C-21.Pilot

The last 10 seconds are CLASSIC!!!

Probably helps the RIF numbers as well....unfortunately.

Probably 95% of the BOps users don't know this guy from a hole in the wall. We also don't know Charlie Sheen, hilary clinton, etc. and I bet they are both a bunch of douchbags as well. As such, Maj Kopacek was used to set an example. Probably take heart from the C-17 Alaska incident, Bud Holland, etc....so be it. No one is taken what he did and throwing judgement on his character or assessing him as an individual. I'm sure behind the lying to investigators (integrity first) and the deviation of known flight rules (excellence) he is an awesome officer and great dude. Unfortunately, I or the other 99.69% of users don't know the full story...the investigation will tell all, and anything beyond that should be considered a Major and his peeps trying to CYA. Just my .02... I wish I knew more about it - as I find it unfortunate that he was close to retirement.

No. Prior KC-135. Not trying to point fingers, but the IP was a recent (i.e. a week or two prior to PCS) Aircraft Commander upgrade in the -135. When the AETC/CC safety crew (Col Elder) came here to Columbus to give the safety details, that was pointed out. Regardless, the guy was a IP signed in the letter of X's...he was just as qualified as the next guy -- maybe, not as experienced though. Don't read too much into it.

There are many other factors in this incident that were released: IP GK knowledge was poor Improper BF procedures Improper application of ORM-321 Engine was shutdown by the IP due to rapid reduction to idle during a straight-ahead rejoin. I also heard that the IP over flew several field that he was on profile for and that the student "saved the day" by "suggesting" that the crew eject at ~500' AGL vs. the mandatory 2000' AGL FL ejection.

Depends on what/where you want your career to go. If you're looking to go CSAF, you're probably already screwed. Rather, did you make IP or EP in the MWS before you moved over -- which is looked at on your PRF. From the "Hey, you want to have MWS IP on your PRF" argument is the only valid argument I can think of. You are probably not competitive for 2 BTZ as a late rate, so IMHO it probably doesn't matter. Put it on your PRF and talk to your CC. There were several C-21s to ETAR given from McChord recently.

King size beds are standard....you will be fine with it. The house we had in Lambsborn was nearly 4000 sq/ft, and the MB was literally 40' by 30'...most of the places we saw (friends houses) could easily accommodate.

Can someone please explain the whole "short tour" vs. 365 concept? What I'm reading into it is that during a career, you're prime to accomplish one or the other. If you haven't done one, and you're "high time" you're prime to be non-vol'd. When can one "expect" to be non-vol'd?

So, is it a good idea to invest your ACP into the TSP.... or, is there something better.

1.) In the heavy world, Evaluator Pilots are NOT the best -- but typically, the most experienced. Keep in mind, most guys get pushed to that job as OPR fodder and it doesn't measure up to "who the best is". 2.) In the heavy world, Evaluator Pilots work SOLELY for the SQ/CC....as a way to "check and balance" the DO's flying program. 3.) In the heavy world, Evaluator Pilots -- as in my case -- don't work in the Stan/Eval shop on a consistent basis. I've seen and GIVEN many a downgrade, but have NEVER hooked for MSN Planning/flight/debrief.....that sounds to UPT queep to me. I've hooked 3 guys in my entire tenure as a EP in the C-17 and C-21. 1.) All had to do with safety of flight and procedural knowledge. 2.) All had to do based on the CREW not backing up the Aircraft Commander. 3.) All had to do with complacency in the "system". From a career advancement point of view, I can see this -- as it does "set you apart". It was a goal of mine, for career advancement, to seek out and become a SEFE. As you pointed out, a tick mark qualification -- however, for career goals (civilian, 89th, WIC, etc) it's seen as a good thing. However, maybe in your vast experience in the heavy world you've witnessed this where the SEFE shop is regarded as the elite pilots (nonsense). More so, the guy in the SQ with the biggest pecker who the chicks dig is the Airdrop guy with about 3-4 deployments under his/her belt, has gone to WIC, St Joe, etc....and can pass his superior MWS knowledge onto the masses (C-17 specific) and doesn't walk around like his left testicle is larger than both of yours. When it comes to the PAED crew, Chuck17, hit the nail on the head....

