Herkdrvr

Absolutely, unequivocally, spot on. +2.

When the Commander-In-Chief tells the United States Air Force to service a target, airlift supplies, or refuel fighters, his direction (after much translation from commander's intent and so forth) is encapsulated in a document, much like a uniform reg. We follow the the "O" in ATO, and the "T" comes from our JFACC -- who is also a General. Sometimes to accomplish the mission, we have to flex on uniforms. [someone used the example of a maintainer working on an engine having to place their sunglasses on their cranium in a previous post]. In any case, what needs to improve is the complete lack of situational awareness on the part of individuals who think 'enforcement' is somehow inextricably related to an improved mission. It's not! What's the higher priority? Getting your crew fed after a 12 hour mission? Or being refused entry to the DFAC for no reflective belt in the daytime. (Actually happened). If an NCO enforces the latter, without a thought about the former, then yes, they do need to absorb the blame--and shame--of their misguided actions. Leadership + e-mail = oxymoron. What would be better is if the Wg/CC showed up to their afternoon meeting with grimy ABUs or a flight suit full of armpit sweat. When the NCOs see the Wg/CC working with the operators--seriously working--not a b.s. dog & pony show, I'm certain they'd respect that person much more than the faux leader typing electronic edicts from their air-conditioned PowerPoint palace.

Speaking of uniforms... FTA: "Take the mavericks in your service," he tells new officers, "the ones that wear rumpled uniforms and look like a bag of mud but whose ideas are so offsetting that they actually upset the people in the bureaucracy. One of your primary jobs is to take the risk and protect these people, because if they are not nurtured in your service, the enemy will bring their contrary ideas to you." --Gen James Mattis, USMC Linky

Jug: Make sure that it's not just you--the entire crew needs to say that the facilities were inadequate. If four out of five crew members say they are good to fly, and you're the only one, you'll rapidly end up being 'that guy'.

I was in the simulator once. We were cruising at 270T, when I asked the nav to get my box lunch. A fight ensued. When the dust settled, the nav apologized, and then brought my lunch and the copilot's as well. Good thing it was just a box lunch in the sim and not an oven-baked meal over Afghanistan. I don't have any more ACM (actual cooking maneuver) stories.

Here's a few issues: Transfer credits for spouses. Let's assume a 2-3 year "normal" assignment. You PCS in a month that isn't convenient for school applications, say July of year 1. The application deadline for Fall has passed, and thus you need to wait until Feb of year 2, in order to apply for Fall of year 2, but then the school doesn't want to take all the transfer credits, even on a similar program. Reluctantly your spouse starts (all over again since the transfer credits weren't taken), hoping you'll be in place long enough to complete the program. Then you're VML'd with no reclama and out the door before Year 3 is even complete. Don't know how many people have this issue, but for a graduate program it's difficult. Another issue regarding jobs: Professional licensing. Each state has different rules for doctors, nurses, teachers. It would be great if a military spouse with the proper credentials could somehow fast-track these requirements, but I don't see that happening any time soon, or ever. Good luck on your reporting, and sorry, neither my wife nor I will be doing any interviews or non-forum discussions. Regards, Herkdrvr

I've never lost my engine. I've lost *an* engine dozens of times, but such is the life of a Herk pilot. Outstanding job keeping your passengers safe in a horrible situation. My hat is off to you. Regards, Herkdrvr

I wish I was that lucky...Boxer + Feinstein. Oh well, worth the 2 secs it took to e-mail.

Hi All, Has anyone ever used Rusinak Real Estate in CoS? They advertise heavily as a grad-owned business--wondering what your impressions were. Thanks! Herkdrvr

+2 Regards, Herkdrvr

Have someone else monitor HF...static for hours on end sucks. Regards, Herkdrvr

Firefox + NoScript Addon is a wonderful thing. https://noscript.net/ (Non crusade related) Regards, Herkdrvr

Start at AFIT. Regards, Herkdrvr EDIT: And get rid of that effing avatar.

As an alternative, run the Office 2010 beta, for free! Note: It will expire in Oct 2010, but that should give you additional time to find the software you want at the price you want to pay. I've been running it since it's release with zero installation or compatibility problems. Highly recommended. Office 2010 Beta Regards, Herkdrvr

You may want to get your eyes checked again. If you look closely, there's a search function for the forums. Also, Toro's ROE explain this very clearly. IBTL! Regards, Herkdrvr

Two.

To answer your question: I don't know the pilot or the WSO. But, the guys involved were Cap Richard T. Bennett (pilot) and Capt Daniel B. Bakke (WSO). Contrary to your post, this site https://128.121.102.226/aakill.html states it was a Hughes 500 helicopter. Also, this old Skunkworks digest calls it a Hughes 500. https://www.netwrx1.com/skunk-works/v05.n617 Other sources note the kills was an Mi-24. To that end, the USAF even painted a star indicating the Mi-24 kill on the aircraft: https://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/photo/009302.html So, I don't think it was an Mi-8, it might be a Hughes 500 (based on the early date of the Skunkworks message), but was most likely an Mi-24 given the USAF star. Finally, I can't find any other sources to support the assertion that it was *this* (or any other) Eagle that shot down the lost Predator Reaper. Edit: Hacker confirms it was a Hind and discusses below. Thanks! Regards, Herkdrvr

My first post. I simply wasn't going to let this opportunity pass. Regards, Herkdrvr