Carpetbagger

Well played. As far as the reference, most of the "Carpetbaggers" worked East and West in a different AOR, not North and South... But well played...

150 years ago today... Fort Sumter

EQ!

I did say "pretty much the same thing" but left out a lot of other worthless conjecture. I'm not a doctor, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.

I think he was saying his LDL was 121, not the total, which would be LDL + HDL + Triglycerides/5 = total cholesterol. 121 of LDL would be "above optimal" or just a little high. Less than 100 on the LDL is optimal. Your previous flight doc was correct. On the plus side, it is easier to lower LDL (bad stuff) than raise the HDL (good stuff). Your ratio of HDL to LDL is more important overall than the total number. Here is some good stuff on Cholesterol from the AHA.

:beer:

Any gouge on the AFRC billets that are on the way?

TERPROM, TERCOM, DSMAC are all passive on board systems that allow "all weather" terrain following flight. Most of those systems have been installed on missiles for many years. Most, 'cause there is always something new and exceptions to nearly every rule, USAF/NATO manned aircraft that fly "TF" use active radar systems for guidance, with passive systems secondary. This discussion is very terminology oriented - "who can and can't fly TF." Paradigm shift... you can fly TF without a radar. Just hope your passive systems and DTED are REALLY accurate.

What is the latest on the standup of the AFRC squadron to "replace" the 62nd? LRAFB News. Any additional gouge?

Nice.

9. Sharks with laser beams...

Great post.

Link. News is reporting that the search for the missing aviator has been called off. RIP Lt. Our prayers go out to your family, friends, and shipmates. :beer:

ACC Numbers... Once you're there, he can PCS to Peterson to fly slicks.

Paul Harvey passed away today at age 90. Paul Harvey https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?...2226&page=1Paul Harvey passes at age 90 An American radio icon. One of a few radio broadcasters who actually made a living bringing good news to the masses. Rest in peace. :beer:

Well put.

AFMAN 36-8001, AFRC Supplement 1 explains the Seasoning Training Program (STP) for AFRC units and the attachments have the "authorized" number of STP days for each rated crew position. The AFRC A3 Training site on the portal has a "Seasoning Training Guide" that explains this further. Basically, STP is "unit funded," but uses money that is programmed in advance (project 726 school tour funding or a UFR when the money runs out) then allocated from AFRC, so it is not really unit funded like a squadron TDY might be. The mandays don't take away from the units' limited pot o' money. Many folks get a lot more STP days than the reg allows due to availability of funds. I've seen folks authorized 120 days that end up with 250+ when the orders get issued. Most fighter units get 270+ for a pilot, most heavies get 120+ for a new pilot/nav/ewo and 45+ for a new AC upgrade or retread. Most of the enlisted positions get 120+ for initial quals. When the programmed money runs out, so does the STP. STP is a desired end product for rated/non-rated development (most career fields have STP, including non-flyers), but should not be looked at as an entitlement. Contact your wing training office for more information. If you are in school, work with your training folks to make sure they put in the request for your "authorized STP." Most places do this automatically as part of your MQ courses (MQ, Survival, etc.), but I've seen some slip through the cracks due to a lack of understanding about the program. Money not spent = money never spent again, so spend ALL of the available training dollars and this program will expand into an even better program than it already is.

Operations Security, or OPSEC for you newbies.

The MC-130E, original Talon, before there was a sequel, also has an EWO, and 2 NAVs. They all belong to AFRC (a great deal), and yes, they are definitely hiring! See ad under "711 SOS, Duke Field."

I agree with Hotel that there is a disparity in the information. Of the information posted, the VA is saying one thing, the bills say another (and differ from each other slightly), and the signed one (from Pres. Bush) reads slightly different. The Wisconsin VA department seems to believe that reservists and guardsmen get full credit for any duty over 24 months. Very few specialties in the guard and reserve require over 24 months of training, and I believe that was the intent of the legislation. Probably 95% of all reservists won't have 24 months in training. However, as the bill reads, those few who have over 24 months of AD including training, qualify. It will be very interesting to see how this plays out when the bill becomes effective on 1 Aug 09. Here is the actual signed bill. Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 One brief example. If you look at the sections that describe terms of discharge, an "individual who performs xx months of service and then continues on active duty, or is discharged to serve in the reserve component" describes exactly what a TR/TG would encounter while on active duty for training. Same training, same source, same time. Less than 24 months gets you NADA. More than 24 reads differently. I may be dead wrong on this as I'm not a constitutional law attorney, but I'm going to press for it for my folks until I'm told to shut up and color. If it comes to that, hopefully my Congressman can help add some clarification. As I said before, the VA site mentions the 95% solution - only deployed contingency time counts - but also uses the term "generally" and "training" and "state callups" (title 32). I believe the key is in the + or - 24 months issue. I hope I'm right, but I may not be. Rant switch on: Not trying to start an AD versus ARC flame war, but I find it ridiculous that a reservist who goes through 25 months of training alongside his/her AD brethren, then deploys for 23 months may get screwed by this (and get reduced benefits), while an "insert non-mobility job here" servicemember on a 48 month (or less) enlistment who has never deployed gets the full benefit. That isn't the way it was after WW2, which is what inspired this new GI Bill. If that's the case, so much for TFI. If every day spent in uniform in the service of your country counts for some, it should count for all. I think I'll write my Congressman... (switch off)

