BigE

Raptor doesn’t have an active production line. But you know what does? F-15EX…. My guess - NGAD as a “manned platform” dies, we are told to buy a lot of F-15EX and the F35, B-21, and EX get CCA to replicate “NGAD” capes. And oh yea - a stealth tanker is a pipe dream.

Its 1900 hrs on Friday. If there isn't a newly named CMR bro with Clown Penis as their proud CS - I'll be seriously disappointed in any squadron holding a naming on this first Friday! e

Hidemyass Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Total Wine in Vegas has The Green Spot Irish whiskey for just over $50 a 750ml bottle - I picked up one tonight based on the couple comments here - looking forward to giving it a try tomorrow night. They also had a couple different High West offerings - the Double Rye might be my next purchase -- anyone here previously had any? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Concur on Glenfarclas - in fact their 10 is outstanding and proves age isn't everything when talking good wiskey Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Yet another home buyer that benefited from the info in this thread. Just closed on a home in Vegas in 30 days from offer to close while we were in Germany the whole time. Went with NBoKC because of their reputation here and they have the best deal going. Did plenty of research on a lender, to include USAA and local Vegas deals. NBoKC was by far the best. Despite the seller really wanting us to use a local guy we stuck with Tim Lander and NBoKC and I'm glad we did. They got the job done! A huge part of what made things work in buying a home from across the pond was our agent in Vegas - Ben Correa (PM me for contact info if needed). He was recommended from friends and was/is awesome. Ben is totally professional while being a guy you would drink a beer with - someone I enjoyed doing business with. The guy rocked in every aspect of our transaction and does business like a bro. Between what Tim/NBoKC and Ben/his title company put together we closed on a VA 30 yr loan with $2000 out of pocket closing costs (plus 5% down). I consider that a great deal. All in 30 days from 6000+ miles away, an out of state lender, 9 hour time difference and sellers that were split ops themselves moving out of state. Good people that I definitely recommend. e Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

In anticipation of St Patty's I picked up a bottle of Bushmills 16 at the ETAR Brit Store today (38 Euro). Single malt aged in bourbon, sherry and port casks. Wow! On the scale of damn good to f-ing excellent I give it a f-ing really damn great. Price point/value to quality is outstanding. Nose is awesome. Smooth and enjoyable. The tri-wood casking is working for me. I've been liking Irish whiskeys lately and this works in spades. Definitely worth adding to any collection. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Holly cow - there are so many choices for great whiskey under 100 it's ridiculous. Current fav is actually Irish -- Redbreast 12 (or 15). In my current rotation (all under 100) that I would definitely recommend (in no particular order): Bunnahabhain Darach Ur, Tomintoul 16, Glenfarcas 105 Cask Strength (f-ing fantastic), Bushmills Black Bush (great Irish daily grinder), Blanton's Single Barrel Special Reserve (exceptionally good for Manhattons). If you find the Glenfarcas 105 get it - at 120 proof you wouldn't know it till the second dram - my go-to this winter on a cold evening - chewy, thick, and fantastic. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Porterhouse Devil's Half Acre -- a Dark IPA, 13.5 ABV, aged 6 months in Irish Wiskey casks. If you are ever in Dublin I highly recommend it.

To them... Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Go read the actual IG report. The General was an ass at epic levels. And of all places on a TDY to Russia. His behavior was so f-ing wrong it's comical. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Without Remorse is probably my favorite of the series... Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - now Free

Yes, Augustiner Brewery - same beer/brewery (wiki for quick dope: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustiner_Braeu). They have multiple beer halls in Munich in which you can enjoy their tasty brews. Haven't been able to find any of their Helles in-n-around the local Ramstein Getraenkemarkts - which sucks since I used to have a place in Hamburg close to home that was always stocked when I was running bingo (oh the irony of drinking Helles in Nord Duetschland!). Locally for Ramstein I drink Bischoff Premium Pils as my go to beverage of choice. If you prefer a more bitter German brew one of my favorites is Flensburg Pils (an exceptional example to show the difference between Northern and Southern German beers). But really I don't discriminate when it comes to German beer. Ahhh German Bier.... oh I have missed thee over the last 169+ days, we'll be reunited soon...

Next time you are in Munich instead of the HB go to the Augustiner Bräu - 100 times better beer (their Helles is probably my favorite German brew). Food is better as well. Prost!

A toast...

Shack

I'll agree with Liquid here - the above is, lacking a better word, stupid. Sexism does not equal or factor into a warrior ethos. The problem, which you are (I think) trying to actaully and rightly get at, is the knee jerk over re-action of trying to remove aspects of our culture that are under fire but not actually part of the problem (as Noonin has already discussed).

