AirGuardianC141747

Excellent Advice, good stuff right there. See myself a Nick Offerman type/ Or at least Bacon obsessed. Appreciate the link. Thanks.

2 Parts to my response. 1st - Being sarcastic that it might be a Joint Service Ad, kidding of course, Joint Badge if you have ever seen one which was another hint. 2nd It just seemed reminiscent of the 80s MOVIE “Red Dawn” and it’s artwork/posters if you will. Americans, AK-47s, Hinds vs Mig-29s or whatever..... So THERE is where I transitioned from the stupid current ad to the somewhat Good OL Days if you will. No further connections—> I was just recalling how much more a tense environment (Cold War, you pick whatever period) in the 80s when people looked good (suits/polos, etc. Yeah, Some flash in there as well) but no pants hanging down just above your knees @ss out, tattoos on your face, majority of women sporting tattoos (at least choose wisely) as well as on their face, etc. Look at the selfie response, while funny it definitely portrays a lot of today’s lack of living your potential unless it’s off the hard work of your parents. 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, kept their sh*t together despite 2 Big boys possibly going Nuke centric, they never fell to the ground, wept/cried/whined like so many during their elections back and forth Dem/Repub. Granted, I will say it’s not a generic Presidency, but it sure did knock the rust off the dormant anti-USA and those perceived as snakes are definitely out if the tall grass not hiding now and most definitely not keeping their sh*t together. Definitely not Presidential per previous definitions, but this was the work of one person and how much skin did he get under. Don’t be CNN, ABC or whatever and mash things together unless you just didn’t understand the reference exactly as it’s typed: “Not for the Cold War, but for the era where the majority of folks looked good and kept their sh*t together.” And I will apologize for not being crystal, ultra clear. Now you might have a better idea with some thought or timeframe experience. I have included a much more insightful pic to what I was mentioning. No real reading required.

Exactly, your selfie if that’s what you call it - says it all.

Maybe it’s a Joint Effort. Good for Joint Badges, we don’t need no stinking badges. It’s definitely the original “Red Dawn” poster, but 29s instead of Hind’s (fake, but a very good effort at the time). AK’s raised in the air - Wolverines. Sorry, got nostalgic there. Not for the Cold War, but for the era where the majority of folks looked good and kept their sh*t together.

I can see how many arrive at the skimming the top theory of “Having US in her pocket.” They haven’t always been fully supported by us. Historically they have done more than we have (or at least been more successful) when their country’s survival is at stake or their citizens are threatened/terrorized or Olympic athletes are murdered. Top notch War Fighters. Undeniably harder to protect yourself when your actually surrounded and not separated by large oceans. Movies portray whatever, discussing the matters at hand with actual citizens in their country is limited but interesting. Having flown C-141 missions in country many moons ago vs 747s now, political agendas come and go but the emphasis on Israel’s survival mentality has not to be sure. They didn’t execute few mentionable before cuz they were backed, they did it because it has been a life long nations struggle to do more than just survive. Note - We may sell them a lot of equipment, but a-lot of it is upgraded upon arrival. Watching them cram extra avionics package (Or whatever it might have been?) into a early model F-16 was very entertaining... As a former MX Officer in a F-16 Generation Squadron in the early days, it definitely was not any hardware we gave them... Very creative/cunning people, but you must be if your survival is at stake.

By the way, Thank YOU For Your Service!!! That goes for all veterans current, prior and to those who have departed (Godspeed). Regardless of all of our various viewpoints, backgrounds, upbringing, professionalism and sense of duty/servitude. I always wish the best for everyone here and our Great country. We don’t always get along and that’s OK and that’s what makes this country Great! We are an incredibly diverse nation having most all of the worlds climates along with people from all walks of life inhabiting them under one nation. It appears the majority are all striving to get it right regardless of party, race or religion so sally forth with your convictions and your beliefs. It’s our right and we all understand it has been and always will be paid in blood.

Wish I could get back in and serve under Big Scary Orange Man any day and twice on Sunday. But you maybe retired (perhaps like me) and we can just sit on the sidelines with paycheck of the month club. Not a bad deal as I don’t miss the extraneous B.S. Just gave my Wife a Trump Photo Documentary book. Pages and pages of the guy and/or couple with the troops, at memorials, military cemeteries - Yup that’s a true warfighter hater. She’s still looking thru it. Horrible book for you, but she loves it cuz she’s a take no crap kinda girl. I bit my lip serving under several less than brilliant presidents, they were my Boss bottom line and we collectively did not hit the ground, cry, whine or make disparaging remarks. Civilian now, seeing the world personally and able to view from another lens besides camo. Military spends money, civilian sector makes money. Very fortunate and opinionated like most and able to poor mouth but don’t, at least not as much as we could. Keep those facts coming, this is a very interesting topic at times.

