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I take all of this with a massive grain of salt. First of all, hypersonic capable missiles and aircraft have been around since the beginning of the space race, so we should clarify terms. Maneuvering hypersonic weapons that don't follow a ballistic trajectory is what we're really talking about. And even those aren't turning out to be the silver bullet everyone thought they were. Russias claimed "hypersonics" are basically just air launched ballistic missiles that are easy to, and have been intercepted. China's hypersonics, while a more compelling design, are very shiny but entirely unproven. Like most of the rest of their military. How many foxbat-esque supposed world beating weapon systems have to be exposed as dogshit before we start to understand that corrupt communist dictatorships massively inflate their military capes? Im not saying we should discount these threats, but perhaps the reason we're "behind" on paper is because we're trying to build something that's actually effective rather than a PR stunt.

I was wrong, but actually I'm still right. Nicely done.

Spoiler alert, there are no good public schools, anywhere, at all.

Too late...

I've worked in the same circle several times. Having 50,000 positions that require Senate confirmation is ludicrous and obviously part of the problem. Judges represent many of the vacancies and that needs to be addressed because of the impact it has on our judicial system (particularly with regard to immigration cases). The Air Force nominate 20-25 Colonels to become Generals each year...the other services have about the same number. The Senate has a DUTY to review those nominations and 100 a year is not asking too much. There should be a a heavy review when making O-7 and another look for O-9 and above.

My entire point was if for some reason you cannot become a pilot (fighter or otherwise) it’s prudent to have a backup career you can stand doing. What happens if you become a pilot and have a life altering medical issue that prevents you from flying for the military or airlines? I know far more young fighter dudes that will never fly again than I would have thought possible. A lot of things need to fall into place for you to make it as a pilot. Which is why I would advise you to pursue a degree you can use.

It's cheaper than blood.

get a basic business degree...way more flexibility than psych

Not 100% sure this is a dirndl, but who cares?!?

That fine print you can't read: "Please know that none of the content in the attached document was produced or validated by UPS. UPS is not, in any way, advising or encouraging any retired employee to contact PSA about this opportunity - nor are we suggesting that you take a new job. UPS has no knowledge of the actual terms and conditions of employment at PSA. Any employment decision between you and PSA must be determined solely by you and PSA." This is targeting the UPS dudes that just took early retirement. Not sure how it'd work for a junior dude who quits UPS to jump ship. My gut says:

Agree to disagree. We're fine here in my corner of the country.

If what you’re trying to say is that every policy decision (regardless of who is in charge) is political, then I most definitely agree with you. Just like other have said, no one at the higher levels of government actually cared about Ukraine and their “democracy” (they’re pretty corrupt btw)…but that’s how it was continuously sold the last 1.5 years. So what changed? As for wanting to get rid of Biden but struggling because the question of who would they put in…I don’t disagree per se that this is what’s happening, but the clock is ticking. So unless they want to have the Dem convention select a candidate, and I don’t think that would go over well, even for many democrats, much less independents, they need to get on it and fast. If I had to pick an outcome, Biden is their guy unless he can not longer even speak in front of a camera. And if that were to happen, how does he not resign and Harris take over before the election? I’m only about 60% confident Biden will be their guy btw. So back to the Ukraine piece—I think the Dems will blame it on the GOP (shocker) when funding stops or becomes much, much less of what it is now. And then the Dems will pivot the focus away from foreign policy and back to abortion, race stuff, and more welfare here in our country.

Sure you can if you're a bunch of know nothing lying hypocrites who are full of shit

Doesn't actually take much effort in Washington.

I’m honestly surprised they have time to do anything productive for the country at all. I figured they were all too busy finding ways to stuff many, many dollars into their wallets.

Those poor Senators…no time to do literally anything else but work to fight for the common man in the country and their specific states. It’s a shame to think they didn’t even have any time to meet with lobbyists, go to special events where they’re wined/dined, attend fundraising events for themselves or others, on and on. It’s amazing with how hard they all work that they can’t pass a budget on time, control spending, and make things better for the country.

Is it just a coincidence that this shift is happening around the same time that the leftist media is somewhere in between (at best) questioning how Israel should respond to their horrible terrorist attack and (at worst) supporting the claim that Israel accepts some of the blame for the attack, or are totally to blame because of their “occupation” or “genocide of the Palestinians”? You can’t say you support and want to spend money defending a democracy in Ukraine when they’re attacked, but then say the opposite about Israel.

"The one?" You're going to have to be a little more specific. I was good, but I know plenty others in the FAIP Mafia who would not let me have that title without a fight 🤣😂. Yup.. Coming from an AD perspective there is absolutely no discernible difference between the unions.

This

Look at how the Covid freaks on this website responded. Absolutely zero humility or admitting they were wrong. I expect the same reaction from our “Ukraine victory or death” crowd.

Lord ratner I think was the one everyone despised at Columbus. I wouldn’t listen to him either

Very confused AD crewdog here.. regardless of what union I eventually join, will I still get paid more and not have to write OPRs?