From what I've read and been told, the board doesn't consider the GRE, however, some of the schools "require" a GRE/GMAT. hence, you can read into it that if you don't meet the basic requirements of said school, you won't get selected. Although I have never heard of it, I'm sure you could be selected, then go and take the GRE/GMAT.

Terrible loss. Didn't know the guy, but it seems logical to say that he went beyond the capabilities of his Mooney (pics of the plane w/ him on top are on Facebook). Regardless, sucks for anyone who knew him/her around this time of year. Godspeed.

These two should get you started: Good luck!

Your thoughts? ************************************************ Second task force seeks to cut retired pay By Rick Maze - Staff writer Posted : Wednesday Nov 17, 2010 17:01:47 EST The military retirement system is under attack from another group trying to cut federal spending, and this time they say they would make the changes apply even to current service members who have less than 15 years of service. In a report released Nov. 17, the Debt Reduction Task Force of the Bipartisan Policy Group recommends cutting military retirement costs in half by making three changes: • Instead of drawing a retirement check immediately after completing active duty, checks would not start until age 57. • Instead of calculating retirement benefits on the highest three years of basic pay, the highest five years of consecutive service could be used as the multiplier to set amounts. • A new formula would be adopted for calculating cost-of-living adjustments in military and federal civilian retired pay and Social Security — a formula expected to result in smaller increases by disregarding price increases in some goods and services if people could use a less expensive alternative product or service. The Debt Reduction Task Force was headed by former Senate Budget Committee chairman Pete Domenici, a Republican from New Mexico, and Alice Rivlin, who was the White House budget director during the Clinton administration. The report also talks of either freezing defense spending or rolling back the size of the defense budget to pre-2001 levels. Retirement changes are similar, but slightly less drastic, than recommendations made by co-chairmen of another bipartisan group, the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. That panel also recommended a high-five calculation for military retirement with a revised COLA calculation, but would have made retirees wait until age 60 to draw their first checks. The Domenici-Rivlin task force calculated $131 billion in savings by 2040 from the revised retirement plan, but it noted that by postponing the effect on anyone with 15 or more years in the military, the plan wouldn’t start achieving real savings until 2017. The recommendations from the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform co-chairmen, former Sen. Alan Simpson, R-Wyo., and former Clinton White House chief of staff Erskine Bowles, do not include a specific savings estimate from changing military retired pay, instead lumping cost estimates in with changes in federal civilian retired pay. Additionally, the Simpson-Bowles recommendations do not specifically say whether anyone now in the military would be grandfathered or whether the reduced and delayed retired pay could apply to everyone still in the service. Any change in retirement calculations would require congressional approval, since the formula and timing for payments are set in law. The two reports are expected to get attention from Congress next year when current lawmakers are faced with drawing up a 2012 federal budget plan after the 2010 elections featured a lot of talk about cutting federal spending.

I could get lost for days...

Just a suggestion.... With all this talk about apartments, etc. - if you can get a non-A, then I would suggest staying at the Hampton Inn and start building up your Hilton Honors points.

Saw the same thing on Friday. The last 2-3 seconds of "audible" was quite disturbing. I hope the family never hears/sees. Definitely a learning tool....haven't seen the animation yet. Don't think I'm going to.

USAFWife, I'm a T-6 IP that recently moved here. If you are going to live off-base, take a peek at the following websites: www.militarybyowner.com www.ahrn.com (registration required) We live in Oakdale Park subdivision, and have enjoyed the area. It's literally a 4-6 minute drive to and from work from my house. I would HIGHLY suggest you look on the military by owner website - there are several houses in this subdivision for rent. In addition, some folks decide to live downtown, they have some condo style apartments that are fairly decent - a bit older though. It's def a small(er) southern town, but, we have not had any negative issues thus far. If you have kids that are of school age, you either want to send them to Heritage Academy (private) or Caledonia (best public). Good luck...

