was in your position knowing what I currently do, I'd prioritize the ANG if at all possible. Quality of life is something you don't initially think about when you're young and all you can think about is strapping on a gray jet loaded with A/A and S/A munitions and delivering hate and discontent to the enemy. But it becomes hugely important when you've been deployed or on det 50% of a four year fleet tour. You can't beat quality of life with the ANG when you compare it to active service. Nearly all the benefits, with almost none of the massive downsides. And you have the added benefit of stepping into your first airplane knowing what you'll eventually be strapping on every day once you've earned those coveted wings. Now, as for going active Air Force versus Navy - That's tough, and it goes back to my above questions. From my experience AF pilots are generally more proficient, all things being equal. This is for a multitude of reasons, some of which may not be entirely accurate as I have no direct experience operating within the Air Force. I believe the main reason this holds true is largely due to aircraft health - You'll likely fly more when you're not deployed in support of combat operations in the Air Force than you will in the Navy because their jets are better maintained, and there are significantly more of them. If you choose Navy, you'll also have to sacrifice more time than your Air Force peers on collateral duties. The benefit, which some see with that, is that you will have more opportunities for leadership experience, outside of the cockpit. This can be a double-edged sword. My priority was always to be as good in the jet as possible: But being responsible for the entire squadron's airframe divison of 35+ Marines with no actual maintenance training made it difficult to perform both duties adequately, let alone to excel at them. Now, that being said, there is nothing like getting launched from the boat and catching a wire once you return. But living on the boat, which I've never had to do for more than a week, likely completely counteracts that positive. Bottom line, both are better than anything you can do in the civilian world. But if you want to be the absolute best in the jet that your capacity will allow, I'd go Air Force.

One of the only valuable part of SOS was the promotion board excercise. Taught me how and why pilots with perfectly clean records get passed over during a pilot shortage. I also learned that your record could be looked at by someone in the med group who won't tell the difference between a copilot/wingman and a weapons officer. It is why I strongly believe that we need to have separate rated boards. The fact that a few games of dodgeball, some obstacle courses and war gaming has the biggest influence on your career potential as an Air Force officer speaks volumes about what is wrong with the Air Force. I met some cool people from different career fields and enjoyed the southern culture from an overseas base but overall, a screwed up program.

Navy post flight school: 1. Fleet Squadron (rank: 01/02/03): Learn to fly your aircraft and fight it (words from my first Skipper). I did that in spades...only 03 in the command that could lead strikes and held many quals other squadron higher ranking folks didn't have. I did all that great stuff at the detriment of my ground job....which in reality is worth just as much for your future. Don't make that mistake. I was the best NFO in the aircraft, but my 80% ground job made me #2 behind a so-so guy in the aircraft...but brilliant at his ground job (and highly visible). I will put a big bumper sticker on this by saying some CO/XO's weigh flying and ground job differently...learn to read your managers and leaders to find out which way the wind blows. 2: Shore tour (03): This could be flying or non-flying depending on "needs of the Navy" and your desire. I wanted Operational Test...so I went to Pax River and continued to fly (not as good a gig as the schoolhouse/RAG, but sure beat sitting a desk). Plus I networked like crazy and that is the best part of my flying tour in Pax. Most folks that go on to be carrier shooters via disassociated sea tours are P-3/P-8 folks that need some "sea time". Being land based squadrons, Big Navy pushes the P-3/P-8 community to take these shooter tours. They are on the competitive track for them. Carrier aviators, not so much, there are better places to go. 3. Once done with your Shore tour, you most likely have either gotten out (end of your obligated service for aviation) or have made it to LCDR (04) and earmarked for a Deptartment Head tour, they try to get you to school and then you head off to flying again as a DH. 4. Post DH tour, again you are back on shore duty either flying or not. 04's are in leadership now so pure fun flying is limited...but still available. Again, this is the time the Navy will look to send you to school to make you a more productive sailor and you will want to do this to better your chances for 05/Squadron Command. 5. Squadron Command or 05 fodder: If you make 05 and select for command...great. If you don't, there are tons of 05 "hard fill" billets out there for you to suck up (COTF/Air Boss,/Air Ops/ship staff/shore commands, etc.). Not a bad deal and that gets you to 20. Of course in all the steps above....if you show up to the command, and do a good job you normally track with your FITREP to move to the next rank. As a DH in a squadron, you really need to break out as #1 or #2 in Operations and/or as the Maint Officer. If you don't, you aren't going to screen for command (but may still make 05). Navy has it's politics as well, but not nearly as complicated as the USAF way. Getting the FITREP you want is always a political side step, but once your bed is made you quickly find out which track you are on (superstar headed to squadron command, a line flyer, or a piece of FOD....and I have seen plenty of all three). If you want to fly Maritime Patrol in the P-8, come to the Navy (and get your 737 type rating). If you want to fly helo's, you want to go Navy (more opportunity). Jets...toss up there. The flying is a blast off the boat (well except for "those" days). If you want to fly a lot on your tour...seriously look at CVW-5 forward deployed in Japan. Awesome living there (when we were actually home), but I flew a ton more than my CONUS squadron mates from training and we never ever worried about spare parts or flying hours. VMFA is on these boards....he can give you the USMC perspective....but I think (if I may be so bold to state a opinion) is that their aviation situation is pretty bleak/worn out (but there is nobody I would rather have in the CAS stack with me back in the day). Questions...hit me up. Cheers ATIS

If you're worried about that you could use https://safe.amrdec.army.mil/safe/Welcome.aspx and send a link to the gmail

You may need to go back to acronym school brother...

Yes and Hell Yes to flying. Despite the bullshit of being a part of any large organization (public or private), it is a unique challenge, personally and professionally rewarding and a chance to be part of something occasionally historic and always important. Would do it all over again. Pitfalls as a young officer (somewhat generic but my two cents looking back): - Alcohol Related Incidents. Enjoy but be aware of your limits and/or surroundings. Not to be condescending or cheesy but stupid shit does happen in the bar on Friday and on the road. Newbies sometimes feel a need to prove their bravado and limits are exceeded with damage to egos, reputations, friendships, faces and careers. - Realistic significant others (if you are single). Just a quick count but I can think of several buds (male & female) who got divorced about 3 years into their flying careers due to the lifestyle and requirements due to a military flying career (work hours, last minute schedule changes, TDYs, non-vol assignments, etc...) - Blue Kool Aid. The company line will be emphasized a lot and most of the time it is like the repetitive commercials on AFN, harmless but somewhat annoying. Take it with a grain of salt, don't be naive but don't be cynical, find some mixture of the two that suits you. - Career Priority Indecision. Towards the end of your second tour, the end of your youth as an AF officer, you'll need to decide the red pill or the blue pill. Operationally focused, Military career focused, Transition to the ARC or the road not taken... That is not to say I think you have to have it all figured out and/or if something changes (lifestyle, personal choices, new opportunities, etc..) but have a rough idea figured out of what you want, one more time - what you want, so you can work towards it and make the case to the AF that they should help you do that. Wisdom: Work hard, keep the end goal in mind, don't sweat the details until it is time to sweat the details, recognize nothing goes exactly to plan ever and always remember what you have already accomplished. I am in no way 100% in compliance with said advice but I try to remember that which was passed to me by smarter men.

Telling that rated promotion rates continue to decline in the midst of a rated Manning shortage.