I can't believe you're falling for this Russian propaganda. Clearly, you hate America. 😄 Think you'll see any of your critics admit they were wrong in this thread when we finally bail on this pathetic shit show? That they spent a lot of time denigrating you and I while supporting the actions of leadership that has failed us time and again? Nah, they'll just say "We achieved our strategic objectives" or "We weren't really trying to defeat Russia, just weaken them." or "We're taking one on the chin to generously save the world from a nuclear apocalypse" Then they'll just quietly move on to the next "Thing" and get themselves all worked up trying to perform the mental gymnastics necessary to argue on behalf of the approved narrative. Zero self-reflection. Israel will be the next boat anchor around our necks. It's so incredibly easy to understand the world and be successful in it when a person (nation) can honestly look in the mirror and hold themselves to account first. Sometimes you're the problem. Fix that before trying to pin your fears and blame on everyone else. Is it too early to try and start accounting for all the money and equipment we'll abandon over there before it ends up on the black market and in the hands of our enemies?

@wikz What I meant is do the easiest degree (for you personally) to get the highest GPA. That usually means having some interest in the topic, so I suppose that could be psych in your case. But definitely do not make it harder by doing BS over BA. If you think you’ll do better at business for example, then do that. Airlines are hiring without degrees now. That could change by the time you get to that hypothetical point, so having the box checked isn’t a bad thing.

https://thehill.com/opinion/education/4288044-oregon-just-dropped-all-graduation-standards-failing-all-of-its-students-in-the-name-of-equity/ “Oregon just dropped all graduation standards, failing all of its students in the name of ‘equity’” But we have the highest graduation rates in the country!!!

The fact that you don’t understand or don’t care that a cut in benefits just happened highlights that you shouldn’t be involved in any union activities. Turn in your card and go join management, you’re well on track.

Wait... I thought you said you were a big fan of youth in asia.

I'd start pumping propane (heavier than air) into the tunnels followed by a Zippo. Not that there aren't enough ignition sources already there.

Go with the easiest degree for highest GPA. Nobody in the guard will give a fuck about BA vs. BS…they’ll glance at your GPA and that’s about it. As far as backup civ life, ref boomer’s comment above. Doesn’t make sense to do psych if you have no desire to do psych in the civ world. Also, if you do change your mind and go that way, be prepared to need a masters, and then be in massive debt with decades ahead of you to break even. College is a losing proposition these days for many people, so go to check the box so you can commission, but that’s about the only reason to go (if your main goal is mil officer/pilot).

I was an AF Legislative Fellow in the Senate and saw the process up close. Our office received a list of military promotion nominees ahead of time. If there was somebody on the list that we didn't think should be promoted, we could call the SASC and they would remove that name from the list. This allowed the main list to move forward for unanimous consent vote, without that person on it. Obviously this would be rare, but it did happen to one O-6 when I was there. Only the very top nominees would have any attention paid to them. The highest level nominees (4 stars, JCS members, Asst Secretaries, etc...) would make their rounds to our office to meet with the Senator and others on the SASC to "kiss the ring." Below them nobody really gets reviewed, unless there was a specific person on the list that was highlighted negatively. And I agree with Stoker. My Senator worked everyday from about 0600-2300 and also brought a giant book of "homework" with him every night, memo's to review and approve. He frequently had 30 appointments a day. Unlike the extreme bloat in the DoD, our office was small with very few staff. There is no time or manpower to review nominees one by one, except the people at the very top of the DoD.

The Senate Armed Services Committee has approximately 50,000 nominations to review and confirm each year. If the Senate works six days a week, year round, twelve hour days, they will have approximately 4.6 minutes per nominee to review and vote. Given that a lone holdout can still force a roll call vote that will take far longer than 5 minutes, you will effectively accomplish nothing. The system is designed so that most people get blanket approved, but there is ample opportunity for serious discussion if there is any Senator who feels there's a need for it. It's a super common misconception that Congress is only working when it's in session - there's a lot more going on behind the scenes.

