JarheadBoom

Amen.

Saw a picture of the proposed CNS/ATM cockpit (I think it was a mockup, but I'm not sure) a couple years ago, and was less than impressed. EDIT: Interesting link...

We were told at the beginning of FY11 that new BCU's were actually funded, and were about to be produced. Here at the end of FY11, no one has seen one. If the worst happens, at least MX will be able to work-off some of the backlogged gripes on the jets as they sit between pattern-only locals and USN/USMC/FMS/FRG support missions, while Big Blue comes up with the proper spin to the story of why their "most capable" tanker suddenly isn't.

No. Originally, KC-X was the -135 replacement, KC-Y was the -10 replacement, and KC-Z was the not-sure-what-we'll-need-but-better-start-planning-something-anyway concept. Last I heard, Big Blue is planning on the -10 being around until 2030 (and I hate to think about what kind of shape the -10 fleet will be in by then...). However, reference the BUFF, Bone, -135, U-2, and others I'm sure I missed, to see Blue's track record on their aircraft lifespan projections. We've got some of those in the -10 too. If I had my way they'd all get kicked in the junk (whatever version of junk they possess).

2017 at the earliest, and that's just the Initial Operating Capacity (17-18 aircraft, IIRC). With the AF (and DoD) recent track record of on-time, on-budget aircraft acquisitions, don't bet on 2017 being IOC, unless -135s start rapidly disassembling in-flight on a regular basis. And maybe not even then...

1 - "Donate" those jumper cables you bought to the SQ, for use by anyone else who needs but does not have/follow an After Parking/Shutdown checklist for their POV. 2 - Have a beer and let it go. Seriously.

Ask Finance. Or the Med Group. [/sarcasm], in case you're slow...

Sooo.... what are you saying here?

Very interesting stuff, in light of my community's "partial mobilization" this year...

Yep. Had to get another one before this rotation. It's even tracked as a currency item along with all the other immunizations...

I'm at 809. Still haven't used a General Pardon yet...

I'd rather them know their jobs inside-out and backwards. Sadly, that has become a very rare exception. The worst part of this is... I fear this E-9's "leadership" method may spread to my location.

Hit the "delete" button instead of the "edit" button.... Focus on the part where I said "in my MDS"... To be fair, I'll add this qualifier: this is how it is at WRI right now. I don't know how SUU is doing it.

In my MDS and AFSC, if you want to be an FTU instructor you have to have your CCAF (Associates) complete. Doesn't matter if you already have a Bachelors from somewhere else, you MUST be CCAF-complete.

Dunno - the distinction was not made. We were too busy looking at each other going "WTF?!?", since the previous sentence had been about how many crews per MDS were here.

A serious question, related to the original topic, for those who have been around long enough/are high enough on the food chain to provide a good answer: Is 10 "support" personnel per aircrew member, in a deployed location, too many? It sounds like it should be too many, but I honestly don't know enough about the details of the AF logistics tail to bitch too loudly about that ratio. I understand that some MDS's need more support folks than others...

Whoops... T-50 aborts takeoff at Moscow airshow.

A double facepalm picture epic enough for this "story" does not exist... therefore:

I don't know "What's wrong with Air Force", but do I know that one of the things wrong with the Air Force is all the people who have no clue how to actually do their jobs, and no desire to learn... yet are still gainfully employed/recognized/promoted.

Right or wrong, smart or stupid.. categorize it however you'd like. In 4 days here at my new location, I've heard several good dudes/dudettes, both O and E, say they'll pull chocks ASAP if this new retirement plan gets put in place with no grandfathering. If I were still AD, I'd be seriously considering it, too.

Corporal...

Not exactly USAA-specific, but good advice regardless of your insurer.

Uhhh... no. Ask former PA governor "Fast Eddie" Rendell about exactly who owns the iron assigned to the ANG - he learned that lesson the hard way. edit: Gotta finish reading the whole thread before I hit Reply....

Good point.

I don't bank, invest, or borrow from USAA. I do, however, have my homeowners and auto insurance with them. I've had nothing but excellent service when I've needed them over the years (I joined right after they started to let us enlisted swine in). Once a year for the past few years, I get some quotes from other insurers for similar coverage. Each year, I manage to find an insurer who'll save me a few bills a year... yet I'm still with USAA. I think of the money I'm not saving as the premium for the excellent customer service, and I'm happy with my decision. I'm hoping to use their car buying service later this year.