My Father was a 1st generation Japanese immigrant mid 1950s Neurosurgeon ( teenager in Japan/war effort during WWII), which has NOTHING to do with me except for my upbringing/environment - integrity, work ethic, Patriotism, religion, etc. (list goes on, truly fortunate). You are totally right for me specifically, so you tell me what the Hell is going on with Biden? EVERY month, almost EVERY week now? Names, really? Already on file by the majority as the hardest thing to remember...... You and I are not Blind. Look at Warhawk Joe Pre-War, where the heck is that guy? Dems need him. Too long ago? Look up Joe 4 years ago, Judas Priest, what is going on?.?.? Please help us understand, you have access to soooo many actual videos during 2019, how about 2020 alone - not anonymous here say, but actual videos x 1, 3, 5, 10, xx, xxx... Video evidence, indisputable... Truth which is Fact! Something is wrong, what is it?

Now that someone has brought up, Hunter was not only a customer but the “President” of that business and many more - super qualified or not whatever. Poor Biden lost the good one which really sucks.

Ok, definitely retract my statement about “W” as I can personally attest to his care and compassion for the Troops he sent in harms way. Actually had him on board of one our Air Evac Missions which we dominated for years coming into Andrews AFB from the sandbox, both of them. He routinely had AF1 going into a holding pattern and let us land before he did (to include AE troops unloading during the normal shutdown). One of our crews experienced “W” coming board, shutting the doors (keeping press off) after the CCATT left to visit with our patients prior to movement to Walter Reed. Actually laid on the floor next to a double amputee in his suit. Thanks for making me think about that as I misspoke regarding “W”. Like him or not as President, he did care. Obama always made us hold and rightfully so regulation wise, but no Grace whatsoever. Clinton’s era - worked first tour in D.C. and you could feel the rift. Disliked Sir Bill so much prior to meeting him. Truly impressed with his charisma and he was tough to dislike and hated myself for it -A True Politician. During their last party out of the Whitehouse, they also trashed AF1... Presidential hardware, dish ware, silverware gone, carpet stains (Wine, etc.) excessive damage for the incoming administration shows true colors. (My former Crew Chief gave a fantastic tour and mentioned all the work they had to do) Won’t drag in Biden as he hasn’t had to make decisions involving War with his lone shoulders taking the brunt of it. Not like he can make his own decisions now. So where will leadership come from - Really need to focus on Harris. Biden isn’t President as of yet and we can judge him later if he is and puts flesh at risk. Undeniably Biden has experienced even greater trauma beyond his military son’s death (JAG) due to brain cancer. Even more unfortunate times for Biden during the early years losing his wife and daughter which is tragic. Smacking Qasem Salami down sends a message. That was long overdue... If you have been coddled, are time out centric, have a 12th place trophy and rely on safe spaces you will never understand what getting spanked is really all about. Sometimes you have to show the limit when people or countries are searching for it.

NONE of the past Presidents really have a clue what these past 20 years plus have meant to the American servicemen. Some try harder than others, but don’t fool yourselves when it comes down to Brass Tacks. Good breakdown. Regarding an earlier statement about stopping military folks on COVID support orders prior to all benefits being earned outright, you have got to be kidding me. Has anyone not been here long enough within the Reserve Component and not had this happen at least 2, 3, or more times a few years after 9/11??? Anyone recall orders for 179 Days only, over and over again. Really. I mean it’s always “pull out what fits the narrative.” No one is blind to this with experience. Unit dependent, time frame dependent, budget dependent. Plenty of like experiences to draw from over the years....

As far as fanning the flames of violence. Antifa sympathizer shot dead by Federal Marshall’s not fake but dead. Not local State authorities as their hands are tied by their State leaders within their Blue Stronghold, but once again Federal Marshall’s sent in to apprehend, he does not give up willingly, pulls out a weapon or whatever happened - maybe he did not resist, doesn’t matter as we weren’t there = Still Dead. More and more of this enforcement will happen as the Federal side starts to gather info on loose groups tied to no one particular state. Groups/Movements/Person crossing state lines loosely, creating havoc, violence, etc. are being categorized as menaces to society as a whole and specifically falling into the Domestic Terrorists mold. Federal Assistance/Proactive Enforcement by one side = Welcome aboard to finally hunt down those who weren’t just fanning the flames but igniting them. Case in point: *Quikrete a Police precinct and attempt to set it on fire is not just Arson, but attempted Murder. No wiggle room there. Not an Orange Man statement or Biden breakdown - Just information on some Bluish State Leadership - Do your job, still not OK so the Feds will do it for you incrementally at first, then hammer down the nails that show themselves more and more and more-snowball effect.