What value are you placing on an American life? When you come up with one, put it in a math equation, and I'll be happy to give you my take on the cost/kill. Remember, we had to abandon the gold standard to finance the war in Vietnam ultimately leading us to position we are in today. We didn't win that one and we don't have that option again. The Ukrainians don't get to decide if they wish to fight ad die. Zelenski gets to decide, and also remember, he cancelled the the March 2024 elections so that the people CAN'T decide. How much sense does it make to claim you're helping save Ukrainian people from a tyrannical dictatorship while supporting their "democracy" that is transitioning to... a tyrannical dictatorship? Do you honestly believe the world has been shocked into submission by the our support to our allies and ability to win wars? Because it certainly doesn't seem that way. Conflicts are popping off all over the place at rate greater than our ability to quell them. Quite the opposite, our strategic opponents smell blood in the water and are further emboldened by obvious inability to actually win anything. Ok, so everyone knows the financial system is on life support and the days are numbered. Today, you can go to the bank, withdraw cash, go anywhere you want, and exchange it for something of value. Replace your vehicle, do some home repairs, invest in equipment for a small business, etc. You can also use it to help someone who needs those things more than you. Our government, knowing the end is near, could just as easily take those coupons with an expiration date, and trade them for hard, durable assets. They have a choice. They could improve infrastructure, roads, bridges, schools, factories, etc. They could convert that cash to power plants, oil reserves, food reserves, raw materials, border security, and other things that would sustain the American people through an economic downturn. Instead, they choose to convert those soon to be defunct dollars to "foreign aid" and send them overseas while telling you the baddies are conspiring to sap and impurify your precious bodily fluids. Why would they do this? Because a large portion of that public debt and "foreign aid" returns to them, personally, in the form of checks to offshore banks, business deals, board positions, consultant fees at defense contractors, overperforming investments, etc. Then, they can convert those dollars to real assets for themselves instead of real assets for you. The senior deal makers at the top have zero concern for your best interests. As a matter of fact, most of them are so far removed from the average American, or Ukrainian, or Israeli that they can't even understand your needs or perspective. Most, not all, are playing Monopoly with the productive value you, not them, have brought to the American economy. And it is a game for them. In Monopoly, they're given a random opportunity to make a transaction or exchange. When a conflict happens, such as the one in Ukraine or Israel, it presents vast numbers of these opportunities. The game only progresses in one direction, that is fewer people end up with more money, and eventually if the game is allowed to continue ad infinitum, one person ends up with it all. So knowing that conflict presents more random opportunities to conduct these random transactions (thereby increasing the probability of enriching oneself), what is the greater incentive, investing in peace and prosperity at home, or investing in, or even promoting, conflict abroad?

What will get you a better paying job in the civilian world, BS or BA? When you get Med DQ’d, wash out, etc. what will you have to fall back on? Pick the plan B you can stomach for the rest of your life and/or that pays well.

My take: you're waaaaaaaaay overthinking this.

Hot take…the airlines don’t require a degree. Spend your money on hours to get to the regionals, run hard and get to the majors. Live on ramen for another 2 years until you’re a narrow body captain, then spend your money on a technical school for something like welding. Profit.

I bet @Best-22 even downvotes posts in the “German chicks in dirndl and beer” thread…Hold on, I’ll go check.

Two things can be true at the same time.

True story. On a Nellis trip, a new OG (from off station) was standing in the lobby of the casino/hotel, when two girls walk past with lots of skin showing. He says to the D.O., "Oh look, the working girls are out already." D.O. says, uh sir, that's two of your 1CO's... 🤣.

C.W. Lemoine breaks down the “Air Force Era of Transformation” on his podcast.

He should immediately identify as female, better yet a black female, making this a lesbian encounter! No one would touch that with a ten foot pole!

If he was black or female he would probably be safe. He looks too privileged to not come out of this with some scratches.

Best advice I ever got was from an American captain at the hotel bar on a nice overnight. ”son go back to your room and strip naked and look at yourself in the mirror. Does she really want that? Or does she want what you can provide?” never looked at it the same since

I'm trying to figure that, also. It's as though a switch was flipped yesterday. I searched "Ukraine Stalemate" in Google news and it seems all Western media is reporting on that all at once. Here's ABC news claiming this was something they knew all along. Ugh, https://abcnews.go.com/International/ukraine-generals-view-war-stalemate-appears-recognition-failed/story?id=104576525 My theory is: if I can reach a conclusion just from trying to glean a handful of facts from an ocean of bullshit, I know the media has been sitting on much more, and finally realized that reality can't be concealed, and it's time to cut bait and get ahead of yet another Biden Admin embarrassment.

The grift is up. The big fish made their money and are ready to move on. Why? Because from the beginning NO ONE gave two fucks about Ukraine. But they convinced YOU that YOU cared about Ukraine.

Uh oh, the narrative is collapsing faster than even I expected. I honestly can't believe this aired tonight. https://x.com/KanekoaTheGreat/status/1720588620640489750?s=20

Agree to disagree. Congress wants to be in charge, then accept the responsibility that comes with it. I've got E-1, 2, 3, & 4s working 6/1s on 12s, I expect the same kind of work ethic from the highest law-making body in the land. Insert a cliché about 'ignoring a problem won't make it go away' or 'Bad news doesn't get better with time'...both apply to this situation. Again, this is political theater with three sides…unless you truly think that the 12x takers of the DoD policy on funded abortion travel is a higher National Defense priority over the nomination approvals of the Senior Military leaders. SecDef Austin and Senate Majority Leader Schumer have statutory options they are choosing to not exercise...and I have to ask myself "Why?"

It is feasible and THIS is part of the problem. If you have to be confirmed by the Senate why just accept the blanket approval of each service. This practice only reinforces the broken process and continues to promote some of most acidic leaders we have ever seen.