MooseAg03

I knew that number included contract lines, but I didn't read close enough to see the Army was taking so many. Are they finally going to MCE ops? If they stick to the dwell plan, I think it will make a huge difference in QOL and retention. I just hope they don't pick the wrong bases (Davis-Monthan). Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Watch it like a hawk and don't let them change it on you. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Except 2:1 dwell only creates a large surge capacity that I'm sure will be taken advantage of at some point. When there are new GCS's being built, you don't think they'll actually stop using the old ones do you? They will expand the combat lines to 90 like they've been talking about and there will be no dwell. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

True, they have no idea what percentage of retention they should plan for, I've asked them three times and gotten no answer as to what they're planning for. Dropping an RPA on this VML makes no sense to backfill a shortage that might happen in 2 years. URT and Holloman have ramped up production significantly, and some of us are being let go back into cockpits. I have a small bit of optimism that the next VML might see me escape RPAs. If not, add one more loss to the pilot exodus. Not only will 18Xs be a problem in a few years, they aren't even thinking about Sensor Operator retention right now. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This may be the wing planning for the worst, according to the AFPC RPA assignments guy, there will be no more crossflows or UPT directs unless something changes like a huge increase in CAPs. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I upgraded with minimum time exactly 18 months after my dollar ride in the C-17, just over 800 hours total time (including UPT time). Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Any rumors of this making it to RPA squadrons? Our manning is "getting better" and dudes are slowly being released back to cockpits. I haven't heard a peep... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What a great article. If we did this for a decade during the Cold War and unlimited defense budgets, how have we not acquired any light attack aircraft in today's fiscal environment? 5th Gen and stealth are great, but very expensive for COIN. As the article states, the guys that flew thousands of ground attack sorties were just your average pilots. I know a place where the USAF could find hundreds of guys willing to do that job, and most now have weapons employment experience. I'd love to trade my GCS for anything with a view, and if it had stores hanging on the wings that would be even better. Instead, the just declared combat ready F-35 will be overseas killing ISIS to the tune of $30K per flight hour within a year or two. Makes sense.

Another thumbs up for Downtown Aviation. If they can take a guy stuck in droids for three years with only six recent instrument approaches and 2.8 hours in a Cessna over the last 3 years and get him to pass the ATP I'd call that successful. Don't get me wrong, I worked my ass off preparing for it and studying their materials, and I walked away with my rating. If anyone needs any info, PM me. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Isn't it? We've gone from guys waiting forever to pin on to almost having the board as early as possible in the year very quickly. Is this a symptom of a larger problem? So few O-4s we now have to promote as early as we can? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If some areas have people paying hundreds less than BAH, what about those of us paying hundreds more? Vegas BAH has not kept up with housing price increases, I currently pay $210 more just in rent before utilities. Let's take some of the Senate's pay & guaranteed pension first. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The number I've heard thrown around recently is 2% retention. In typical Big Blue fashion, their eye is on the closest obstacle (RPA pilot manning) and they can't see the brick wall just beyond that we are flying toward (Sensor manning). We all shook our heads 2 years ago when we forced out qualified SOs based on crap they had done years before as an A1C. Then they cut the re-enlistment bonus completely and only just recently reinstated it for first term SOs. What did they expect would happen? I saw this happening at least 2 years ago. I wonder how senior leaders will explain away the RPA sensor operator manning crisis that will immediately follow the RPA pilot manning crisis. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just wait until you see contractors making much more than that doing much less than what you'll be doing. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We like to print out the lowest 30-60-90 times and hang it in the office so we can shame those you speak of. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If a forced re-cat happens, there are a large number of non-vol'd guys in my squadron who will punch at the earliest opportunity. Right now the only thing keeping us holding on is the slim possibility of returning to ANY manned aircraft. If I see 11M3K disappear from my primary AFSC, I will drop PC paperwork the next day. And I'll keep applying until I'm let go to the guard or my ADSC expires. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

True. I'm questioning my life choices and wondering why I didn't choose Acquisitions or Contracting. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They could be bottom of the class, I never asked. The commitment difference did come up though. Wonder what would happen if it was 15+ years. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

There are quite a few academy grads that I've run into in RPAs who went 18X specifically for the shorter commitment. I think that says something. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

In that case, get hired by a regional with no training contract. Complete the ATP-CTP, get some 121 time, and keep your apps in at the majors. I would only pay the $$ out of pocket if I knew I had the hours to go straight to the majors. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

7 BW/CC at Dyess from what I understand. I was told by our leadership that policy at Dyess was revoked pending legal review... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm still wondering which Wing Commanders allow concealed carry on base. If someone knows, can you put them in touch with the 99th ABW/CC, please? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Apparently it's combat now. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Except this is another illustration of how not allowing law abiding CHL holders to carry on base just means those who break the law or plan to are the only ones who will be armed. I think this is an example of why we need to be able to carry on base. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hell of a first post. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'd love to go teach pilot training, if I can make it out of this shit hole. I agree all of the medals are inflated today, and this would only make it worse. Unfortunately, the RPA/ISR enterprise as a whole is structured in a way that precludes us from receiving recognition for much of what we do, and a few extra medals won't fix that.