11F

Headed to the Deid for 365. Is the SDP still an option?

The line Lieutenant Colonel board results will be released on 09-June.

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Turns out that's exactly what Jesus predicted...funny how that works. Matthew 11:25-26 - At that time Jesus said, I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.

Theory: If we were to reduce the UPT ADSC from 10 years to 6-8 years, pilot retention rates would increase as long as a bonus was offered at this point. At this point, few know if they're a major/school select and just might stick around a little while longer to see what happens. I know it's a little underhanded, but it's a theory.

Extremely unlikely. He's tired and ready to be done.

Gen Welsh will be the next chairman and Gen Carlisle will be CSAF. Gen Robinson will replace Gen Goldfein as VCSAF when he goes to be a COCOM. Gen Gorenc will be a COCOM, most likely EUCOM.

Something tells me you didn't convince them...just sayin'.

Couldn't agree more. How about the leader of our AF (SECAF) spends her time figuring out how to increase the quality of our pilots and then retain the most qualified. In my opinion, no one has proven WHY we need to look at increasing minorities and women in the service.

FACT: SECAF is hosting a conference on "Increasing the number of minority and female pilots." This will be attended by CSAF and several MAJCOM/CCs.

0.7 - 1.3 hrs While I think I understand your concern, I disagree slightly. In live flying, you can't see aircraft blowing up in front of you (or not), surface to air missiles launching (and assessing whether or not they're tracking you), your own missile flyouts (does the missile even come off the jet, let alone track towards the target), your wingman's missiles and timeouts, etc. Nor can you "take the gloves off" of your 5th gen aircraft and break airspace rules (supersonic), block adherence, etc. In these instances, this is better than a one for one swap of sim for live. The vids in these sims are getting pretty impressive. Sims will not replace live flying altogether, but the fighter sims of 2015 aren't the EP focused sims of 2005.

Sample size of one (including FTU time): 3yrs in F-15C - 633hrs 6yrs in F-22A - 699hrs

That's still the bet I'm sticking with.

This is the same thing Generals Hostage and Carlisle have been saying. This relates to the CAF. With 4th gen and previous aircraft, you could mostly get away with training full up on the Nellis and Alaska ranges for LFEs. However, with the introduction of 5th gen platforms, this is no longer the case; the paradigm has to shift IRT training. Due to the speeds, stealth, and our need to keep our best kept secrets secret (this statement about secrets covers a lot of justifiable info not appropriate for this forum), we can no longer be "full up" on the live ranges. The high end train like you fight exercises must be done with 1s and 0s. Therefore, virtual constructive must be the first priority for high end training. Live training will be used for the building blocks of BFM, ACM, etc. There also will be live LFEs where airmen test their ability to safely orchestrate a fight (think airspace deconfliction where your actual body is on the line and getting the taxi timing right so the EOR doesn't clog up and make someone miss the push). And so Gen Welsh says that LVC must become VCL in terms of priorities in the 5th gen CAF training world.

WRT IFF and its purpose (data point of one in 2003): It is 10% learning BFM/tactical fundamentals, 10% learning how a fighter squadron operates, and 100% a washout program for those determined not to be cut from the fighter pilot cloth. I'm not saying this is right or wrong, just saying that was the appearance when I went through in '03.

I felt the same frustration level you're describing. Up until IDE, we usually have a commander looking out for us and helping orchestrate our next assignment. But now that you're in IDE, you're just a name without a face because it's up to your functional to determine where you go. In the case of 11Fs last year, this came down to one guy running all 11F staff assignments so we were directed not to contact him because he was too busy (probably valid). The problem is that there is no longer a DT that looks out for you and 11F manning is so short supply, that even 3-star BNRs won't work. In other words, good luck, because there isn't much you can do but fill out your ADP and wait.

I hear the IG report on the ACC/CV "treason" remarks is complete. Any bets on what happens to him? I'll bet he gets moved out of the job and into some Pentagon staff job until retirement.

I knew a guy who was a geo-bachelor for the year there last year. He lived in a studio downtown that was dirt cheap. Shady characters around there at night sometimes, but it was cheap, and there was some nightlife. Plus the drive into work was really quick. If you were asking for a POC, PM me your .mil address and I'll put you in contact with that dude.

Thanks for the gouge. From what I understand, this comes from those in AFGSC complaining that they weren't getting a fair shake. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

Stoked to hear this, but as we are well aware, this "rot" often leads to a reorganization and resurgence. Credit where credit is due though -- USAF Airpower!

ASGs aren't necessarily the best idea. You can end up getting pigeon-holed into some jobs that aren't very enjoyable. Before you apply, ask yourself if you are applying because you love joint planning & strategic thinking or because you want something good for your career. From my experience, most are convinced either by themselves or their commanders that it's the best career move and end up kinda miserable for a year. Full disclosure: I applied because my commanders convinced me to, I didn't get picked up, and I'm glad I didn't. In my opinion, it hasn't hurt my career. YMMV Also, the DLAB for ACSC requirement is either new since I filled out my 3849 in 2012, or its erroneous, and I was on the PAS list.

Of all the services, the USAF tends to try and wait as long as possible to pick its senior leaders, and this is a double-edged sword. Good news: Larger pool of eligibles for senior leadership. Tool-burgers initially thought to be fast-burners can (can, not always will (Foglesong)) be cast aside due to better choices. Bad news: Everyone is expected to want to be a senior leader, thus leading to our "up-or-out" system. It is extremely difficult or at least unenjoyable to stay in simply to fly the line. The opposite of the USAF would be the USN, where they place a few select officers on paths for senior leadership incredibly early. Good news: Many more officers can stay in simply to do what they got in to do without having to act like they want to be an admiral some day. Bad news: The USN gets stuck with their bad picks as senior leaders due to the small pool. (I mean seriously, have you ever met some of their admirals?!?!)

https://www.af.mil/mobile/News/tabid/252/Article/566082/af-chief-of-staff-shares-random-thoughts.aspx

Chang, you have to read what you just wrote. If I were to paraphrase, "A high potential USAF officer should desire to be an aide or exec in at least a group, wing, and NAF leve, maybe more." Aide and exec gigs are great learning experiences, but one year of one is enough. Other than that, let these HPOs execute their primary duties that the USAF hired them to do and bring their aide/exec lessons learned into the squadrons. You can't just be an aide/exec for one-third of your career. I'm guessing you were a squadron or group exec once and that's about it.

Gen Welsh just gave his "Air Force Update" at the AFA Symposium in Orlando - great speech as always. With Ash Carter as the new SecDef, expect Gen Welsh to replace Dempsey this fall. You heard it here first.