yerfer

You said it best Vandal. Big props

Theirs talk going about this right now. I was watching the news tonight and according to the journalists in the area, the pirates have said it was an act of revenge rather than ransom. To add to that, a group of pirates said their will be more attacks. Officials are pushing for US attacking pirate HQ's, but Obama is holding off on us... no surprise to me.

You're lucky. The DET here does PT on Mon/Wed/Fri at 6 am. FTP every Tues at 6 am. LLAB every Thursday at 6 am, and then classes are usually held on that day too. The det here is as extreme as it gets. If all of your time ISN'T consumed with ROTC overload, you aren't gonna make it. To future cadets. I recommend you shop around at different dets to see which one will help you succeed the most. ROTC is gay enough that the less of it you get, the better.

Outside of the strip, Vegas is a major heap. If you are into rock climbing and have experience, check out Red Rocks (about 30 minutes away from the strip), and then Mt. Charleston (1.5 hours outside strip). I believe Mt. Potosi has been closed to climbers, but if it isn't, check that place out. Really steep wailing caves with killer limestone. They are both sport climbing areas, so you'll be safe with a 60 meter, full set of draws, and a gri gri. If you are looking at some bouldering, check out Mecca (google this one), and also the Craft boulders which is right outside Red Rocks. If you are only interested in the strip, it's all the same. Gambling, alcohol, and trouble. If you want to see a good show, I hear Elton John is good. Theirs also Cirque du Soleil which I've always wanted to see in person.

Wait till this thing crashes. I can just imagine it. Headline news. Lil Wayne, dead in helicopter crash while him and his home boys were partying aboard the latest hotelicopter. Amongst the guests was Donald Trump who was saved by his extra soft bed that cushioned the impact upon crashing. He managed to escape the flying hotel with severe burns. Can you imagine crashing in this thing?

I found this on youtube. Something to think about.

Beats me. I've wondered why we didn't cut the head off the snake to begin with. Rather than stopping arms dealers in Iraq, go to Iran and give them the stern warning to stop or pay the ultimate price. Unfortunately, it's never been done. One of the biggest reasons why I think our prior leadership failed to do its job. I don't see China getting involved because it would directly effect their economy in a massive way. We provide so much income for them, they wouldn't risk their current gain. Plus, seeing China being top competition in the market today, they won't enter unless something of major magnitude is of interest. This isn't to say we shouldn't sleep with one eye open. I say expect the unexpected. Iran and Israel aren't going to get along because they both support radical beliefs that they won't come to terms with peacefully. I think Iran fears Israel the same way Israel fears Iran. Equal worry from both states is the suspense. I'm surprised Israel hasn't already flown in to destroy the nuclear plants the way they did years ago with Vipers. Make a trip to Arizona. Mexico is already taking over. I side with you on this. Do you think their will ever be a way to peacefully deal the differences without force?

I would be my guess that Obama has his hands tied. He may be a bit of a pussy, but think about it. Can we really afford to light the fire with Iran? It isn't just nuclear weapons that is pushing the envelope. Iran has been dealing arms to bad guys since the beginning of this war. The very weapons killing Americans are funded by Iran in many cases. We are aware of their impact on the American interest, but we can't afford to handle Iraq, Afghanistan, and THEN Iran all at the same time. Aside from that, Russia would throw a shit fit and use it as an excuse to get back in the game. The whole middle east is in to frail of a position to have full waged chaos come down on them. It doesn't help to have a extreme temperamental attitude that Israel has shown forever. It's going to be hard for Obama to keep things under control with them. Trying to keep them from pulling the trigger seems more so the real challenge.

Interesting you bring this up. In November I made a trip to Nellis and got to visit the Aggressors. Supposedly the AF looked into purchasing 15 or so Flankers to really get the feel for potential enemy aircraft. In the end, the AF said no for cost reasons. To maintain the aircraft they'd need a full maintenance crew, fabricated parts from foreign providers, and training from foreign fliers. It was more money than the AF wanted to spend. Instead, we just get a hold of the manuals sold with the Flankers and try to mimic it's flying capabilities with our own. Not a bad idea.

ENJOY! (HULU hosted)

Be civil here. I never said anything about free hand outs or temporary solutions to bigger problems tomorrow. My biggest point is the general public not making military spending a priority. I understand your position, I just don't think it's the best way to help the nation as a whole. I'll leave it at that.

