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2015: For you young A-10 wannabee pilots, I suggest scratching the A-10 off the list. It is on the retirement chopping block. Not a done deal but I wouldn't go to Vegas or even Atlantic City and put any money on any future new Reserve A-10 pilots.

Not sure what platform your dad or brother were on but you are probably going to make a hell of a lot of more difference in the MQ-9 than 95% chance they did in their MWS. When I begrudgingly TAMI 21d to the MQ-9 as a non vul it was at the horizon of the war in Syria. For a 3 month period, 75% of all munitions dropped in CENTCOM came from an MQ-9. We were extraordinarily kinetic and because we didn't go home after a 4 month rotation we developed more SA on the ground campaign than any other flying community. The assignment opened doors for me I would have never had in my manned community and I was offered positions in SOCOM, the Pentagon, and other communities. The assignment ended up becoming an apex of my career and when I went to staff I carried a lot of credibility for my time in MQ-9s, not so much my time in other aircraft. I would advise you life is full of dissapointment and failing to meet goals becomes a regular event. Frequently we tend to look at the Johnny Kim's in life and compare ourselves, leaving us to feel short or inadequate. The truth is we often can't control the circumstances that bring us to our outcomes and while there is no doubt more you could have done to reach your goal of being a pilot you must recognize a lot is contributed to luck and timing as well. A well known base ops'er used to say "grow where you are planted" and that advice, personally, helped me thrive. I found new interest I didn't know I had and quickly became an expert in areas most chose to ignore. But it brought me new oppurtunities and new successes. You'll find as you get older that success becomes more about the people you've surrounded yourself with than what you have achieved or accomplished. Whereever you go, hold good character, be a loyal friend, and help others out. You will quickly find that you feel more fulfillment in this manner than you do by overly stressing to meet arbitrary goals you set for yourself. That doesn't mean you should quit or end your pursuit to be a pilot, but realise it is not necessary to attain fulfillment. If your family can't recognize that, ditch them. Do not keep people in your life that drain your spirit. If you want more advice or mentoring, PM me and I'll give you my work email to reach out to. I spent 4 years in MQ-9s and loved the community. They took care of me, gave me chances other communities didn't, and I will never talk down on them.

If anyone would like to donate to Sara and the kids please reach out to me and I will pass details. She has a Paypal set up that goes to her and the kids.

Well, It's been awhile since I've posted in here with the latest happenings from the cyber front. Since the last time AFSPC finally gave up it's choke hold on cyber ops and it moved over to ACC. As part of that there was also a realignment of the operational squadrons within the 2 cyber wings: 688 CW and 67 CW. Now the DODIN Ops bitches (re: email, slow network, etc.) aren't mixed in with the actual cyber operators. Noticeable change overnight in getting actual effects done, training that isn't fucking stupid and the idea that a Cyber Patch needs to work on Server2016 patching TTPs. Also 24AF is no more, and it was "killed" along with 25AF to created a "new" Info Ops NAF - 16AF. The Commander pined on his second star in Aug of last year...and his 3rd in Oct. I've sat in meetings with this dude when he's briefing his "great ideas" to the operators only to be met with a Capt saying, "That's the dumbest idea I've ever heard." That Capt was then supported by every other Team Lead in the room. We were then told the brief was a courtesy only and the decision had already been made. Fun fact: his plan did not come to fruition. The Cyber National Mission Force got a new commander, and a new mission - Defend Forward. For my guys (National CPT Squadron) it means we go into the "contested" areas and hunt out the enemy. It's caused some interesting wins, and is more like spycraft than blow-shit-up-craft. Enemy TTPs, tools and accesses are burned on the "defense" side and the allegedly offense sided guys get to do a safer mission at home...I still think it sounds cool. New NSA and US Cyber Com commander as well. Nakasone has come in and it's been a whole different game. I know some of that is down to the difference in president as well. It's been awesome to see some of the maturity that has come out as we've allowed the younger operators actually push the boundaries. As we've moved out the old (shitty) comm officers who were put in charge, because that's the only folks that made O6, we've seen a lot more bridge building that has enhanced...well everything. It has been really interesting to see the old guard that we've bitched about on here for a decade move on to be replaced by people that were Maj/LtCol's though the massive shit years '07-'14) Cybercom and CNMF do treat the operators like their own service, which is a problem. Imagine being presented to AFCENT/CENTOM 24/7 as operators for mission. There's no built in down-time/dwell-time or ratio. Retainability in very in-demand AFSC's has hit rock bottom. Additionally, if your'e unlucky enough to be stuck at Ft Meade you'll be treated more as staff than as a team lead OTE'ing an operational team and leading them on ops. Also Cybercom and CNMF have no idea what to do with folks that don't actually sit with them on site...in cyber of all things. Boomers...whatcha gonna do? For your cyber teams here's a break down - -- Cyber national mission teams defend the nation by identifying adversary activity, blocking attacked and maneuvering to defeat them. -- Cyber combat mission teams conduct military cyberspace operations in support of combatant commander priorities and missions. -- Cyber protection teams defend DoD’s information network, protect priority missions and prepare cyber forces for combat. -- Cyber support teams provide analytic and planning support to national mission and combat mission teams. The Cyber Protection team one is out dated, and incorrect. It's an ongoing fight that we're having in the joint and AF community. It's almost like different units/services train to different standards for different missions. But fuckers want to do all this on the cheap and treat us like you can go from deep in an enemies network creating effects to managing routers and switches with PCS orders. Which leads to next topic -- Finally, the USAF has done what we've asked for going on a decade - split the AFSC. We now have 17S and 17D. This is a great RAND study that the didn't release for over 3 years because "it's easier to manage you as a core together than figure out how to not do that." So finally those Col's and GO's retired and we did it. There's a 17SA (offensive ops), 17SB (def ops--me), 17DA (email bitch), 17DB (Combat comm). This is causing a split in WIC...which is hotly debated, but overall it's great for creating experts and choking the fuck out of the enemies of our nation. Going to be a bit like EWO's though with not a lot of assignment spots and probably difficulty promoting. With that said I actually hit the button 2 days ago...so my time is now coming to a close. I'd give a lot to be coming in as a 2Lt now with the change in just the past 6 months. As stated above with a Capt calling bullshit on a 1-star...there's a growing and strong operational mindset in our cyber operators. We now have leaders that are trying very hard to build our competency and communication so we can sit at the planning table as peers. I'm very proud to have been in at the ground floor, and look forward to its future with exceeding hope. TL;DR - Cyber from AFSPC to ACC; 24AF & 25AF into 16AF; new mission of Defend Forward; some great strategic victories; Cyber Ops AFSC isn't associated w/ Comm bullshit anymore according to Big Blue.