Just to clarify, if you are a Guardsman/Reservist on title 10 orders for Active Duty for Training (OTS,UPT, etc), SCRA applies to you. If you are a NG on Title 32 orders due to a national emergency, you are covered by SCRA. If you are activated on Title 10 orders, you are covered by SCRA. If you are a member of the ARC, you are also covered during the time period between receipt of the orders, and the day the orders actually begin (Section 106.) Remember, the intent is to protect servicemembers from hardship, not give them a "free ride." Scenario: A Physician's Assistant who makes $###,### per year is also a TSgt PJ in the Reserves who makes less on AD orders than his civilian job. Scenario 2: A school teacher who makes $xx,### is also a LTC Herk pilot who makes considerably more on AD. For one of these folks, military duty can pose a financial hardship. If a creditor can prove that you have not suffered a financial hardship due to military duty, the 6% rate does not have to be given. VERY FEW creditors will fight that battle, because the burden of proof is on them, and most respect military service anyway. SCRA Explained I came through under the previous SSCRA, which became SCRA in 2003, and I never had any problems getting interest rates lowered from creditors or lenders, or terminating a lease early when my PCS orders came through. Loan forbearance/forgiveness is a different animal. See your lender or Dept of Ed rep for more on that (Stafford Loan Repayment Options). Any of you contemplating leaving the military for federal civilian service, or becoming a dual status employee (ART/Mil Tech), look into the Palace Acquire program, also known as developmental internship or "baby ART" program. Student Loan Repayment is part of the deal up to $10K per year (with some caps that escape me at this time.) THAT is a really good deal!

