Learjetter

Quoted for truth. From what I heard people say in certain STRATCOM/bomber command meetings I would've sworn there were times He had a seat at the table. Survivability = standoff > speed > stealth The price of admission to A2AD requires all of the above + (s) x (c)2 B-21 will be a formidable part of that equation...as will the BUFF that picks up the last B-21 crew after dropping off the last B-21 at AMARG.

And everything old...is new again.

Ditto...I used MARS routinely in every aircraft I flew from the 90s to the 2010s for both morale and official calls. Excellent service from a good bunch of dedicated folks. "CQ CQ!" The Lear also could dial in 27.185 ssb...fun 10-4ing the trucker's bear calls from six states away...

My bad...term is now API-8. Aircrew Position Indicator. See AFI 11-401 Table 2.1 (not a bad reg to be familiar with if you're a flyer) API-8 = Staff or supervisory positions above wing level that have responsibilities and duties that require the incumbent to actively fly or perform OFDA-creditable ground based radar duties.

At one time, not long ago...the plan was to use 14CFR91 and AIM and just have a .mil supplement for things unique to .mil like TACAN and weather and ing bird severe. ACC, AFMC and AETC pitched a fit since it meant changing all syllabi, IRC banks and tests, open and closed for all MDS, references everywhere...not to mention certain acquisition and cockpit certification and CNS/ATM programs that reference 11-202, and a bunch of USAF Terps and ATC regs. It was determined by folks other than at AFFSA that the juice wasnt worth the squeeze. #protip: RPI-8 means AFFSA still one of the best staff gigs you can get (or so a friend told me recently) if you're so inclined.

If this ya-hoo is saying his Q3 is documented incorrectly, I can relate. I quibbled a bit...then owned my boneheadedness in the debrief, with the Sq/CC present. But my evaluator, giving his first checkride, felt like he needed to "justify" the Q3, so he put some extra relish on the F8. I kept a copy handy an used multiple times over the years as a teachhable moment. If this ya-hoo is asking for extra leniency beyond all the built in leniency that occurs on the road to an FEB...well...flying isnt for everyone and better to find out in training than in combat.

I still peruse the forum but rarely post. Mostly because I'm a dinosaur and understand no one really wants to read my opinion on the topic of the day. Also cuz i read the forum on a phone and posting on a phone is a bitch for me. I've posted advice and sarcastic snarky quips and occasionally PMd with some of you young'uns. Occassionally, Ive posted something someone found controversial, which can be fun, and sometimes reading the threads challenges my own perceptions and beliefs. But in reality, I retired in 2015 and the USAF of 2017 is one I barely recognize -- my opinion is probably less valid as anyone currently serving. Reading through a thread if i see a post i agree with, then theres no sense in my "piggybacking" or "piling on".. I have no idea if I've ever met CH or Liquid or Chang or any of the other senior members. But I served with only 1 toxic leader in my career. I mustve been lucky...or I spread my own share of toxicity. Either way, im not qualified to address it..or many of the other issues on the board. I was a ROTC-recat: non-rated officer, then went to SUPT. IP/EP in Lears, KC-10s, and Hercs thru crossflow. Took the big 20YAS bonus the first day I was eligible. Ended up on staff and retired when it was clear I wasn't returning to fly or being considered for command. I think Fingers is actually trying to address the combat readiness of the force. To that end, I did what I could in my little sphere of influence. I encourage you do the same. Unfortunately, I think xaarman might be right...feet on the ramp is very effective at getting folks to show their cards early--therefore making the management of the red and blue lines easier to predict. And Im sure theyre looking at it as an option. Hope they dont choose it.

One round, properly placed, can make all the difference.

Thanks Dfresh!

Still same error on both free and paid app on android phone and tablet. Did the tinkerers give an ETIC?

Looking forward to getting this fixed...I like using the android app.

I couldn't do the a-word without a class 1 medical...so I opted for a GS14 FAA gig in Flight Standards. I am remotely sited, lots of telework opportunities, occasional sims...and I fly .civ to keep some air under my butt and sharp-ish about aviation. Work with lots of former mil controllers and flyers, so culture is ok. Fed bennies are nothing to sneeze at. Advancement opportunities exist to SES levels, if so inclined. Works for us. Can recommend. 4/5 stars..

Same login failure (csrf_fail). On both: Android galaxy tablet: baseops paid app and android phone: free app.

Copy sarcasm... But I've advocated for no bonus for years...as long as we also put UPT ADSC back to six years where it belongs. Thought y'all might enjoy reading about USAF turbulence from 26 yrs ago...

