GoodSplash9

So I owe exactly 2 years, 1 month, and 25 days for my remaining UPT ADSC. I'm an RPA re-cat who has been literally trying anything and everything to return to fly any manned airframe. I'm planning to let my SQ/CC know that I planned to palace chase and seek a flying Guard/Reserve unit, but that I'd be willing to remain on active duty if they are willing to use me in AMC flying any airframe. I've got no idea how my boss will react (hes been supportive so far), but my real question is how nefarious is AFPC? I'm on the 2019 summer VML right now (May 19 timeframe), but the one big threat I see is AFPC PCS'ing me back to an RPA ops assignment or staff job (FTU dude right now) with orders like a week or two before I can 7-day opt. Is this a feasible threat, or is there an AFI somewhere that defines the minimum amount of time from orders dropping to PCS'ing? I'd prefer to have the discussion sooner than later, but the "avoid" option is there for a few weeks until I can kill any orders with a 7-day option.

So when you are approved for Palace Chase, you owe your new Guard/Reserve unit three times the duration of how early you got out (let me know if that is wrong). I'm not real smart on Guard/Reserve culture, but how would it work if you are hired as a traditional guardsman or reservist while looking for work flying for a cargo or commercial carrier? Is it understood and cool if you need to take 6-8 months off for training and probation as a new hire? If you were hired by a unit in a new air frame, would they not let you go until you were done seasoning. Looking for any bro level considerations and gouge.

Sling Blade...I'm a second assignment RPA dude with 2.5 years left on my sentence. I've heavily pondered options including returning to white jets, guard/reserve, RPA contractings(plus traditional guard/reserve) and CFI to get me from 350 hours to 750 for R-ATP mins. I reached the same conclusion tunes did... With that being said, right now I'm really hoping to return to teach in T-6s. I had a blast flying them in UPT and I legitimately enjoy teaching, but my calculus also figured that my best path to seniority at a major ASAP is starting to log more flight hours (however I can) while I'm still active duty. I'm obviously going to incur an additional 1-1.5 years if the T-6 gig happens, but I'm also going to hopefully have an additional 800-1000 hours in the next 2.5 years ahead of what I would have if I waited. It probably won't eliminate my need to fly for a regional or smaller cargo carrier, but it will definitely reduce the time it takes to bump up to a major (and increase my marketability for a flying guard unit). Were you talking about RPA contractors or deployed flying contracts? I'm very familiar with pretty much all of the RPA contracting jobs. They pay great....but I'd like to pick where I live and quality of life to spend time with my family and on other priorities is a bigger factor for me than pay (I don't want to work in Vegas, New Mexico, or 3 on 3 off to various crap holes of the planet). Also, the gravy train will end at some point when the Air Force realizes it is shooting itself in the foot with RPA retentio. Deployed ISR flying contracting is something I hadn't really thought about though as another possible path to get to my 750 hours for the R-ATP. Anybody have gouge on co-pilot hiring requirements, pay, ops tempo, and the types of aircraft (assuming MC-12 and King Air type stuff). Admittedly, I haven't googled it yet.

Any current T-6 PIT instructors I could PM for some information?

I did volunteer to recat to 11U. I actually love the MQ-9 mission, but I've reached some conclusions the last year that have convinced me that selling my time/life for standard career progression isn't the best thing for me or my family. I made a list of what I like....1) teaching/instructing, 2) hacking the mission with good bros & 3) new learning curves. The Pentagon staff gig and/or school first look they were peddling didn't meet any of these, so I called an abort and here I am trying to return to fly. Didn't know there were non 11Fs flying LA, but I was basically politely told NO WAY because I had no fighter background or tactical formation experience (which I completely understand for what they are doing). Got it, the pipeline is pretty backed up right now. Shoot me a PM if you wanna grab a beer or whatever when you come out to Holloman. I've "remotely operated" or taught academics with a bunch of Nashville pilots recently, seems like a pretty chill unit.

I'm late to the game (felt obligated to vent)...but I agree that pairing light attack up with MQ-9 units probably isn't feasible over the next few years. And you would think "11U pilots, great, no questions asked" makes sense. A few of us 11Us found out recently that big blue didn't trust us to try our hand out at flying the C-208 or AC-208 while volunteering for a 365 to Afghanistan. Lets non-vol U-28 and AC-130 pilots because they are the dudes that have what it takes outside 11Fs. It's a single engine Cessna Caravan.....seriously? As an 11U out of the real cockpit for 6+ years, I'm doing everything I can to get back to a flying gig for a few years. Light attack would be sick, but it seems like the guys doing it right now have to have a fighter background. nsplayr, are you going through the MQ-9 B course right now?

