Leadership at the 'Deid

[Guest mjk5401]

Hey Died folks, how do you like your new Ops Group/CC? She made quite an impression here in LR and I've already heard stories of her outlawing hookas and things of that nature. Have fun with that!

It's not a rumor - AFtimes reported it today. I'm headed out there in two weeks. I guess I'll have to just smoke more Cubans.

Unit bans smoking water pipes

Staff reports

Posted : Friday Aug 8, 2008 17:50:45 EDT

Put down that water pipe, airman.

Many airmen assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in the Persian Gulf region are under orders to stop smoking from Arabic water pipes — called “hookahs.”

The ban started after four airmen suffered “light headedness, nausea, headaches and fainting,” an Aug. 8 Air Force release said. One of the airmen had symptoms that were “significantly worse,” the release added.

“Although we’re not sure yet that hookah [smoking] caused the problems, we can’t take a chance that any more crewmembers will become so sick,” said Col. Marilyn Kott, commander of the 379th Expeditionary Operations Group. “So, we’ve implemented a prohibition on hookahs until the results of the hookah testing definitively show whether that was our problem.”

The ban covers airmen assigned to the operations group and the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group.

Medical experts disagree about how hookah smoking risks compare to normal tobacco use, said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Michael Wood, the medical group’s chief of aerospace medicine.

Wood explained social aspects of smoking from a hookah create dangers airmen may not be aware of

“With a normal cigarette they may take a few puffs and snuff it out, or finish one and go about their business,” the doctor said. “With hookahs they are sitting around talking and using a lot more tobacco than they would if they were taking a quick cigarette break. ... You’re getting more of a dose over a longer period of time.”

The World Health Organization reported one hour of hookah smoking is like inhaling 100 to 200 cigarettes, the release said.

Authorities are also concerned that tobacco used in hookahs could be a pathway for terrorists to poison airmen.

Force protection specialists point out that lack of processing and packaging standards for the tobacco could be a security concern. “Any food, water, or other material ingested into your body can be exploited by an enemy to disable or kill you,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Hugg, the wing’s force protection cell chief.

[Scooter14]

The ban started after four airmen suffered “light headedness, nausea, headaches and fainting,” an Aug. 8 Air Force release said. One of the airmen had symptoms that were “significantly worse,” the release added.

Those are pretty much the same symptoms you get after exerting yourself when it's really hot and humid. Coincidence?

The World Health Organization reported one hour of hookah smoking is like inhaling 100 to 200 cigarettes, the release said.

That's awesome.

Authorities are also concerned that tobacco used in hookahs could be a pathway for terrorists to poison airmen.

Yeah. "Hey Akbar, let's make all of that Infidel base sick! How should we do it?"

"Let's see, I've got it! We'll poison the hookah tabacco! That will incapacitate about 4 of the 69,000 GI's there! Then, victory will be ours! JIHAD!"

[189Herk]

She talks about "the results of the hookah testing"...I can only imagine what USAF Hookah testing looks like. One thing for sure though, they'll need another dozen shoe clerks and finance guys to do it.

Edited August 9, 2008 by PitHerk

[Tone deaf]

I can only imagine what USAF Hookah testing looks like. One thing for sure though, they'll need another dozen shoe clerks to do it.

Here's two from a pic on hookahculture.com:

[stract]

was she the ops group deputy at Balad last year?

[Guest CAVEMAN]

WTF is with the people who select these jackasses for command??*

People who think he jackasses perform with to standard. Chances are they themselves are or the same blood. Trust me you cannot beat them; so join them.

Those that are really capable and knowledgeable get fed up with the mess real quick and excuse themselves, so there you go.

[tac airlifter]

was she the ops group deputy at Balad last year?

Yes. I also had the pleasure of being at Balad while she was there (although she thankfully never tried to fly with me deployed), then coming home and having to baby sit her as she flew pattern work. Hands down the worst pilot I've ever flown with; low SA, bad hands and a lack of self-confidence coupled with an inability to distinguish between things that matter and things that don't. I won't say she is the worst leader I've experienced, but she is certainly the worst of the leaders at her rank I personally have dealt with. She is destined to be a GO and knows it. She made life miserable at Balad and now is even more empowered at the Died for a year. My sympathies.

[stract]

Yes. I also had the pleasure of being at Balad while she was there (although she thankfully never tried to fly with me deployed), then coming home and having to baby sit her as she flew pattern work. Hands down the worst pilot I've ever flown with; low SA, bad hands and a lack of self-confidence coupled with an inability to distinguish between things that matter and things that don't. I won't say she is the worst leader I've experienced, but she is certainly the worst of the leaders at her rank I personally have dealt with. She is destined to be a GO and knows it. She made life miserable at Balad and now is even more empowered at the Died for a year. My sympathies.

she came and flew with us last year and basically tried to take the A code sitting in the back of the helo, from what I heard. Apparently she got freaked out by a vehicle 4 miles away from where the bird was operating (at night) and caused the formation to lose most of their intended training for the evening when she ordered the flight lead to depart the area.

Luckily we were on the other side of base and didn't receive visits often.

[Guest Boom]

What the FnCK? If she wasnt the A-code (let alone the formation LEAD), the only response is to tell her to shut her man-pleaser and enjoy the fncking ride.

YGBSM.

Chuck

"2"

[BQZip01]

No one here is impressed. We're at war. 12 hours is the standard.