Daaang, while I am not Fox News having discussed actual experiences, I will probably be accused of such due to my angles. But overall I firmly believe I have been duped by multiple networks. How did CNN, ABC, NBC get on here. *I guess I could continue to travel around the world and carry on that previous 8 year tradition and apologize for being American, probably get a less than noble prize for it, Meh - Not gonna happen... Guess I had better vote in person whether it helps or not. It is whatever it is...

As in 2016, lessor of the 2 Evils so I went with the Orange Scary man. Lots of crying out there and still going on, good to see all of the snakes on both sides come out of the grass finally. Guess someone hit a nerve and started to step on them, accidentally or not does it matter glad to see true colors. No one gave him a chance on the other side (I was middle road not too happy with the GOP as I said). Doing fairly well compared to most true politician If you recall correctly, I said build the damn wall anyway. Finally use whatever means and smack down these sanctuary cities by all means just added that cuz, why not. Father was a 1st generation immigrant who did it right. Let’s hit the high points of debate that matters being the safety of the American people = all of them. Have you been roaming around this country these past few months. Seattle, Chicago, New York, are the ones I have witnessed as of late actually being there and definitely staying in the hotels. Total debacle of failed internal government. Governors and Mayors have a job to do. Heck I was born in Manhattan how sad it is, Chicago is my base now, lived in LA as well - not Lower Alabama by any means. Federal assistance willing and able. I was Guard for 17 years after my active duty term - Governor’s do your dang job and don’t run away from your responsibilities. Now in TN, not Memphis as that will never change but I will pay more, ton of law enforcement presence in Middle TN cuz the slightest violent movement gets its head crushed as it should based on its unsubstantiated premises. Speak loud, speak louder that’s your right, but don’t break down good hard working businesses. Keep watching TV it’s slightly different and a good way to be skewed just a bit. Feed off the internet cuz it’s perfect. As Biden says: We believe in the truth not facts... enuff said. Please debate, even if you are correct and Trumps is Evil please debate! Korea much quieter, where have you been or just watching. Was there 2 months ago as usual not as ball whatever you said nor is the Arab side so volatile at this moment, but always subject to change. Israeli flights thru Saudi airspace into UAE. Takes awhile to set things up over a century or more of conflicts, but everyone is a “now” or immediate gratification baller. Embassy to Jerusalem think about it. Flying into the Middle East several time this year you see an underlying workable situation, but hate is hate as you understand. With limited time I will just hit a major one with the Supreme Court. Sounds like most uninformed folks I run across seem to focus on the Supreme Court... You should be worried way more about the nearly 300 judges replaced and that is where the future lies.

Everyone needs to be confident (you had better have a spine in the military or get out, not the place for those who whine incessantly-no one raised our hands) - bear with me I am leading to a point and it takes awhile I know. A slight ego probably not a bad thing either. Super ego, well if you have the stats to back it up and that’s how you get things done, especially in this bureaucracy swamp/mess - have at it. Personally dumped the GOP during the 2016 debacle of watching 16 or so other candidates trying to smack Trump down. Orange Man gets it done - Read the checklist and get it done as he marks one after another off his list of promises. What about-Mexico ain’t paying for the wall they cry, well build the damn thing anyway and Orange Godzilla may just in the end have saved us billions and more in a trade war, other countries not paying their fair share in defense at our expense, bringing back our manufacturing capabilities so we’re not so dependent upon others like children, etc the list goes on and on. Can’t imagine what good or bad depending on your view had he had no attackers/road blocks to contend with like no other President/Politicians like all the rest. I don’t agree with it all of course not that it matters. Obamacare, yup no replacement, should have gone back to the old method anything would have been better. Pandemic measures taken, we hope we learn from this, but No-Body knew what exactly to do as we all spit out 20/20 hindsight like a Monday Morning Quarterback - Oh, that’s gone too - They need a reset on their pay scale as well, argue that one. Cares Act 2.0 if those who really need it were to get what’s required then fine, but there is no accountability the first time around and tired of all the hostage taking to get whoever’s unrelated agendas met. Remember, someone always has to pay the bill, printing means nothing as we were already in Astro debt prior to Pandemicpanic. (Both parties look like they are part of the Willy Wonka Factory of misfit workers/at least Umpa Lumpas were working). Probably will be up to the suburban housewives as the deciding factor. Majority may still despise the Orange Monster, but they damn well understand what it means to feel unsafe in a world of unrest provided by looting, murder, arson, and rape, etc. just plain thuggery and domestic terrorism. Just visit a gun store, you will have your answer let alone the “huuuge” online sales and ammunition depletion. Those who know take care of themselves and are self reliant but that’s thinking for yourself and deplorable. Police reports are just that = a report! Truly Defund the police, see what happens at an extreme level. Socialism, they are more than happy to take the shirt off your back not theirs. Obviously nothing new, you all know this deep down, negative 2 cents at this point. *No Billionaires on here perhaps and what ego would we have if we were. Fair to say, we would have a decent sized ego and maybe that’s what it takes in this insidious environment to get more than a couple of things unscrewed. Thank goodness that other Billionaire attempt at the Whitehouse tanked.

