Learjetter

Halfway through the year-long grind that is UPT, I predict, like many, you'll just be hoping to get your wings...

God Bless America, indeed!

Read the linked article, not bad for a fluff piece (sts), but have an issue with this quote: "'The noise of a low level swoop directly overhead is usually enough to get the enemy's heads down so the friendlies can withdraw and get back to a safe place." How about: "The noise of a low level swoop directly overhead is usually enough to get the enemy's heads down so the friendlies can kill and capture them." Or words to that effect. Just an observation--when we are forced to violate Rainman's rule and have to talk to the media, shouldn't we do it in direct, no nonsense, descriptive words that reflect what we're really trying to say?

AFMAN 11-217V3 has a good section on 60-1.

Boggles the mind the AF Times will cover this minor poser (he deserves what's coming to him) and yet make no effort on Jill Metzger's story.

M2: gotta ask ya, you sure "subduing" the Flag of our Republic of Texas isnt considered a hanging offense?

UFB

Expect Iraqi shoes...

I heard that you can use PowerPoint to shorten that kind of speech...

Assumption: you are considered on AD while at UPT AD folks are paid BAH ONLY when the member isn't assigned govt quarters at the PDS. In general, AF doesn't care how many homes you own, or where they are. They have to provide you quarters where they station you, or pay you BAH at the rate where you are stationed. In your case, if you're on base w/family at UPT = no BAH. If you're at UPT on base w/o family = no BAH. There may be other entitlements, but BAH is pretty simple.

LOL. No offense, but from a graybeards perspective, that's funny. Good luck stomping the shoes, lieutenant. Be the change you want to see in others.

Go handle a Kimber ultra-carry in 9mm. Then buy it. You'll never regret it.

FIFY. My $.02: Airmanship didn't get nearly enough discussion when I was in UPT (probably because we were still trying to figure out how to strap on a jet until track-select). After graduation, I had a bit of time until my follow-on training, and I spent some time at the lake with my IPs and re-analyzed my performance as a student. During UPT, I found over time that when I displayed it (usually inadvertantly) my IPs were invariably more "kind" to me on the gradesheet--willing to overlook minor "hands" flaws--if they thought my brain was fully engaged and properly analyzing/operating/reacting. This apparent advantage led me to try to figure out how my SA/GK/Airmanship could be "on" one day and "off" on another. Turns out, for me, when I learned the "why?" behind the differing rule sets, boldface, CAPs, emergency procedures, aircraft system design, instrument procedures, etc., I was able to synthesize more data more rapidly and make better decisions. When I made better decisions without IP input, my flaws in holding perfect wingtip position were viewed as "minor" deviations. IPs told me that they picked me to fly certain missions with because I displayed a good level of GK (and my hands weren't that bad). Also, what they didn't like was studs committing the same mistakes over and over, such that they could tell from a maneuver entry that this stud is going to make mistake A, then B, and sure enough that's exactly what happened. If a stud learned from that experience, that was great, but what was even better was the stud who terminated and reset rather than proceed because they didn't know any better and didn't see the mistakes coming. Enough ancient history/theory. UPT is a challenging year. Gain, and exploit, the information you're expected to study, ask questions, then make increasingly better decisions with each sortie/debrief, and the rest will take care of itself. Good luck! (oh yeah--don't suck--no amount of GK can save you if you try to kill an IP, or worse, get him violated)

E-publishing is a wonderful thing. AFI 36-3004, updated annually via GM/Message. AFI36-3004.pdf

Jan 2011 MILITARY REVIEW article. Worth the read. Also available here: https://usacac.army.m...0228_art014.pdf Multiplying by Zero -MilitaryReview_20110228.pdf

I'm in my "desk" job now...only I also fly. Rare, but they are "out there" if you know where to look...but, to answer the question, I should "return to fly" after this job...

Got it. Thanks.

Your mentor is concerned about your 04 chances? The credibility he speaks of could mean IP, or he could mean "depth" of experience--which translates to me to "IP" in your duty title or job description prior to your 04 board. You've got "breadth" because you did something else prior to UPT. He's concerned you won't have "depth" before your 04 board. Heres what u need to get promoted to 04 as a pilot: IP in MWS, leadership job x2, decent strats x3, passing PT score, masters, and SOS and no detractors like referral OPRs. You get those before your 04 PRF is due and youll very likely get a DP. So figure out when you go IPZ to O4 and youll know how many years you have to get those things done. You need about 3 yrs in an MWS to make IP. If you have six years to go, go c21 for three and MWS for three. Less than six? Go MWS first, then OSA instead of AETC. YMMV. I graduated UPT as a Capt: was told: If you desire promotions to Lt Col: go to an MWS and stay there. I chose c-21 instead and it still worked out for me. again, YMMV. My career has been very non standard: Mx, c21, Mws#1, Mws#2, now c21 again. PM for details.

OK. I own a couple 97-era 4wd trucks and may find myself in a similar situation: so if the repair bill is less than 6500, can you get it fixed and keep the truck and cash? Or does USAA now own the truck? Can you refuse the settlement and claim just the repair (less than 6500)? Or accept the 6500 and pay for the rest of the repair yourself? Just seems like you're worse off if they total the truck and take ownership. Sure u got the 65, but you cannot possibly replace your truck for that amount...or at least I couldn't.

It's likely the same as late-rated MWS- (WIC,OSA,AETC,ALO, TPS)-MWS. Can be good, can be seen as bad. If you strat well-you'll be fine no matter where you are. No or low strat? Doesn't matter either. My advice has always been do what seems fun/exciting/challenging and do it well...the rest will work itself out.

Agreed: universal PT standards for all services. Specialties keep their enhancements. Any person who passes gets to play. But, no special considerations either.

....and those who can't evaluate, command.

On the "limits of rights," I hold the classic libertarian view: Limits are the same for all rights: my right to X, Y or Z ends only when any of those rights infringe on another's rights. Universally applicable and simple. Frustratingly difficult to enforce/define. As for the 870 Wingmaster: Great shotgun. But for just a little more, I prefer the Browning BPS series. I just like the fit/feel of the BPS over the 870. Really, it's user's choice.

DVR'd all three last eve. Lotsa basic VFR stuff, some skosh wx, and interesting characters. Fairly well done and certainly enjoyable.

Fellow pilots, Cranium's up & FYI: New charting specification should appear in the NTAP soon: Here's a sneak peak (attachment). Also, "Taxi into Position and Hold" is going away, to be replaced by "Line up and Wait" even here in the CONUS. Link below to new rules on use of LUAW. FAA Notice Fly safe! Graphic Notice for MTA_Final.pdf