LJ Driver

EVERYONE is gone 200 days a year, at least in the heavy world.

Dude, just call the squadron and get a sponsor to get all this crap. They will order it from Mardon for you, and send you all the stuff you need.

One of my best buds is a C-5 AC, he was gone 285 days in 2003, now he is an exec so it's less. KC-10's are tankers/airlifters, they are in high demand also.

Dude, welcome to the Air Force, and airlift in particular. I have buds in most every heavy the AF flies, and I don't know any that aren't gone less than 200-250 days a year. Most are more than that.

Good luck dude. I hope it goes well for you.

The point is, don't give the impression that you're speaking from experience when you obviously aren't. Everyone is gone a crap-load, some more of a crap-load, some slightly less, but a crap-load still.

How is that? I thought you were a cadet.

What are you talking about exactly? You seem to rant about random things that have little or nothing to do with this string. And I'll be watching the future "flash" in front of me as WSO's are phased out in the next 10-15 years.

I don't know which fighters needed it and which didn't. I just remember that some of my T-38 buddies had to get their TS stuff squared away and others didn't. Maybe they all had to get it done eventually. That was 4 years ago. I am going through the TS process now and it pretty much sucks nuts. Goin2UPT, you definitely don't need a TS to go to UPT. That would be stupid, considering that a lot of studs don't make it, and a TS costs a crapload of money.

You don't get a TS at ROTC, and very rarely on active duty unless your job requires it. The few pilot jobs that require a TS: most fighters, nuke transport, all AFSOC, some -135 AFSOC tankers, certain DV units. You'll get a secret in ROTC and it will last for 10 years, then they re-read your file and update it for another 10. If you need the TS, there is an assload of paperwork to do, and they interview a bunch of your family and friends. I think it expires every 2 years, and they have to re-certify it.

Talon II's fly low-levels at 250' modified contour as standard (minus the current restriction for training because of the accident in Albania). Usually in the weather and at night.

Talk to the registrar here at the rock. They have the exact list with the serial numbers. The civilian number is 501-987-6044. Ask them to fax it to you.

Don't count on getting equipment at Little Rock unless you are coming from Corpus. Your LOSING unit will need to provide a fund cite and permission to use it for you to get issued equipment here. I convinced my gaining unit to send me the stuff from Hurlburt supply. In other words, to prevent a major pain in the ass like I had, get a list of stuff and get it issued while you are at UPT. There was little chance that my C-21 squadron in Germany was going to buy me $2500 worth of stuff considering I wasn't coming back. Get it before you get here!

I flew a C-21 at ETAR for 3 1/2 years and had a guaranteed C-130 follow (one of the reasons I took it). A year ago AFPC wanted more flexibility with first assigned guys flying C-21's and FAIPS, and went to no follow-on. So now, after your C-21 assignment you put in your dream sheet, and they decide what they need the most. There are good and bad things about both methods.