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Worst timing ever: Top Gun 1986, Graduated High School 1987, everyone chasing the pointy nose lifestyle, Gulf War 1 actually starts/ends 1991 and we graduate within a year to the drawdown. ROTC Pilot slots dwindle from 1200 to 100 nationwide. Pilots Banked, my awarded slot from basic is yanked. Became Aircraft Maintenance Officer and gave it my all for F-16s, A-10s, C-130s and Staff for Heavies for nearly 7 years. (Some of the most challenging but very rewarding/fun times of my life.) Given another shot, age waiver Pilot slot from the ANG, boom C-141s, then C-17s. Flew minor squirmishes, then OEF, OIF, OND, etc. for 12 years straight, mostly AE which were the most rewarding ever. Final years back at Staff, then Homeland Defense. Now fully retired and proud to have given it my best foot forward while keeping my amazing wife intact (still married over 22 years). Future is still wide open, now flying 747s around the world twice a month. Remain resilient, care not what others think it’s your life they have/had theirs, and never ever give up. You never make the shot you never take. People of today need to understand that not all things are immediate satisfaction guaranteed and it’s just that much sweeter when it does work out. Everyone’s path is different, you have one life! Not the selfie life, etc. Do your Best! Always.

Worse...

For anyone wondering: “around” Feb. 15th is when Klamath and Portland will be calling for interviews. Source: Hiring POC for Oregon Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network mobile app

I'd go one step further and buy an airplane some day.

Brother, the bottom line is this. What you do for a paycheck doesn't define who you are. It's a piece of trivia. We (especially in the flying world) get wrapped up in this idea that what we do is who we are. Don't let your job define you and remember that your value isn't dependent on your job title. Go out there every day, swing for the fences, and even if you miss you can go to sleep knowing you put it all on the table. Some of the best dudes/dudettes I know are non flyers, and they have a perspective that we could all learn a lot from. Your job specifically has an impact that many fighter types would be envious of, keep your head up.

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

Consider the source but it might be worse (seriously worse) than being reported: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/world-news/wuhan-coronavirus-crematoriums-working-247-21434630 Now reading it and taking a look, if this is true is it more wide spread than reported or more dangerous than reported or unfortunately both?

Pyro and I were in the same IFF class. We've been buds since then. I got to spend some time with him back in April, he knew this day wasn't far off. He was a hell of a dude, I know Sara and the kids are hurting right now; but boy they had a pretty good last year all things considered. I'm so glad they took the time these last few years to make some family memories. Those will pay off for the rest of the kids life. RIP Pyro, you are missed broseph!

Any E worth a damn wouldn't ask (especially not tell). Any O worth a damn wouldn't be above doing the task AND would offer (but would not be told by an E).

Absolutely not. I've seen this in 2 different squadrons and it's a culture problem in my opinion. Is a Capt above taking out the garbage? No. Should a Capt take out the garbage when they see it needs to be done? Sure, lead by example. Should a CGO listen to the suggestions or mentoring of a Senior NCO? Absolutely. Should a Senior NCO ever undermine the rank of an Officer appointed above them? No. It set's the tone of the squadron and everyone is watching. Shortly after you have 2 stripers complaining that the corn isn't made yet... Agreed with the above though, asking is way different than telling.

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!