Keep your options wide open. Maybe start rushing ANG or AFRC Rescue units. Do what you can, if you don’t it will eat you up. Keep the fight alive.

BLUF: We will never know what the numbers of death might have been had nothing been done. We will definitely see more data on the impact on the economy this year, next year and beyond perhaps. It’s all 20/20 hindsight. 331,000,000 people and some change here supposedly in the U.S. 200,000 thereabouts passed due to recent pandemic so far (information given). Lessons learned hopefully, but whatever they may be the fact is it’s another way to stare into the abyss or move along if you will. Stay clean, do your due diligence and carry on, be safe as possible out there. Nothing added, just two factual numbers from a 45,000 ft level view for perspective. 331M - 200K... Trillions of $, how deep will it go - definitely a New World. Cats and Dogs living together, Israeli commercial flights to UAE ( thru Saudi Airspace no less), FAA approves Amazon, etc to go forward regarding testing of drone fleet, protestors using Quickrete in attempt to seal in a police precinct and set it on fire(Police inside), who knew? Only thing I know - some people need cement block boots...

SocialD and Prozac are sooooo right and said it best = SENIORITY is everything. Everything trickles down from there. Bypassed Captain for several years now, but I eventually will bite. Want the Clams, don’t need the clams as lifestyle is everything at this stage. Everyone is different and will choose a different path accordingly. Several Captains have given me crap within 10 mins of meeting downstairs, but all I say is “Have you ever been #1 anywhere???” Granted, #1 at my base specifically, not most of the others. I would have been 5 from the BOTTOM as a Captain same base with absolutely no control. Most Captains appreciate and understand my position, especially having someone sleep opposite rest periods as I have been dragging around the world with our non-standard operation for quite awhile now. OK, I digressed a bit here. Point is: My Base just closed TODAY! Although having been forewarned a couple of months ago, it was astonishing after about 2 decades of solid contract work when this first started. It was nice driving to work and then back home after a long trip, but these are the up and downs of this business. Boom, lost #1 so do I bid for Captain now - not likely as I am still within the top 3 of a few of our bases. Commuting does blow, but not like others as we are ticketed/put to bed but now I could potentially lose 12-24 hours if not being able to hold a commute Day 1 line. Probably OK though, Seniority is Everything!!! ALL airlines have their ups and downs. Things will recover in due time, perhaps shaped a bit differently but the world is still turning. Flying rubber dog poop out of HKG has been advantageous no doubt. I am worried for a few of my friends based in HKG with Team Purple now. Have tried contacting them and nothing heard for just over a month now. Big Red moved in and things are upside down it seems. Managed to avoid it for awhile. Threats are beyond our basic imagination it seems. Stay frosty.

That’s good news! Way to go JB. Cargo side maintains their pull of folks so that’s good. Talked to a mil guy (new friend) retiring in a couple of months who wasn’t getting any traction with our folks despite waiting patiently for a airframe/class date after being hired in July - told him to inquire again since everything is crazy right now. He just got his class date and airframe of choice 2 days ago. Good for him and it lines up with his retirement. Sometimes it all works out for the better.

