tac airlifter

alright, here is what i don't understand about fuel conservation measures. how does putting less gas on board save gas? if you tanker more gas and have extra when you land, thats just less gas you have to put back on, right? i know you reach a point where it costs gas to carry gas due to a heavier weight aircraft, i've just never really been at that point. so is this only a real factor for the strat air types? because as a herc guy it all seems a little silly. AMC SII fuel conservation measures means i can't ask for an extra 5K on board to do pro after a tac ride; it doesnt mean any gas is saved per se, only that additional training was not accomplished. and deployed, i dont feel like i am saving gas since they fill it back up as soon as i land anyway. so if someone could offer some insight i would appreciate it.

you're right man, i forgot entirely about the C12 option. and i also knew a few copilots in alaska that were sent to C17s recently when they took over for no reason other than being in the right place at the right time. i know there are weird things that pop up every now and then, but for the most part phoenix is the primary means of switching airframes without leaving the MAJCOM. and you're also right that UAVs leave many options open for follow on. we'll see how it works out for those people counting on a UAV slot to give them J models to ramstein in 3 years. and i also neglected to mention the 89th for you senior IP types.

i have also never seen or heard someone doing phoenix out of the herk who was not an IP. and i have never heard of someone leaving the herk for any fighter track. from 130s you can get into other heavies through phoenix or go afsoc or white jets; those are the only ways to change airframes while staying active duty.