Bode, PM'd you for current gouge. Any other dudes current in Afghanistan doing this job?

That's all fair...Right now, it seems like the Air Force needs every single pilot they have. I guess my honest question would be do the standards at PIT let unsafe IPs graduate and go teach at UPT? I know FAIPs are really current in their airframe, but they don't exactly have a wealth of judgement, decision making, or instructional skills when they show up to PIT in general. FYSA, there have been at least 2 dudes in my situation that went on to teach T-6s and did really well (they were around the 4-5 year mark). With that being said, I appreciate your frank answer. I'm really motivated to do this, so I'm going to press until the doors are all shut. If that happens, flying Guard units will likely be the next endeavor.

So I'm a T-1 UPT dude that dropped RPAs and I've been doing that for over 6 years now. I've really enjoyed the mission and I re-categorized a few years ago. With that being said, due to a number of recent reasons I've decided to try and pursue any active duty deployment or 3-4 year tour flying any manned airframe that will take me (rather than staff, working for a general, and standard box checking). I've got a really strong performance record, a lot of IP/FE experience in RPAs, FTU experience, and I've remotely destroyed a lot of stuff of doing CAS/DT (so far, these haven't counted for much). Right now, I'm working every angle I have to try and score a gig teaching T-1s or T-6s (requires a waiver due to not having 100 AC hours, but its been done). I'm also trying to sell my base leadership and ACC on taking a gamble and letting me be a co-pilot in the E-11. If both of these options fail, I see IFS or teaching fixed wing planes at the Academy as the last options I know about. Spec Ops Fighter Pilot and Spec Ops Fighter Pilot flying the A-29 were both ruled out today. I'm looking for other ideas/options I haven't considered on the active duty side. And thanks to the bros who have already passed gouge my way.

Spec Ops Fighter Pilot definitely rules me out, don't want to mess with that...I'm looking for active duty flying squadrons willing to consider non-current UPT grad ninja assasins who have been remotely operating for 6+ years? I'll move it to the moving to a new aircraft thread. Thanks for the replies.

Discus, I'm assuming you've moved on from this program. Does anyone have current details about this program? In particular, what is the actual unit at Moody that flies the A-29, what is the application/selection process, and is there a POC or name to talk to about these questions? I've received a few automated emails about application for "Combat Air Advisor" positions that mention a special operations wing and air commandos. Is this the same program?

ARAMP1 and LookieRookie, thanks for the quick replies gents. PMs with my AF email sent.

Random AFPC question I don't know the answer to....is there a functional or some type of equivalent that handles T-1 or T-6 assignments for UPT? Or are the billets filled by all of the MWS functionals? If this person exists, I'm trying to reach them. I'd definitely appreciate any gouge and I'll PM my .gov email to hopefully receive the persons name. --BREAK-- Does anyone know how application/hiring for the E-11 BACN deployments work? As an ACC assett right now, would the first step be reaching out to "the" (I'm not really smart on these things) ACC deployment manager? Again, if anyone could point me to the right name or office I'd appreciate a PM so I can grab the name via .gov email.

Duck, great information man. I re-categorized as an 18A (RPA dude) a few years ago, and I don't think AFPC would let me go. The AMC & RPA functionals have a pissing match going on right now fighting over AMC RPA guys who didn't recat but have been gone for 5-6+ years. I've got a lot of planning/work to do, but thanks again for the reply bro.