OK, here at Columbus, I walked into Finance and asked about mileage. They looked at me as if I was on crack. They mentioned that I COULD NOT claim TDY mileage unless it was stated so on my orders. WTF? 1. When you go TDY, you don't know if you will be on or off base. If your TDY en-route, then your previous base's TMO cannot do the amendments (in my case, McChord). 2. They (CBM Finance) claim that I could claim a taxi (i.e. approx $21 a day....equal to the approx 42 miles a day I'm claiming to/from TDY and eating establishments for 120 days (comes out to about $2100 extra))....but that doesn't sound legit - to claim a taxi that I didn't use? Bottom line, Finance Guy, what's the deal with the orders HAVING to state POC use authorized. ######, I'm TDY Enroute...it would seem obvious?

I have heard of claiming mileage, and am doing that, but have never heard of using that form. Finance Guy, how do I claim the mileage....I'm staying at a house off-base, renting a room. Do I use the form mentioned above. Do I need to provide a Mapquest type document which has the address? What about claiming claiming mileage for grabbing dinner, etc...I have never heard of that. My quick search of the JFTR didn't show anything other than claiming mileage. Thanks!

Several questions... I am PCSing from McChord to Columbus, TDY enroute to Randolph. I know the DOD mileage rates for both TDY and PCS. My question is, will I get the TDY or the PCS rate for my move - being that I'm TDY Enroute? I'm assuming since I am "PCSing to Columbus", I will receive the 0.165 rate. Also, question about TLE...do I have to show any type of lodging receipts to qualify for TLE. I'm still at Randolph but my family has already located to Columbus. I know I'm authorized up to 10 days. Do I get Family Separation Allowance for my TDY. The family stayed behind at TCM while I've been here. Lastly, does anyone know a current DITY rate calculator. I'm moving about 2000 lbs over 2500 miles....just want an estimate. Thanks

You're looking at the following choices (based on availability and potential for getting it). 1.) Another C-17 2.) UPT assignment 3.) UAV assignment 4.) OSA/VIPSAM assignment (C-21, G-V....not the 89 AW). 5.) U-28, MC12, etc... 6.) We just had a guy in my Sq get an AF Academy flying gig 7.) If he's ACAD, he could volunteer for C-130J's Some of the more unique flying assignments have minimum flying hour requirements. Bottom line, he needs to let his CC know what/where he wants to do via the ADP.

To be exact, we have 3 UHF and 3 VHF (via Com 1 and Com 2, UHF and VHF Primary), 2 HF, SATCOM, etc. Why the ###### they didn't use the AERO I is beyond me. But, not to bag all AFR crews, I'm assuming these clowns are a plane full of Delta guys who know how to pull up = blue and push down = brown. They are not routed thru the same bus, however, most likely what happened is that they had a dual CNC failure, and couldn't run the step-by-step checklist.

Gopher, Because you are married and bringing kids, there are several obvious methods - buy or rent. Only unaccompanied folks live in the dorms... To rent, start at www.militarybyowner.com and put in Mississippi/Columbus AFB in the search tabs. Another rental option is www.ahrn.com, but you have to register. A simple google search can land you several agents and property managers in the area. However, if you're only there for a year, and know you're going to rent, consider helping out a fellow military member by renting there place if you find what you want. I went thru UPT 8 yrs ago w/ 3 kids, and let me recommend to stay on base. So much easier...and if you happen to FAIP, consider then to move off-base. There's pro's and con's of both living situations. Being a student on-base keeps you closer to your classmates, easier to get to/from the flying squadrons, esp during early morning shows.

As far as the city, we lived there several years ago. Take a look at Mt. Pleasant or Summerville - lots of military in both those areas. Remember though, there is a large Naval Weapons Station there as well. Summerville is less expensive than Mt. Pleasant. If you have no kids, consider living downtown near Market and King St. Stay away from the backgate/Rivers Ave area... Take a peek here for houses for sale and rent: www.militarybyowner.com www.ahrn.com Both of these sites are military driven, and if you find the right house/investment....you'd be helping out someone in uniform. As far as the city, let me suggest that you take a peek at the pictures of Rainbow Row, the Battery, etc (simple Google search). If you're not into playing golf, it would be a great place to learn. As far as the heavy lifestyle, there are several posts which give good detail. Search for C-17, or Heavy vs. Fighter, etc.