Because people are loosing jobs left and right. Don't believe me? Come to Arizona and drive down a few streets to watch businesses shutting their doors. Large businesses going down the toilet. Take a look at the education system in America. It's screwed up beyond recognition. Recently, Arizona State University got slammed. Major budget cuts by the legislature leaving students with lower learning opportunities (over 55 academic programs being shut down), hundreds of staff, teachers, and administration with no jobs. This is a reality. I might be lucky to finish my major before the shit really hits the fan. What I'm saying is, the American people don't see as much value to giving flyboys new flight suits and gloves. Even though you need them and your ride is falling apart, The American people don't put the military in priority when we're spending approximately $720 million a DAY in the middle east to find men in caves causing problems in the neighborhood. It comes down to the real problems we have here on US soil that needs mending. Pitching the idea that "they'll be over here if were not over there", doesn't cut it anymore. People are more concerned about surviving everyday life, feeding their children, having a stable income, and providing a better future for tomorrow's children. I think the last thing on the everyday American's mind is helping the military put new planes on the assembly line. I can understand how it's more feasible for a military pilot flying ghetto craft everyday, to argue the importance of new needed aircraft, but how will you pitch this to the mom and pop Americans paying for them when they don't have jobs?

I've played a few gigs in Tuscon. Not sure if Scrappy's is still around, but it use to be really popular. The place is a dive, but with a 50's style set up. Use to draw in a ton of people. I've also been to The Rock which was sick. Medium sized place that packs people in. The sound is awesome, but last time I was there they allowed smoking inside. IMO it completely ruins a live experience. I live in Mesa (just outside PHX). You'll see how much Tuscon sucks the balls. Good news is your only 2 hours away from PHX area. Theirs plenty to do around here. You can also cruise up to Flagstaff to ski, mountain bike, rock climb, and anything else outdoors. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I had a teacher just say Tuscon is #1 in the country for kidney stones. Something about hard water.

Actually, whoever told you you're no longer competitive because of a low verbal is full of crap. Don't buy it. If you CAN retake it, do so at your own risk. My friend recently retook the test to get a higher score and ended up doing worse. Waivers are permitted under certain circumstances, BUT, If your cadre tells you, you don't stand a chance, I'd bail on the program if being a pilot is all you want to do. In the end you'll get screwed and not be able to do anything about it. Each DET is different and the cadre has their own ideas of what constitutes pilot material. Maybe your a great cadet/guy that gets good grades, applies yourself to the program, and has an impact on your peers. That may be good enough. It also doesn't hurt to make it known that you desire to become a pilot... In a non-tool'ish way of course. Just my 2.

I've been with the same girl now for about 2 years and she was very supportive back when I was in ROTC. She'd actually help shine my boots, press my uniforms, and do anything else I needed help with if I needed it. My first year as a 100 I got Valley Fever and was literally on the verge of death. If it wasn't for my girlfriend being so great, I wouldn't of been able to continue school, ROTC, and maybe life. Sometimes girl drama can be a bit heavy when you have a lot going on, but if she's low maintenance and knows your goals and you support hers, I can't see any reason to deny yourself of a potential quality relationship. If she's immature and craves contention, bail as fast as you can. I have seen cadets rub off bad vibes to others around them because things weren't kosher with their significant other. Depending on your load, choose wisely what you decide to do for a job. For instance; Cadet X from detXX was a Mech. Engineering major, WC, husband, and father. With 21 credit hours that semester, he was also working long weekends where he didn't get to spend much time with his family and child. This cadet also managed the grades, physical training, wing responsibilities, and hopefully some family support. I don't know how he managed it all, but I think it was because he managed his time so well. You can make or break your ROTC/College experience if you manage/don't your time wisely. I don't know what DET your looking into, but I'll tell you that flight responsibilities can be taxing. I was working a loaded semester with hard classes and to top that, my FC decided to dump her job on me (mind you I was a GMC) because she was to lazy and incompetent to do so. Constant e-mails, phone calls, and texts asking me to do this and that while I was trying to study, and even while I was in class. You get the idea. I was doing to much and eventually had to tell her I couldn't do it all by myself. I was the ONLY GMC in my flight and the POC sat on their asses and did absolutely zilch. Nothing. It was a real bitch. Manage your time wisely, and speak up if you take on to much. If your leadership isn't crap, they should understand and help you out somehow.