Thanks to all previous posters for the great information. Up front...I'm very ignorant regarding Palace Chase and the Guard (sorry if this would fit better in another thread). I'm an active duty '09 Captain T-1 UPT graduate who has been flying MQ-9s for about 7.5 years now (obviously non-current other than some GA flying). Due to a number of factors, over the last month I've been heavily considering departing active duty and pursuing a career flying both in the Guard and as an airline pilot (regional to major when I'm able). I've loved serving and the mission (yes, even the MQ-9), but I'm ready for a new chapter where I have some more choices that will let me place my family higher on the priority list. I have exactly 2.5 years left on my ADSC (UPT) which ends October of 2020. Here are some big questions I'd appreciate any insight or advice with: 1) How feasible is it for me to actually be hired and PC with around 6 months ADSC remaining at a mobility or tanker unit? I've got around 300 hours TT right now (I'm going to be pursuing a CFI/CFII and trying to boost my time over the next 2 years)? Is my limited experience with real flying going to rule me out, does having a solid active duty record count for anything, and/or will the unit mostly be checking out if I'm a good dude that fits into the unit for the next 5-10 years? 2) With 2.5 years ADSC right now, when is the right time to start reaching out to units and actually coordinating PC qweep? My plan is to come up with a list of cities my family is down for moving to that has a Guard unit as well as at least one regional/major hub. 3) I'm on my third VML right now with orders likely dropping this October. I'm pretty sure I'll have a 7-day option based on the 2 year CONUS ADSC...I'm thinking it would be better to get my SQ/CC, OG/CC, and WG/CC on my side for approval with the PC rather than blind siding them with the 7-day option (right now they have no idea I'm even considering this). On the other hand, Alamogordo and the MQ-9 FTU are less than thrilling. Part of me thinks a change of scenery with a likely staff gig (DC, Langley, or San Antonio) could be a nice change for my last two years. Would this be miserable with the above considerations in mind and would it impact my chances of the PC being approved (or maybe help since I'm non-current as an IP/EP)? 4) If I was able to get hired, would I roll right into an FTU/RTU as a UPT grad? If hired as a traditional guardsmen, I'd assume there would be a seasoning period after earning a qual? What would a likely/average ADSC equivalent look like in the guard after finishing training before you could leave the unit or move to a new one? 5) After seasoning, if hired by a regional....would the guard unit provide some flexible time off or would the regional training program respect your mil leave requirements? Thanks in advance for advice/thoughts/spears. A whole new world of service/career/family/QOL opportunities is opening and I'm pretty excited (I went through a month period that kind of felt like emotionally divorcing the Air Force). Cheers!

Any chance someone would hook a Lt leaving for his first deployment up by helping me figure out how I wear the "OCP" two piece flight suit. They forced me to take two of these instead of just giving me four tan bags. I've got the Air Force and last name tapes for it along with rank. What is the velcro on the arm for....it looks like some kind of patch belongs there(should I piss off the fun police with pencil patches)? Also, do the pants blouse or not? Edit: Just found the reg...and it doesn't mention the flight suit at all.

I can't see the new Feinstein bill actually passing the house....right? I'm sure there are at least a few Dem senators who know they would be fired in a heartbeat if they vote for this too. I'm definitely stocking up on mags though. I'm also seriously considering buying a Dillon reloader(my wife has a friend that works there who can get me a brand new setup 40% off). I'm curious from any of you who do your own reloading, how expensive does 556/223 ammo end up being?

I prefer Fedex. Reference below data: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/27/postal-service-default_n_1918945.html https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/14/us-usa-postal-decline-idUSTRE81D0OO20120214

I'm not baseline assuming your an idiot. It's a factual judgement based on the data and research I've gathered on pretty much every baseops thread you've posted in(I bet I can find some others who agree, but you won't acknowledge that data will you?). You are a pretty typical lib(not above the batting average). My argument was based on personal experience on the micro economic level rather than "data and research" you googled to support what you obviously think is superior knowledge on the macro economic scale. Only hard data and research approved by you has any real merit though apparently. Your a self proclaimed expert on everything, right? You didn't acknowledge a single question I asked you, instead you changed the topic and explained to me why I don't have any credibility. I am curious though, tell me about your favorite successful public policy?

