Leaderboard

Spot on. Furthermore, the leaders who say “stay in because your country needs you” just don’t understand the dynamics. I’m 100% of my family’s father and husband population. They need me more. Until the situation is better (or at least similar) for the family when folks stay in the Air Force, most will choose to get out. That means the money has to be close. It’s programmed into us genetically. Risk of death? Bad. Provide for kids so that they can continue to spread 50% of my genes? Good. Keeping the wife happy? See risk of death. It’s not selfish to pursue greener pastures. It’s selfish to stay in to satisfy ‘quality of service’ at the expense of a family. There’s always volunteering for the Boys and Girls Club or Coast Guard auxiliary... on my brand new 30’ boat. (Lots of caveats: some families value that quality of service as a unit, some people are psychopaths, some people don’t have families, some people didn’t bald and bloat at 35 and can get new families, etc.)

It’s simple for me... As it stands I’m 100% getting out when my time is up If I could make 250K (approx year 3 money at an airline) in the AF I’m 100% staying in. No, the problems don’t go away, they just can be overlooked if my time is valued properly monetarily. Id venture to guess that most people would feel the same way.

Thank you, Dave Ramsey

Flying an ALR extreme mission at least comes with a clear intent and a sense of satisfaction.

So here's the funny part. While we all say we need more money to stay in and put up with the Air Force's queep, we'd also jump at the chance to volunteer for an ALR Extreme mission where we'd see a high likelihood of being killed. Most of us have that strange self-actualization trait that makes flying into downtown Hanoi seem more desirable than living in a faceless bureaucracy.

I heard the number is now up to 46 damaged Raptors.

This completely. Also, some people like to buy cars, others tattoos. Some spend money on expensive phones or computers. Everyone has their vice. My is driving fun cars. So I’m going to enjoy my Life and drive the car I want so I can enjoy life a bit. With that said, it’s been numerous years since I have had a car payment and because I spent a little extra money I have a car which will probably drive another 15 years before the wheels fall off. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Why? Because you wouldn't spend your money on it? I bet most people spend more every month on Starbucks and fast food than I do on a car payment. The math is simple. If you cant understand it or if you aren't the type of person that is ok with debt, then fine. But you're crazy if you think I should use my money to buy a car vs borrowing money for super cheap, when my investments can out perform the interest of the loan by a significant amount. Regardless of the price of the car, the math doesnt change. Even if I was buying a car for $5k, I'm still better off borrowing that money.

I don't see Republicans holding the House, but I also don't see the Dems gaining any seats in the Senate. I did think 538's piece this morning on the Democratic fundraising advantage could portend unexpected results, but I don't know what to make of it any more than Nate Silver does.

I would argue that if I had cash for a car that money would work more effectively for me in an investment while I pay 1.49 or 2.9 percent interest on the car. Market willing I will still have a long term gain. Maybe i don’t understand the argument here but I can see where the loan can be a benefit in the long term. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You're now arguing that people are dumb because they choose to spend their money differently than you? Should I save every dollar until retirement? Should I always just drive an old car that I maintain? Hell, let's grow our own food and make our own clothes. It's entirely possible to be financially savvy and have a $60k car. Just because I may choose to spend my money on different things than you, doesnt make it wrong. Especially when interest rates are so cheap. I'm a car guy, so I like spending money on cars. You might like to fish, hunt, fly, travel, etc.. should I argue that you're "comical" for spending money on those things? Or that it obviously makes you not financially savvy?

Not everyone likes cars I guess.

I’ve never understood military members’ infatuation with buying brand new and expensive vehicles on the basis of having a consistent paycheck. Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network mobile app

I would strongly advise not to take out a loan to purchase a car.

Thanks for the info! I've been hunting around on my base. Somethings I'm piecing together: My base really has no idea, and really isn't too interested in helping folks... other than to say it is on you to find someone and set it up. From the pdf: 6.3.5. establish a MOU... I've heard this is probably all on you, since you will probably pick a place that doesn't have one. 7.8.6.7. Can't do PTDY or terminal before you start this (can't do those prior to 180 days)... might be able to get "large chunks of leave" instead, just don't call it terminal? Here is the DODI ( 1322.29 ) https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/132229p.pdf Technically it says the commander can terminate it based on mission requirements, not deny it... semantics? "The approval authority may terminate the participation of a Service member in a program based on mission requirements" Enclosure 4 (of the DODI) is also worth a read, lists all the criteria for determining an approved provider. I'll give it a shot, why not! I doubt the 2 star will let me do a full 6 months... but if terminal/PTDY take me to 3 months anyway, might as well.

No protests https://www.defensenews.com/air/2018/10/11/lockheed-leonardo-wont-protest-t-x-handing-program-to-boeing/

Was there last month on an overnight. Old pile of rocks on some premium downtown real estate. A forgettable experience. 1 star.

Hey guys, let's refrain from publishing numbers of damaged aircraft, rumint or otherwise, until the DOD releases that information publicly. Thanks!