BlackKnight

The unit may appoint an enlisted POC that handles the applications/paperwork side of the process. My unit always appoints a Capt/Major pilot, who then coordinates with the shoe clerk side as necessary. If you have to first contact a MSgt/recruiter, be polite, check the squares as necessary but ask for the Squadron Commander and/or DO's contact info ASAP and get in touch with them. They will have much more influence on getting hired and run the hiring board. If the POC starts to give you any flak don't let them [some see it as their empire, and may be intimidated by the Ops side- for example way back when I was trying to get hired as a UPT guy and I asked the enlisted POC for some of the pilots contacts (Squadron commander, etc.) and he wouldn't give it to me because "they are busy and we shouldn't bother them. Bullsh!t. That's who you need to talk to]. Good luck. My unit hired an AV-8 dude at the same time as me (Oct 08). Great dude who we're happy to have. Barney

You missed the point of that section of the book. Go back and read it again. It wasn't a prank. He was trying to teach the intel dude something. BTW- this flt discipline topic is beat to death. Barney

"Area Fifty-Poo". That made me laugh. God, I hated that thing.

We all remember. Thanks. Except what it's like to ACTUALLY PLAY THE GAME. Ugh... You know, technique only, but it's a good idea to ASK someone, seriously and respectfully, a question like this before you just go discounting them. You know who's exhibiting douche(wo)manlike conduct in the last few post? You. As for Tebow, I like the guy- his competitiveness, toughness, leadership, unselfishness, focus on the team, community service, modest and decency. And I am in no way religious. The 2 seconds he takes a knee, thanks God, or points up don't bother me a bit. All the jackasses doing dances and/or mocking such brilliant, good people as those who shot themselves, do. I wish him luck. Barney

Not sure if I'm missing something, or they haven't thought this through. The airplane can take damage, yes- it's tough. But the fan blades don't take kindly to hail- not one bit. Had a 2-ship go through some in OEF last year and every fan blade was f'd. So, I guess if they can guarantee that the storm won't get worse and produce hail- sure go for it... Anything's better than the plans for the LGPOS- it even comes on a stick about to take an AMRAAM up the arse:

Yikes. Bummer. Dan Wheldon dies in Indycar crash in Vegas. https://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/blog/from_the_marbles/post/Dan-Wheldon-killed-in-horrible-IndyCar-crash-at-?urn=nascar-wp4538

Pulled bait from bait bin, put on the hook, cast in to the water, sat and waited. No bites. Nice try/troll though...

I stand corrected. Thanks for the post. But still... WTF? For different reasons. 1. Engineering. 2. Verify which knob first. Barney

A true WTF? if you ask me (I apologize you have to watch the 15" commercial in advance): https://xfinity.comcast.net/video/Comcast/14848679/ He hit the "full rudder deflection button"? Located right next to the door open button? Bullsh!t. Barney

A bit old (from last year), but pretty incredible pics from a glider crash. Ouch. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1311828/Shoreham-air-crash-pilot-escapes-stunt-glider-smashes-runway.html Barney

If you're a fan of British humor like I am, you'll find this hilarious. From the BBC: Barney

21 pages about TIB. That's the WTF? for me. Ugh.

Should have included my "countdown until RM gives me sh!t for this post". You're so predictable. Yeah, I knew about it the day after you got the ticket but sat on it for 2 years. 'Cause that's the kind of a-hole friend I am. I found it 2 days ago after getting my 3rd robocop ticket. I hadn't had a ticket in 17 years before I moved to DC. I f'n hate robocop. They set them up in the worst (best for them, they're not stupid unfortunately) places- places where you come off a highway off ramp to a rapid drop to 35 mph limit. Or, like I suspect and like CH's wife, I wasn't speeding in the first place. Total BS. I wish I had found that article prior to paying- I would put $$ on it other cars were in the pics. Oh- and as always, GFYS. Merry Christmas! Barney

You never know. Go for it. https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2009/09/dc-camera-ticket-overturned-over-accuracy-doubts/ Cheers, Barney

These dogs are hilarious. They'll be driving cars next...

Yeah, but even in one of 'dem big ass seats on 'dem big ass planes, they still needed a crowbar and a lapbelt extender...

Huh? WTF? Barney

Vote 1 for the Brits. Outstanding job.

Finally, an LPA with some initiative and some balls. There needs to be more of this. Barney

For the most part, shack. If flying a checkride makes you tunnel to the center of the earth, you've got issues. While being an EP that on checkrides seeks to screw a guy over is being a douchebag, flying with the weak swimmers who probably deserve to be highlighted and told to find another job and throwing them a curveball to highlight how much they suck is not a bad thing. But that should be handled by leadership, not necessarily (only) by checkrides. As my mentors tautght me (some who have already commented on this board)- a guy who can prep for 24 hours straight and have the weather turn out beautiful and the profile go as planned isn't showing me sh!t. The guy who has a checkride change 9 times before step and 69 times during the flight, still getting the job done without crying, becoming a stressed out ahole, and rolling inverted and pulling is showing me they can f'n fly. And I'm not talking about me as an evaluator (I'm not one), I'm talking about on daily rides or most importantly, during combat ops. Barney

Holy Crap! An airliner saw the Lawn Darts the whole time! to them- I can't see those damn things for sh!t. According to the song, neither can Wiper guys... itsokimapilot--- nice.

Got it. Useless post. Thanks. Either there is a point/truth or somewhat seriousness to this ramble or there isn't. Which is it? "who don't refuel"? Check yourself. https://www.defencetalk.com/uavs-can-perform-automated-aerial-refueling-13955/

You unknowingly answered your own question. If I have to explain why, you seriously don't get it. And if "times are a changing", what says they won't change back/sideways? For example, they made the F-4 without an internal gun. The F-22 has one.

Here's the bottom line guys. Before you depart for UPT have a plan for what you are going to do full time when you get back. A Guard unit is a part-time gig and will not pay your bills overall. I suggest looking at it that way, therefore preparing for it, rather than the (what I've seen as) standard attitude and lack of planning of new guys coming back who ALL want that cushy full time job at the unit, and with the about-me SNAPS even a touch of expecting a full time position, doing every weasely thing to try and get one, then pissed and "I got screwed" if they don't. Sure, it's great and sometimes the timing works out. But your unit doesn't "owe you" a full time position and as a new guy in a Guard unit is usually a bad move (unless attitude/potential to go to WIC or all around ass-kicking guy, and a full-time guy leaves). The 2 years (roughly) you are gone plus the 1.5-2 years of orders you get upon return may seem like a long time, but it goes by quick. Again, have a plan. Worst is to NOT have one, then you are scrambling for money/jobs at the same time trying to get to the Guard 8-10 days a month, you're new and suck, you're flight commander is on you because you're new, suck, and aren't around, etc. HAVE A PLAN. Barney

Could we PLEASE stop the tail number discussion? Holy crap.