The 'bro' you mention above isn't. Your frau's squadron also sounds like it is trying to be something that it isn't and is lacking in any actual leadership. From your location I'll make some guesses and say what has been commonly attributed to the 'fighter pilot' culture is a long f-ing way from what is happening in your wife's squadron and how CAF squadron's that kill people and break things for a living actually conduct business. I do believe her community probably has too many young punks with not enough silverbacks to f-ing squash said behavior when and how appropriate. That's unfortunate. And if Offut is where you are still at I would say that yes, the experience(s) you describe do not reflect the rest of the CAF. I hope things change for the better in that regard. e

Liquid appears to be legit and the insight is interesting (for a number of reasons) and discussion worth while. GC appears to be nothing more than a staff officer, no more senior than you and I, and is sharing insight no different than what any O-4 on a staff would have - you're giving GC way too much credit - but it is entertaining to watch him or her continue to interact. That being said, concur with the calls for some small level anominity -- legit advice and insight is actaully easy to spot without giving name and rank. Its fun to watch some speak out their ass.

Funny thing about the bonus -- 'back in the day' options included (with an 8 year UPT commitment) the 'big bonus' that was 25k per year to 20 years aviation service (half up front if you wanted it) - meaning 11 years of bonus money. Somewhat similar to the 11F bonus this year except it was for everyone - and more money. Or you could sign a 5 year at 25k per. Then after 5 years take another 5 year for 25k (shit you negative). We also had the 'boots on the ramp' policy with respect to the bonus. And we even had years with a bonus to 25 years aviation service - guys would get off the 'big bonus' to 20 and then get another 25k for 5 (that might have actually only been 15k for 5 when going from 20 to 25 years aviation service, I forget). A couple years back when the 25k for 5 first showed up the 'rumor' was the AF would offer another bonus when the first 5 year only bonus guys were taking a pay cut. Thought being that squadron commanders would be making less money than the ADOs and the AF wouldn't have that... we've seen how that has played out. And bonus money doesn't solve everything - it really doesn't - ever hear of stop loss, rated recall, etc? All things we have seen in just the last 10 years. Been lots of talk about how the bonus isn't really a bonus anymore, but a part of the compensation plan for pilots -- for a long time (minus no adjustments for inflation) it was getting better with more options. Then the 5 year only plan kicked in. But even that hasn't been around all that long. Majority of O-6s around today, and all the GOs, grew up on the AF paying them significantly more money (in the order of 125k+) than what we are paying guys today. And they wonder why they look like hypocrites when discussing the 'bonus'? Not too long ago, when you crunched the numbers (I'm sure there's still spreadsheets you can find already made), it made more financial sense to get out at 19 years and go airlines (even Southwest) than stay to 20. Don't be surprised when that becomes a reality again. Here's a thought - if we are so overmanned - kill the 10 year UPT commitment - heck, drop it back to 5 or 6 years instead of 8 (make it retroactive). Our AB to idle and spreedbrakes, bang-bang guidance pilot manning policies over the last 15 years is quite honestly, disheartening. And we wonder why we can't keep talent? When the BS gets to be too much guys have and will continue to vote with their feet. Point being -- as evident by the discussion on these boards -- A1 doesn't know their ass from a f-ing helmet bag when dealing with pilot manning -- never has, probably never will. Serve because you want to (lots of reasons, different for everyone). Your reasons (I know mine are) for continuing to serve are probably different than what they were when you first got in. That's ok. Do a kick ass job taking care of the mission because that's what you're supposed to do and when a new chapter in your life opens up - don't forget to invite the bros to your fini-flight so we can drink your free beer and booze and say thank you. If you did it right, the bros and your family will know, and who cares about anything else than that when discussing a military career? e

Ok, I'll take my own advice after writing this. Recommend deleting all posts made by this guy, referencing this guy (to include this one), etc. -- much like last time he was banned. We should all stop feeding his ego by not discussing him, his blog, and his childlike antics. Every time he is mentioned and people click on his blog or discuss him here we are doing exactly what he gets off on. Deleting his posts and references to same will: 1. Piss him off (which makes me chuckle), and B. More importantly, keep his antics from living on via our forum I have my own theory on the timing of his return to BON and his recent over the top replies as to probably what is going on in his professional life at CVS. Something tells me recent 'triumphs' led to empowerment that furthered actions that have now gone too far and recent life is not looking so good for him. Online behavior is a reflection of who one is in 'real life' and this guy has an online persona that is way unstable, floating at extremes of someone who can't stand not being the center of attention -- despite self proclaimed calls of his actions only defending the constitution and upholding his oath. I'm alarmed to think he has been able to maintain a security clearance and (if still flying MQ-9s) is a part of the kill chain. E

MM - decision reversed - keeping ABV at 45% - good on them. E

Him him

https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/11/mali-rebels-idUSL5E9CB4H420130111

USAFE HQ = no blues Mondays, USAFE Unit CCs can set their own policy...