Swiped from Otto's LinkedIn. I remember reading this as a Lt maintenance officer. Timeless...sport bitching and repeating history: Anonymity, Accountability, Cowardice, and Courage. March 4, 2017 In February 1992, I was a mid-level O-3 (Air Force Captain) and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Merrill McPeak was halfway through his tenure and he was unleashing changes and reforms that to this day are among the most controversial actions ever done to a single military service. From changing the "wing" structure, to shoving Total Quality Management down our throats, to a savage "reduction in force" and yes, the unveiling of a uniform reminiscent of an airline pilots, McPeak was seemingly unchallenged by history, his fellow generals, or even common sense. There were anonymous papers faxed around with criticism but no one dared put their name out there in opposition. Multiple events were my catalyst but one day in my BOQ room, I wrote the article attached and submitted knowing full well it would never be published by the Armed Forces Journal a magazine I had read since ROTC. The assistant editor called and said it was being seriously considered and they needed a bio and photo and then hours later, West Point graduate, owner and publisher, the irascible Ben Schemmer called and said he was going to run it. In our call, he said there was great debate in his editorial meeting and some said I was just bitching but he said I was putting my career on the line and they were going to run it. Ben told me I was going to lose my career, he said there is no tradition of disagreement in the US Air Force. I had heard that twice before, one at Squadron Officer's School from AF Historian Earl Tilford who said the Air Force crushes dissent in all forms. He said as an Intel briefer during the Vietnam War, he was briefing about Operation Lam Son719 and he used the words the "Allies were retreating" and the USAF general he briefed said our allies don't retreat and "Butch" said he was right, retreat implies order and this was a rout! He was tossed out of the office and became an Air Force historian. The other time was from Colonel John Guilmartin who was sacked as editor of the Air University Review who told me the Air Force leadership will never allow dissent, you tow the line or get crushed. Hearing Ben tell me at that moment my career would be over, I gulped and said it's worth it. Someone has to voice concern over McPeak's idiotic policies. The article was published and a few weeks later, a friend called and asked how I was? I said umm, OK, and he said my article was the subject of a discussion at Air Combat Commander's conference room (he was a general's aide) and the view is I will receive a phone call telling me to resign my commission if I have any problems with USAF policies. I ran to Radio Shack and bought a microphone that attaches to the telephone and figured if someone called, I'd tape it and go on 60 Minutes. No call came. A couple of months later at my next training location, I got a call from a Major General I had worked for and respected and he told me he and most of his fellow GO's agreed with me but none would lay it out there publicly, as I had. Several years later, I was passed over for Major and kicked out of the USAF. I personally do not believe the article was directly related but that I did not do the careerism the USAF officer corps expects and my records were not competitive. Either way, I had prepared for that day but it still came as a severe blow. Which brings me to today, it's impossible to not turn on certain news shows or read the leading newspapers or websites without seeing news that is highly classified to include signals intercepts of American citizens. I'm sure these leakers believe they are helping the nation, in their infantile minds, but they are exposing the nations secrets. If they were so concerned, invoke whistle blower laws and go see their Members of Congress! Isn't it telling that not a single individual has done this? Or go to the National Press Club and hold a press conference. Instead, they are playing games with our national security. There are often articles written about the need to write critical assessments of the military and none look further than our current National Security Advisor H.R McMaster and his book Dereliction of Duty. It did not hurt but most likely saved his career. I was able to get in the Air Force Reserve and retired a few years ago as a Colonel. Stop the Leaking. Stop breaking laws divulging our national secrets. Stop putting the lives of our armed forces service-members and our citizens at risk. Or if it's so important, don't be an anonymous coward and stand for your principles.

Concur

I have a single stage RCBS RockChucker Press (w/powder measure and case trimmer), which I got as a wedding/housewarming gift from my FIL 30 years ago, but cost about $300 or so today. Dies you can get anywhere (Academy, Bass Pro, Cabelas, Midway USA) and run about $30 per set. There is a local gun shop I frequent for bullets, powder, primers and shot--I like the fellas there and don't mind paying a couple bucks more there since even their prices will beat online guys + shipping. Next to my Rockchucker my son has his MEC Grabber progressive in 12 ga (was ~$450) and a Lee Load-All II in 20ga ($60). For infrequent shotgun, the Lee Load-All is fine. For volume, you definitely want a progressive. I can do: .300Win Mag, .30-06, .223 in rifle, and .38, .357, and 9mm in pistol. I thought about "upgrading" to a progressive press, but when you factor in changing calibers as often as I do, it's actually simpler (but a little slower) to use the single stage--just plan your loading in stages. I collect all brass and deprime with a universal deprimer die, then tumble/polish as needed, and separate into calibers. Then I try to prime magazine batches +2 of each caliber (i.e. 4 mags 223 (122), 4 mags 9mm (62), etc) all at once before switching calibers and dies. Once the brass is cleaned and primed, the charging and bullet seating is a simple affair--put on some tunes and crank away (sts). Since I'm single stage, I have to seat/check each bullet seat and crimp each time I set up--that's the reason for the extra (+2) rounds per batch. I tend to give a lot of my handloads away (Birthdays, Christmas)--ammo makes a great gift!