What I posted on APC (FedEx Applicants) regarding choices made, which airline is the best, the turmoil of it all and why most stay... Just telling them never give up, keep at it.(I am not purple) Constant leap-frogging on which destination airline is the best, but overall they have their merits and definitely issues no doubt. Amazing how the pendulum swings, how cyclic our industry is, unfathomable at times. The ups and downs of it all and yet we continue to chug along. Couldn’t recommend this profession to anyone a decade ago, but these past few years were looking up with that pilot shortage looming until recently. Understandably we hang in there - either too invested at this point or your projected entry in about 2-3 years perhaps will pay dividends based on timing as usual and nothing more. One thing is undeniable, if you have some sort of passion remaining it makes it a helluva a lot easier. The struggle is real, payoffs are tangible but in the end we do the best we can to have our needs met. Long live the relentless airline pilot; whether it came easy for you or the struggle was/is real you are all warriors in some form or fashion or you wouldn’t be here.

Definitely a buyers markets out there. The swing back into the cargo court specifically is repeated yet once again, reminiscent of post 9/11. Time will heal and the impacts will shape this industry quite a bit, but for now many will weather the storm. No pilot shortage at this point, but timing is everything - nothing new. A Fellow retiree, a great friend of mine has been at United since 98’. Was a 777 FO for awhile, then a 787 FO international flyer based on a great lifestyle earned after 2 decades plus. Now being displaced and back to the guppy. Wanted the Airbus, but the workload it would have caused him was too much in the NE, so hanging his hat on 73 FO. Geeez, not fun but I know- he has a job. He never thought 2 steps forward 10 steps back.

It was great to see upset recovery training on a much deeper level enter our training environment. I had asked for years why not have something more focused beyond basic departure/approach stall recovery in the commercial sector. Unfortunately like in the Air Force or any other entity it seems - it takes a bloodshed moment to address the situation. Biggest takeaway for myself was crew communication and actually had time for self induced upsets to reiterate to myself it’s back to the basics as it was during the AF days. Always floors me when we have extra sim time and all my partner wants to do is leave half the time. I just drag it out with raw data, engine out (multi sometimes), and standby instrumentation flying, etc. Come up with some challenging variable - It’s there, use the time given.

Very well put. and I hope they inherit a better country whatever that may be and maybe it will morph into something more suitable for their mindset/future lifestyle, etc. As generations turnover like the way of the Dodo, hopefully the issues at hand will be eradicated. A few remaining in the fold should remind/lead/recount events in history what it was like to show the way forward. Those never having a taste of what racism, socialism, dictatorship - basically anything, may or may not have a good reference to draw from so history may repeat itself. Granted their is some goodness to never having tasted 31 Flavors and making your own assessment. Hate lies in all ages, it’s the mindset that needs to be recalibrated. No answer how, but time has the tendency to weed out most everything. Agree with Lord Ratner - Regardless of what’s going on here, it’s a far better place than so many other areas of the world.

Agencies are should always be held accountable to their leadership down to the individual. Perceptions are everything and everyone can spin it to their narrative. Regardless of tensions, civil disobedience, uncivil disobedience/thuggery, whatever. Most will think twice attacking armor vs less confrontational everyday wear so it’s situation dependent. Of course after our sand wars for decades they do have plenty of mil surplus goods, including armored vehicles so once again everything is situation dependent. Gun, knife, simple or complex protesting - I definitely don’t want to be in their shoes. At least their tasers are visible vs any one of us outside the wire would never be issued one. A remnant of their duties with a show of force. They should be able to protect themselves, but it’s the public’s eye that seems to be the squeaky wheel like the arsonists/vandals/criminals that managed to have capture that same eye/focus in support of their agenda. Just some thoughts not lighting a torch.

Maybe it’s not the: “Or that he should feel humbled by these freedoms to turn a blind eye to something he doesn’t agree with?“ But rather understand how these freedoms were established, why they were established and the sacrifices made to have these freedoms. I am no History Scholar by any means but it’s common sense. Cancel cancel culture as many nations have done this to other nations or it has come from within to overtake like a virus for the greater good or bad. Just a means of erasing the past to reset mindset. Destroy monuments, art, flags, books, eradicate nationals/citizens by the millions Definitely don’t turn a blind eye, hence it’s your freedom to express yourself peacefully however that is defined seems to be the issue. Definitely don’t turn a blind eye - both sides have their limits on what is acceptable whatever that may be, but once that “line in the sand” is crossed the outcome hasn’t been good historically. So many opinions, so many answers it’s a match-lite situation.