Not sure if you'll have any of this there, but here's some ideas. Peanut butter and jelly or honey, protein bars, bananas, almonds, peanuts, protein shakes out of a shaker bottle, MRP shakes, tuna, oats, etc. Since I don't know what storage is like on the plane, you'll have to figure that out, but I know someone who's done some really long patrol flights in the Viper and he's been able to fit his lunch box on the side of his seat. It's filled with stuff to last a couple hours.

This seems to be getting a lot of attention. Kris Gethin is a very well known personal trainer and bodybuilder. He's not only transformed his own body, but, he's trained with people like Dorian Yates, and trained other pro bodybuilders to success. He's all natural (No steroids, PH). Supposedly, he just released a new book. They might have it over at Barnes & Noble or Borders. Not sure. Either way. This link will take you to his 12 week transformation section where he does a new video everyday and it's FREE. I've been lifting for years and still lifting daily as a way of life and I must say, Kris is legit. Absolutely legit. He doesn't specialize in "loosing weight", but more so about burning fat. You can be lighter, but it doesn't mean you've lost fat. Muscle goes long before fat does. His videos explain it all. At the least, check it out. Good luck with your deployment. Be safe. -Yerfer

It doesn't help releasing them back into the wild. Just the other day I was watching the military channel and a group of Marines were looking for a guy that was caught before, taken to G.bay and then released only to kill more Americans. What the hell is the logic in that? Catch and release only works in fishing...

Piracy is one of the few ways to make money in Somalia. Half the population is dependent on aid and a whole generation has grown up knowing nothing but war. A recent report by London's Chatham House think-tank said pirates raked in more than $30 million in ransoms last year. ^From the link article^ So, how would you make money for your family if they were starving and being denied of essentials to survive? These are probably some desperate people.

Was sitting with a group of guys from the Nightmares squadron and I mentioned the Harrier's wear and tear. His response was they are pretty much brand new. Everything is replaced besides the wings and ejection seat. Kinda like tearing down a house, but leaving a wall up to call it a "remodel." I wonder if I know this guy. They come into Williams all the time. Literally, weekly. My respect to the family and loved ones

I saw the same thing happen when I was at Nellis in Nov. Big group of guys came walking in and made it all the way to the register only to be told they had to leave and eat somewhere else.

The AF won't let him go PERIOD. I already have a buddy who tried to do this. If you do your time with the AF and then try the transfer, it's possible. Key word...TIME. I'm pretty damn sure you'd still have to go through the Marines OCS and TBS, because the AF officer training is no where near the same as the Marines. Also, you'd need to take the ASTB and score a 444 or 666 to be competitive for SNA. I tried to help another buddy from ROTC transfer to the Marines PLC program and the Marines definitely wanted him, but its the Air Force who won't let you go. Once they've started putting money into you, its over. Speak to a OSO near you to see what the chances are. If they say no, hey, you've still gotta slot with the AF and that's something to be grateful about.

They could play this for them.

I'll be to the point. You are going to have difficulties without a doubt. This doesn't mean, don't apply. I applied with a medical past and was able to get a waiver. This entailed getting a psych eval at an AF base. It was a simple sit down meeting with a psych to discuss where I was at and see what my circumstances were. I'm not a pilot yet, and haven't earned a slot yet either. I can't tell you much of whats going to happen at Brooks, but I can tell you to apply. For the record, the Marines and Navy are far more strict on medical history. The AF only asks to see copies of medication forms from your doctor, while the Navy and Marines will ask for your ENTIRE medical documents in case they send your stuff to NOMI (which they probably will). The best thing you can do is go into ROTC and come clean, but be professional. If the cadre see potential in you and can tell you really want to be there, you might get a waiver. The duration of your med use is what will screw you over the most. If you've taken meds from 7 to 17, your chances are low, but don't give up. Apply and see what happens. Worrying about it will do you no good. You'll never know if you don't apply. Just like, you'll never score points off shots you don't take. Go big man.

My uncle kept his (Navy) and has it sitting on book shelf in his home. I also know a AF NAV that has his old mask sitting in his office.