FWIW, it seems like our drone pilots are removing a lot more bad guys from existence than the average fighter pilot.

My favorite exchange, helped shape my UPT dream sheet. 🥃

In my experience there are two kinds of people in the Air Force: the grass is always greener people and the people who make the most of where they are. The grass is always greener people spend most of their time complaining (often on this forum) and talking a big game about how they're getting out ASAP. But they're losing sight of the big picture. The military flying community, be it manned or RPAs, is an amazing world to be a part of and they are going to regret not enjoying their careers as they unfolded. Half of my pilot training class had an existential crisis at track select. And half again at drop night. But once you get over the initial shock of a mismatch between expectations and reality, the rest is up to you. Life is too short not to max perform whatever opportunity is given to you. Also to echo what others here have said.. the most bonkers strike stories I've heard come almost exclusively from my RPA bros. see you in the stack.

In real world Air Force speak, Recce is Reconnaissance. The post you commented on meant recognition so when they show you a picture of an aircraft at the interview you should be able to state what aircraft it is. And based on his comment, there aren't a lot of of units who would do that to you in an interview. So, you may not want to waste too many brain bytes on it but it still will be a good thing to work on as you proceed into your budding AF career.

And, of course, it should go without saying...but

As @nsplayr advised, keep flying civilian, take pride in RPAs, apply to SUPT and strive to be better. I'm cool with talking to a chaplain or mental health professional but I am also ok with being angry at others who should know better at their age that mocking someone about their profession is not ok, especially when you did not choose it but the AF decided to assign you to it. I utterly despise adult bullies, especially when they mock someone about something that is important and personal namely your career and what you are doing in at this time. If your dad / bro drop more comments like that, I would tell them this is bullshit and just not see them, return phone calls/texts for some period of time that you deem appropriate. Not to trash them as they are your kin and I don't know anymore about them than what you posted they sound like they need to get the message that even their family doesn't have to put up with their shit. As to not getting a pilot slot when you wanted one I will say I have no doubt you worked hard in college/ROTC and timing has a lot to do with selection processes for competitive / desired career opportunities, you were likely at a point where the selection pool was competitive and it was just hard to get picked up for pilot. I hit it at just the right time (late 90's) and got picked up and I was a middle of the pack guy, next years at my ROTC det only a few dude at the top went to SUPT. Chin up, anger is ok with me and keep busy on next goals. Just my advice and hang in there.