For target shooting handloads, I reduce my powder and mass of the bullet I'm using by at least 10%-20%. Be sure to be very careful with slower powders as too little charge can result in way too much overpressure as the bullets stays in the barrel too long. I stay away from non-jacketed wadcutters at all times as I've found the lead fouling to be a ridiculous amount of work to remove, and I'm convinced the copper jacket results in cleaner lands and grooves and a smoother overall exit. For 9mm carry, I use Hornady 124gr JHP, with 4.5 grains of BE-86. For 9mm target, I'll use 115gr FMJ Barry's, and 4.7 gr of Bullseye. I have a 8 lb keg of RED DOT bought before the "troubles," and already put 4 pounds into shotshells...so I'm using it in pistol as well (mainly .357 and .38SP+--if you want the recipes, IM me). For rifle hunting (.300 WinMag or .30-06), I use a 180gr Nosler Partition boat-tail, and 76 grains (.300 WinMag)or 59 grains (.30-06 Spr) of RELODER19--I get 3000 FPS and excellent energy transfer on both. I shoot the exact same in practice, as I don't want to do any changes to my shooting on the bench or in the elk woods. In my .223, for hogs & such, I like 25 grains of RELODER15 and Sierra Tipped Matchking Boat tail in 69grains (lead-free). For plinking or yotes, I'll use 55gr FMJ lead-alternative, cheapest brand I can find. Pay for store bought ammo? Not since 1988. YMMV

"Gold" McConaughey. Don't. Even if she asks. Just Don't.

Why talk 90 day deployments that never end? How about the US decide if having forces in CENTCOM is a necessity, then SECDEF apportion and station forces from EUCOM, PACOM, CONUS, etc... We've been cheating our own system for decades now.,.and THAT is a major factor in why everything else is in the suck right now.

Speaking of wheelguns... Just took delivery of a new Ruger Bisley "New Model" Blackhawk (.357/.38/9mm) convertible revolver w/5.5" barrel. (Promotional photo) I'm a fan of multiple caliber capable weapons since it increases the availability of ammo. Backyard range report: SIngle action is smooth and deliberate, with just enough tactile feedback to ensure you feel the hammer set without having to listen for a click, which can be difficult with good hearing protection on. Loading gate notch and trigger guard opening are large enough for gloved use. Ejector ram spring is smooth, but ejector's tang is a little small for tightly-stuck cases and will pinch a bit when you bear down on it. Grip is wide enough to provide stable base for both single hand grip, or Weaver-style teacup hold (it's a revolver, so other two-handed grip styles are not recommended as some damaging gas/powder escapes from the front of the cylinder--don't ask how I learned about that as a kid) 9mm kick is negligble -- not much more than 22MAG. .38 and .357 produce obviously more recoil, but the weighting and balance make it easy to keep the muzzle under control, even shooting off-hand. Cylinders are individually matched to the frame and numbered. Cylinders fit snugly, action is smooth, and with loading gate open, you rotate the cylinder forward (to the right) to load/unload...but there's a catch in this model that permits a slight reverse motion to perfectly center the chamber in the gate (great for aligning the ejector perfectly during unloading too) Sights are adjustable, and after a little tweaking, were dead on at 10 yds--I covered two of my 3 shot groups with a silver dollar. I shot both factory and reloaded ammo. No major difficulties at all (had several OLD 9MM reload rounds that would NOT seat in the chamber--likely due to case width at the bottom of the case--they fed fine in the Kimber 9mm 1911 though) Maintenance is straightforward--empty chambers, remove cylinder, boresnake chambers and barrel, re-assemble and wipe clean and sheened with your favorite oil/lube. At a gunshow I bought a convertible leather holster (crossdraw vertical shoulder, horizonal shoulder, vertical chest, slanted chest) from a local leathermaker. I also have a nylon drop leg holster and a typical gunbelt--the pistol rides nicely in all. As a matter of personal taste and practicality, I don't recommend non-crossdraw hip holsters for big revolvers...its a challenge for me to draw a long-barreled pistol from a hip holster, but you can find them. I also don't use the "western" gunbelt often, since I find the chest holster more convenient but it does fit and draw well from a gunbelt too, so knock yourself out, Overall, It's a fine, versatile wheelgun that's a pleasure to shoot. If anyone cares: it was $599 N.I.B. at auction on gunbroker, (+3%+$25 shipping= $642 +$45 xfer fee)...so any price under $650 after tax at a gunshow or local dealer would probably be about right (for 2017) (STS in there a couple times)

FTW

That's not entirely true...every one of the AOCs has an ARC component...no better TET / MAAP / COD folks exist than 11Bs...unless its 12Bs. Written tongue-in-cheek, but I know several who left AD for the airlines and the ARC and went to such a unit.

That's funny right there...I don't care who you are.

"Fox 2!" A kill is a kill, amirite?