Sorry in advance for the lengthy post, but this comes from the Final version of the bill. The House and Senate individual versions have almost the same language. Here is a link that explains the "what part of my Reserve or Guard active duty time counts" question. Basically, as this reads, if you were in training for more than 24 months cumulative on active duty orders, that time will count. Less than that, and only your "contingency" time counts, per Title 10 definitions. Guardsmen whose states pay tuition will still be able to use applicable GI Bill benefits as the program is independent of state funding sources. See the highlighted portions below for more information. House Version Senate Version Final Draft Title 10 Search SUBCHAPTER I--DEFINITIONS `Sec. 3301. Definitions `In this chapter: `(1) The term `active duty' has the meanings as follows (subject to the limitations specified in sections 3002(6) and 3311(b)): `(A) In the case of members of the regular components of the Armed Forces, the meaning given such term in section 101(21)(A). `(B) In the case of members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces, service on active duty under a call or order to active duty under section 688, 12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, or 12304 of title 10. `(2) The term `entry level and skill training' means the following: `(A) In the case of members of the Army, Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. `(B) In the case of members of the Navy, Recruit Training (or Boot Camp) and Skill Training (or so-called `A' School). `© In the case of members of the Air Force, Basic Military Training and Technical Training. `(D) In the case of members of the Marine Corps, Recruit Training and Marine Corps Training (or School of Infantry Training). `(E) In the case of members of the Coast Guard, Basic Training. `(3) The term `program of education' has the meaning given such term in section 3002, except to the extent otherwise provided in section 3313. `(4) The term `Secretary of Defense' means the Secretary of Defense, except that the term means the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy. `SUBCHAPTER II--EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE `Sec. 3311. Educational assistance for service in the Armed Forces commencing on or after September 11, 2001: entitlement `(a) Entitlement- Subject to subsections (d) and (e), each individual described in subsection (b) is entitled to educational assistance under this chapter. `(b) Covered Individuals- An individual described in this subsection is any individual as follows: `(1) An individual who-- `(A) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, serves an aggregate of at least 36 months on active duty in the Armed Forces (including service on active duty in entry level and skill training); and `(B) after completion of service described in subparagraph (A)-- `(i) continues on active duty; or `(ii) is discharged or released from active duty as described in subsection ©. `(2) An individual who-- `(A) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, serves at least 30 continuous days on active duty in the Armed Forces; and `(B) after completion of service described in subparagraph (A), is discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces for a service-connected disability. `(3) An individual who-- `(A) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, serves an aggregate of at least 30 months, but less than 36 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces (including service on active duty in entry level and skill training); and `(B) after completion of service described in subparagraph (A)-- `(i) continues on active duty for an aggregate of less than 36 months; or `(ii) before completion of service on active duty of an aggregate of 36 months, is discharged or released from active duty as described in subsection ©. `(4) An individual who-- `(A) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, serves an aggregate of at least 24 months, but less than 30 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces (including service on active duty in entry level and skill training); and `(B) after completion of service described in subparagraph (A)-- `(i) continues on active duty for an aggregate of less than 30 months; or `(ii) before completion of service on active duty of an aggregate of 30 months, is discharged or released from active duty as described in subsection ©. `(5) An individual who-- `(A) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, serves an aggregate of at least 18 months, but less than 24 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces (excluding service on active duty in entry level and skill training); and `(B) after completion of service described in subparagraph (A)-- `(i) continues on active duty for an aggregate of less than 24 months; or `(ii) before completion of service on active duty of an aggregate of 24 months, is discharged or released from active duty as described in subsection ©. `(6) An individual who-- `(A) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, serves an aggregate of at least 12 months, but less than 18 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces (excluding service on active duty in entry level and skill training); and `(B) after completion of service described in subparagraph (A)-- `(i) continues on active duty for an aggregate of less than 18 months; or `(ii) before completion of service on active duty of an aggregate of 18 months, is discharged or released from active duty as described in subsection ©. `(7) An individual who-- `(A) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, serves an aggregate of at least 6 months, but less than 12 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces (excluding service on active duty in entry level and skill training); and `(B) after completion of service described in subparagraph (A)-- `(i) continues on active duty for an aggregate of less than 12 months; or `(ii) before completion of service on active duty of an aggregate of 12 months, is discharged or released from active duty as described in subsection ©. `(8) An individual who-- `(A) commencing on or after September 11, 2001, serves an aggregate of at least 90 days, but less than 6 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces (excluding service on active duty in entry level and skill training); and `(B) after completion of service described in subparagraph (A)-- `(i) continues on active duty for an aggregate of less than 6 months; or `(ii) before completion of service on active duty of an aggregate of 6 months, is discharged or released from active duty as described in subsection ©.

DELTA... Don't Expect Luggage To Arrive I'm currently 8 for 12 over the past 2 years. Batting .670 is great for a baseball player but completely unsat for an airline. Currently 100% with Southwest, American, and US Airways. Northwest is the... anomaly... at 2 for 3. Wait, they're part of Delta now. That makes sense. Recommendation: I've taken to requesting a "Priority" tag with my bag due to professional gear that must arrive with my military self at my military location. Haven't had one of those tagged bags end up somewhere else at the end of the flight.

Great photos Ned. Nice to finally see the country during the daytime. Any info on some of the castles and fortresses in the pictures?

Plywood anyone? De Havilland Mosquito. 1. Probably the most versatile combat aircraft ever made...Start with the A model and work your way to Z, kind of like the Herk. 2. This guy fought for the wrong team, but you got to give him props for doing so much with a Stuka... Hans Ulrich Rudel Warbird Resource Group - "According to official Luftwaffe figures, Rudel flew some 2,530 combat missions (a world record), during which he destroyed almost 2,000 ground targets (among them 519 tanks, 70 assault craft/landing boats, 150 self-propelled guns, 4 armored trains, and 800 other vehicles; as well as 9 planes (2 Il-2's and 7 fighters). He also sank a battleship, two cruisers and a destroyer. He was shot down or forced to land 32 times (several times behind enemy lines), but always managed to escape capture despite a 100,000 ruble bounty placed on his head by Stalin himself. He was also wounded five times and rescued six stranded aircrew from enemy territory. The vast majority of his missions were spent piloting the various models of the Junkers Ju 87, though by the end of the war he flew the ground-attack variant of the Fw 190."