Is that you John Wayne? Is this me? I cant help but feel a cruel aura of irony hanging over this thread even if the sympathy displayed here is genuine. Sure things are getting better compared to what they were, but the way the Air Force treated the RPA community in the past makes for great reading and gives good insight on the attitudes held by that aviation community regarding "drone" "pilots" that are alive and well to this day (especially if you happen to find yourself in this community). However the Air Force is still way behind the curve in the RPA enterprise, especially in comparison to where we could be if resources were considered as seriously as they are for the B21 or the F35 or the KC46. Creating the 18x career field and placing it under the 11xers will forever stain us. AF doctrine is all about effects over platforms up until you bring up being physically in a a cockpit or not.

As a former CSO (11 years) and current MQ-9 pilot (who originally got security forces to Minot out of ROTC!!), I'll say this: You've already done more than the vast majority of Americans ever will to support and defend the Constitution of our great country. So be proud of that #1, full stop. #2, you are a pilot. You're the aircraft commander of a multi-million dollar platform and your job is to hunt and kill people who threaten our soldiers and our citizen's way of life. Absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Beyond the standard amount of ribbing your old man is by right allowed to give you, don't take his criticisms too seriously. Being an RPA pilot is not the same as a manned aircraft pilot, but don't sell yourself too short here. #3, like many other have said, go out and do some civilian flying, get your ratings and certificates, be the best damn MQ-9 pilot in your squadron, and push to attend UPT or punch at the end of your commitment and fly professionally on the civilian side if that's where your heart is. Based on a guess about your age, I'd say you have more than plenty of time to make manned flying a career. If you're really feeling ate up about this or anything else, seek out a good chaplain or mental health professional on base and get squared away upstairs. Best of luck to ya 🇺🇸

Also, if you are really in a dark spot where your psyche is in a downward spiral, seek help. Chaplain, POTFF if you have that, Military One Source, mental health in that order. Being a pilot is great, but don’t kid yourself that that would make everything alright immediately. Best of luck

Complaining about having nothing to complain about...saltiness level: expert

ACSC in-residence for myself was a means to an end. Disliked living on base, enjoyed the guest speakers immensely, papers were mind-numbing, pay every 2 weeks/benefits invaluable during our units aircraft conversion 6-10 months and returning for qual training plus AD points = priceless. If your near the 15 year mark of AD points, not a bad idea to take the opportunity. Once over the 15 year mark points wise, then get hired by your airline of choice hopefully. Chase the remaining AD points for retirement while gaining seniority if able. Yes, it may cost you some seniority and “seniority is everything” does hold true for the most part - I still cannot say enough about the peace of mind and extra boost in monetary value and benefits an actual pension provides. *I understand there are those who lean on the airlines being sticklers for this type of strategy, but the playing field has changed. Do your 1 year probation if able, but there are no longer mil types just loitering around waiting for something to materialize as yesteryear. Normal military retirements will not fix the wave of new hire requirements (It has always been a substantial airline force multiplier, but now it’s a mere trickle) - you are in demand. Your work ethic is in demand period. Airline business is fickle, but should remain on the uptick for awhile due to the extreme amount of retirements. Economy can and will eventually swing as it always does, but the bleeding of folks at the top end will stave off quite a bit of economy impact at this juncture comparably speaking. The TWA/Pan Am’s have come and gone, but the current big 3 would most likely be propped up like our car companies in some sort of fashion, good, bad and ugly if something drastic were to occur. May not alleviate a furlough situation, but the threat value is less likely than in the past. Mergers can and will happen and I will never forget a great friend telling me when he was hired at United in 98’ what the CEO said during indoc in Denver, CO - “Welcome to the last job/career you will ever have!” Boom, 911 which was not truly the only reason some airlines cut pay, drained pensions and/or furloughed. Some were overextended financially and that gave them an excuse to cut some digits and limbs as my friend said. He raced to the Guard unit like many others I met to maintain employment status. When it was all said and done at United, he was #46 from the bottom to be furloughed, but had already committed to his unit. He made a choice not knowing where the cuts would end. He is back as 777 very senior FO enjoying the good life, but still wary of management forever with one eye open. Military spends money, airlines make money - real world thrives on profit and stock holder gains, not OPRs, CBTs and your relentless get the mission done attitude. You are valued, seek out what you personally value and go out and conquer. I wish you the best pick and opportunities available. Don’t get discouraged, there will be folks always looking from the outside wishing they were in - only time will tell whether you were blessed with the correct choices.

All I know is, Kalitta doesn't pay well enough for that nonsense. So much for a pilot shortage. LOL