raimius

Contracting out all helicopter training...I'm sure that'll work well... At least we know how valuable we are!

Getting loose would be more a function of the mount rather than the optic, in most cases. As for zero, it depends on the model. Battery powered RMRs have to be removed to replace the battery, so they would need to be re-zeroed then. Others, like the DeltaPoint Pro have top-loading batteries. I can't comment too much on longevity, but it seems like the RMRs and DeltaPoint Pros last a good while, from what I hear.

After canceling the "combat demo," I have doubts about the seriousness of this effort.

Ask everyone why they do it. If they don't have a good answer, that's probably a hint at poor systems knowledge or that something that used to have value is now just useless habit. ...I can't tell you much, because we just got heading bugs in the last couple years, and they are just for personal SA.

Nice to see someone using common sense!

Well, crap, that's different info than I had. All I saw was "cut the barrel at the FSB, and take the thing apart to fit in the seat kit."

If someone can sell the idea better than I could, more power to you. The M9 and 2-3 mags is almost a joke, I agree. TTPs, proficiency, and SERE tactics are issues, as well. Obviously, this is not the place to detail them. In the end, it comes down to money. I wish I had a better argument for the higher ups to fork out money for guns, ammo, and training. The desired specs put out by the Strike Eagle guys were not met by anything currently sitting in the inventory in quantity. The GAU-5 is a half-answer for what they wanted, but big AF doesn't care about anything under 20mm...so...

MAJCOMs didn't see the cost/benefit ratio as good enough. To be honest, the GAU-5 SBR won't have very good terminal performance with M855. They had to cut the barrel too short, and disassemble the thing anyway. Getting a small enough SBR, with enough range, and terminal performance is a tall order. I wish we could find a MP5K with M4 ballistics! If you got the money, a SBR in .300blk gets a lot closer to what you are looking for. I think SIG made the Rattler with that in mind.

Who can't see the AF getting an ADSC for "flight only track" then dropping them as an O-4 right before they become protected for retirement? Sounds EXACTLY like what the bean counters would do.

It is a screwed up bureaucracy, but we still get to do some good work. Sounds like you aren't really happy where you are. Would you stay there by choice? Is the AF the best alternative for you? ...grass is always greener, but ANG does look green...

Sims and training devices are great for procedural training and aspects that take diagnosis of known symptoms (EPs, etc). They can't quite replicate all the other airmanship issues that pop up, and are rarely good for "hands" skills (STS). So, yes, they can cut flight time to attain a certain level of performance, but cannot replace it completely. We've known this for years, but the question is what is the proper balance.

Many pilots peg pay in the "acceptable" range. While it is not going to beat United, it is enough to live comfortably. Where the AF is screwing up is the other BS and the poor messaging. The implicit message from multiple angles is "we could make this better for you, but we don't care."

Bro network, rumor Mills, and even JQP. You don't even need to fire a bunch...just enough to get people thinking again. I'd bet after 5-6 wing kings and a couple GOs go, the rest would get the message.

...because screw helicopter pilots...? ...standard

ND sells plenty of high proof stuff, so it's probably not that.

The lawsuits have begun. https://abc13.com/family-who-lost-8-in-church-shooting-suing-air-force/2709949/ Usually, I'm opposed to the after-tragedy lawsuits, but this one probably has some merit. ...and losing a very public lawsuit might actually make the AF do the right thing.

I walked into a local liquor store and found "Jeremiah Weed" at 35%ABV. Anyone know what's up with that? Did they stop making 100 proof?

Yes, it is a Zenith. The can is a GM-45 with a thread adapter. The Z5P has 1/2-28 threads in front of the 3-lug setup (and threads seem to be more reliable over time). I'd like to get an Omega 9K or similar for it, but I already had the GM-45. Still undecided on SBRing it or not.

I think we can get behind a man teaching his daughter how to shoot, especially with a well engineered firearm. Personally, the MP5K clone was just too iconic to pass up. Suppressed Z5P with the B&T style brace is the new range toy. :)

They actually did it? It was "two weeks out" eight months ago. I thought it died off.

Well, the USMC uses MV-22s for TRAP...go ask the JPRC how that is going.

It seems like this is one of those never-ending debates. There are pros and cons to each side, so CSAR keeps getting flipped between MAJCOMs. One the one hand, it seems like AFSOC wants the mission, but on the other hand, there is a suspicion that it really just wants more aircraft to use for whatever it wants. ACC seems to want the capability, but doesn't always seem to know how to make it work/care enough to make it work.

Standard

Yeah, if you've got the budget, Massif is about as close to magic as I've seen in clothing. Shell jacket that keeps you comfy from 55-15F...or -20 if you wear their base layers as well.