A strong argument could be made that the "rising inequality" you are talking about is caused by a massive societal lack of personal accountability and reliance on government kool-aid rather than ineffective government policies and wealthy individuals and corporations. Did I miss some of your bright and shining examples of "smart government influence on properly-operating markets"? That sure makes a great talking point...maybe you are talking about how congress supported sub-prime mortgages in the late 90s & early 2000s, some of smart investments it has made in failing corporations in the last 4 years, and the job it is doing increasing the number of people using some of the great "social safety nets" you mentioned. When I see "smart government influence" it makes me think about FEMA, the ineffective bureaucracy we deal with every day at work, and the fact that our political leadership can't even pass a yearly budget on time. You really believe social safety net programs blah blah blah provide a great deal of economic certainty and long-term stability that enhances growth??? YGBFKM!!! I'm going to give some personal examples I have of why you are completely batshiit crazy & wrong rather than googling random blogs, articles, books, and wikipedia to support every paragraph I write. So my wifes grandma falls on one side of the social safety net....she divorced her military husband later in life, and neither of them saved or prepared for retirement. She lives off of social security, alimony, and medicare. She barely makes enough to pay for the dirty craphole trailer park trailer she rents or the fast/freezer food she lives on. When you include the cigarettes and booze she says she can't live without, she isn't able to pay all of her bills and credit cards. She ends up begging for help from my in laws. She has no personal accountability in my opinion, and she is contributing to the "rising inequality" you are talking about by relying on your social safety nets that are supposedly so crucial. They aren't even enough to enable her trailer park lifestyle. My grandma was on the other side of the spectrum of the social safety net. She was very savy with retirement planning/saving and lived very well. She passed away recently, and we found out that she had about $4 million in IRAs, annuities, and savings accounts. I would say that she was very responsible & accountable in regards to preparing for retirement and blessing(yea....I'm a proud Christian and that defines the person I am in pretty much every way) her family financially when she passed away. She loved to knickel and dime social security, medicare/medicaid, disability, and any/all government entitlement programs she qualified for though. She also taught my cousin(her granddaughter) to do the same thing. My cousin basically arranged to be let go from her job so she could go back to school to get her masters. She collected full unemployment for 2 years, used a number of government programs to help pay for her masters degree, and my grandma paid the rest. I work my ass off for my wife and 2 daughters while paying taxes like you and most of us on baseops. It doesn't seem right that we pay for my grandma to use the social safety net when she has $4mil in the bank.....and my cousin voluntarily arranging to be let go from her job to receive unemployment while going to school doesn't scream fair or personally accountable to me. Again, your cliche talking points sound great. How the hell does increasing taxes on people who are succeeding reduce inequality? My dad went from a poor college student to lower middle class to self made millionaire in about 15 years. He has worked a corporate engineering job since graduating college, but hes also been very succesful managing a small business and inventing & developing patents with a partner. Explain how taxing my dad at 50+% is going to allow the government to help move my wifes grandma out of the trailer park, reduce inequality, and increase opportunity? I'm not seeing it....all it does is reduce the incentive to succeed financially and decrease upward mobility. There won't ever be a perfect form of government because people are always going to corrupt or screw up some part of it, but the American system has created the largest amount of wealth, personal prosperity, and individual freedom that a country ever has in less than 200 years. Ever increasing taxes wasn't ever part of American success, and it won't lead to it today either despite what your boy in the Whitehouse wants everyone to think. You won't ever agree because your blind....but there are plenty of examples of the heirs of the ultra wealthy, actors, athletes, and more who have squanded away massive amounts of money because they are idiots who don't have any personal accountability or discipline. Reference what I said about my dad above...He isn't BIll Gates, but he was able to go from 50k in student loans with nothing to his name to having a couple million in the bank at 50. Of course he doesn't give away his extra money or go do charity work. Its the Gov's job to take all of the extra money from the rich....thats the definition of charity, right? /End Rant

OMFG.....YGTBFKM.....everyone knows we don't really have a debt problem. We should have Apollo get some paper towels from a community college student(somebody with a little more credibility than facebook) that has the real facts about our national economic situation.

I just saw on tv that 9 of the wounded were unintentionally shot by the two police who were first to respond. Apparently the guy drew his rifle(I think), and they both unloaded a whole clip into him on a crowded street. Sounds like they hit him about 12 times, so can't fault them too much.

My first rifle: These are the optics I'll be getting as soon as the magnifiers ship:

Anybody know details or have a contact who would know about the RPA track/curriculum at TPS?

I was there last year in August. It was really laid back overall. I think I had an event like every other day on average(first month every 3-4 days, and towards the end every day usually). Flights/sims were usually 4 hours(1hr brief, 2 hr flight, 1hr debrief). Make sure your SRO talkes to the class ahead of you for gouge, and you should be good to go for academics. A few hours(2-3) of studying every day was more than enough to do well. Plenty of extra time for gym/tan/lunch/nap action. We were free to come and go as we wanted as long as we showed up at brief time and/or for academics. The 2 SQ buildings your normally at and the gym are right next to lodging within walking distance. Our class played volleyball/basketball for like 2 hours every day, and alot of us chilled at the pool every day while casually studying. The internet in lodging sucks, and Walmart/Chile's/Applebees are the best places Alamogordo has to offer. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.