ClearedHot

Story developing on CNN. Fox actually has a little more detail... Shots Fired at Bus Carrying U.S. Soldiers in Germany

With Russia's $650 billion rearmament plan, the bear sharpens its teeth The graying bear is getting a make-over. Russia's military is launching its biggest rearmament effort since Soviet times, including a $650 billion program to procure 1,000 new helicopters, 600 combat planes, 100 warships, and 8 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines...

Different strokes for different folks, I DO want to do pointy talky CAS or have any additional assets possible to improve SA and effectiveness. IR pointers don't work during the day, in urban situations, or in some environmental conditions. I certainly would not want the iPad to be the primary reference for CAS, but as another tool in the cockpit (aside from myself), I would welcome it. Perhaps it won't work in a fighter cockpit, but I don't have room for MFP's (or funding for them). It would be a very simple and economical fix to put an Ipad with velcro on a thigh strap, which should solve the issue of a wayward iPad surfing around the cockpit during a defensive maneuver. What you should really be wary of is the day we get X-Box controllers instead of a stick (yoke) and throttles.

There are SOOO many ways we could use this, but yes I would want it somewhat ruggedized. Aside from takeoff, approach, and landing think about the tactical uses. If it was integrated you could use it as an electronic knee board or put it on the link and commence "John Madden" style pointy talkie CAS...

Mentions in the article Alaska Airlines is running a test program with 200+ pilots.

The dude is offer his rocker...I read something over the weekend where one of his "porn star" encounters was telling the reporter about the last time she saw him...paraphrasing, but she felt sorry for HIM! Said when she left he was sitting in bed with his pipe. I say we start a death pool...I am picking 1 June 2011.

FAA OKs iPad for Pilots’ Charts

WTF are you looking at his pics?

Soldier impersonators target women in web scams Happened to a very close friend two years ago as he was finishing up command downrange. His name was in the papers which led to a scammer stealing and using his identity to solicit money from women around the country. More egregious than the stolen valor issues just don't know if it is receiving any extra attention from law enforcement/legislators.

And that kind sir is why you are the Ol Patch...

Military's prized "challenge coins" become copycat fad among agencies, politicians, companies

DV lift missions typically hire from other airframes...get some experience and ask around, there will be plenty of advice on how to get there once you have the hours. The RC-135 community is smaller than others but they do drop on occasion. I am not in AETC, but from past posts on this board it has always been suggested to let your Flight/CC know you are interested. If he/she is worth their salt they will ask the question higher and see if they can get one in the drop.

FAIL, Did you read your own link? On July 16, 2010, a federal judge in Denver ruled the Stolen Valor Act is "facially unconstitutional" because it violates free speech and dismissed the criminal case against Strandlof who lied about being an Iraq war veteran... There is a similar case in California under appeal, USA v. Xavier Alvarez, case No. 08-50345 in the 9th U.S. Court of Appeals.[23] This case was decided on August 17, 2010, when the panel also ruled the Stolen Valor Act unconstitutional.[24] The federal appeals court panel in California says people have a right to lie about receiving military medals.

Marines fight faker with online campaign

"Two"

Washington Post article on $500 Million for Military Bands Radio-Info.com article on Corporation for Public Broadcasting (NPR/PBS) $451 Million budget

Read an article today saying the military spend $500 Million a year on military bands...that is more than the budget of NPR and PBS....combined.

Great weapons but is it the F-22 of Army small arms. $35,000 per gun and $1,000 per round, how many can we afford. I hope the cost goes way down as they ramp production.

Are you gonna get some crunk to go with it?

An article in the Wall Street Journal this AM stating Sec gates is in favor of increasing Tricare premiums for retirees. I am sure the retired groups will be up in arms, but it seems to make sense to me. Enrollment fees have not changed since the program was founded in 1996 and the cost for a family would increase from $460 to $520 per year, that sounds more than fair and reasonable to me. Another change is to encourage the use of the mail-order pharmacy, no co-pay for using the service, certainly a reasonable option for non-time critical medicines. The co-pay would increase $3 if you still want to use a local pharmacy. With all the other cuts backs and issues facing us I am curious how others feel.

Have not seen the story yet, but hearing AF Times is outing a guy named Anthony LaTorre who has falsely been claiming to be a USAF Combat Controller. Pictured below at a recognition ceremony in Florida.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAGzh5Pck8E&NR=1

You don't have to live in the same city full time. Yes PhD programs take multiple years, but there are many variables after the first year or two. Some require teaching,other require research work...truly depends on the type of PhD she wants to pursue. My wife was able to make a few visits the last few years and one the last year to present and defend her dissertation. Two on the online degrees, far more credible these days.

Kinda small...