That's my point. Those shoeclerks who are working 8 hours a day 5 days a week are the ones who have the "ideas" to "improve" things at the deid

Geography has nothing to do with position on the spear. Barksdale can be the pointie end. You might want to re-evaluate your role-importance-decision-making paradigm. The 'Deid is everything from the pointie end of the spear to the weapons locker that holds the spear.

I concur, but for the most part the 'deid isn't the pointy end...which was my point.

So you're saying that you saw the cop and didn't double-check your driving. Poor SA.

I'm saying I saw the cop and followed the laws to a T...and got pulled over regardless.

The fact that your were driving your O-6 CC's car has no bearing on traffic laws...but it is quite telling that you included it and found it to be important. Here's a hint. RANK HAS NO BEARING ON LAW. Be it traffic laws or LOAC...the law is the law. Period.

Remember that whole rank and laws thing? Apply here. Technically, the airman basic cop outranks a 4 star driver by one rank during any traffic stop or at any checkpoint...look it up.

Yet another very telling quote. I'm really glad you gave 40% of your attention while driving your bosses car. If you really see SF as cannon fodder, I respectfully request that you go spend some quality time down at the cop shop. Until then, know that cops are some of the most overworked and under-appreciated jobs in the AF.

Perhaps you misunderstood me. My point was to show that I'd been entrusted to drive the O-6's car & was therefore at least somewhat trustworthy. I've also NEVER been pulled over for a moving violation until this point in my life (10+ years with a perfect driving record). I concur that no one has the right to break traffic laws and the guys on the ground have the authority & responsibility to pull someone over who is violating them.

Like I said above, I never broke the law in the first place.

As for your entire other story...granted common sense is supposed to rule...but you've got to know that checking the box in front of Desk SSgt will never work...that's why we as aircrew preach this little thing called by: "attention to detail" Maybe some other career fields should take that to heart.

Hey, I agree that he should have checked the box, but the notes at the bottom of the page clearly delineated what the intent of the form was. Common sense should have told him to simply call his boss and say "Hey, I've got this guy who..." or have the individual call his/her commander and verify it.

...then again, common sense isn't all too common.

[Guest Sebastian]

Chiefs had a meeting yesterday to address 36-2903 violations...expect an increase in trolls to be out of the prowl soon.

[Herk Driver]

Chiefs had a meeting yesterday to address 36-2903 violations...expect an increase in trolls to be out of the prowl soon.

1 of the things wrong with the USAF today.

[Guest Boom]

1 of the things wrong with the USAF today.

They had one of those here too. The Chief Boom (who was a Guard Chief) told the nutjob of a Command Chief here he wasn't going to bust people who directly support the war effort for not having their reflective belts on during dusk and for her to pound sand.

[brickhistory]

They had one of those here too. The Chief Boom (who was a Guard Chief) told the nutjob of a Command Chief here he wasn't going to bust people who directly support the war effort for not having their reflective belts on during dusk and for her to pound sand.

[189Herk]

Ran into the Saleem OG Chief on the fligthline today. Didn't have my reflective belt on and braced myself for a confrontation as he walked up. He then shook our hands, welcomed us to Saleem, asked us if there was anything we needed, and pointed the way to the grab-n-go! He walked away before I could get my jaw off the ground. Was refreshing to say the least, glad to see there are a few who get it.

[Guest loadsmasher0381]

I love seeing the unifom gestapo yelling at people from moving vehicles like I saw today. The guy driving was about 150ft away from the sidewalk, across a graveled area from the guy he was telling to tuck in his shirt. This place is awesome!

[FUSEPLUG]

I love seeing the unifom gestapo yelling at people from moving vehicles like I saw today. The guy driving was about 150ft away from the sidewalk, across a graveled area from the guy he was telling to tuck in his shirt. This place is awesome!

HA! I was right behind that dude when he got the drive-by uniform correction today. Pretty much the height of my 120 day experience.

[capt4fans]

Give that man a Klondike bar.

"2", "2", a million times over, "2"

[Toasty]

Ran into the Saleem OG Chief on the fligthline today. Didn't have my reflective belt on and braced myself for a confrontation as he walked up. He then shook our hands, welcomed us to Saleem, asked us if there was anything we needed, and pointed the way to the grab-n-go! He walked away before I could get my jaw off the ground. Was refreshing to say the least, glad to see there are a few who get it.

ASAB is pretty good right now about things like this. I've only seen uniform remarks twice- once from a black roped Airman in the chow hall and once from a full bird for my E's being sanitized on the hill. Its pretty low-threat here.

[HoHum]

And then THIS happens...

-START EMAIL-

Sorry...didn't attach the wing guidance. It will be followed by all ### members.

Specifically...note the requirement to wear the ID card on the LEFT UPPER ARM or around your neck (see para 2, d. (2)).

DO NOT be the next person found w/ out of uniform...please...thanks.

###

//SIGNED//

###

XX/CC

-----Original Message-----

From: ###, XX/CC

Sent: ###

To: All XX ###

Subject: Do the right thing

All,

I don't send these often, so please read and apply. There was some direct feedback from Wing Leadership today. Broken down…here's the bottom line. If someone corrects anyone for a uniform, haircut, mustache problem……there is only 1 response I want you to give. Simply respond by saying they are correct, thank them, fix the problem in the manner in which they ask, and go on with your business.

If there is a question…in other words, you don't think you were wrong…that is not the time to discuss it. Bring that data to me and/or the 1st Sgt, and we'll get you the answer.

If you do get corrected…you will tell the 1st Sgt or me about it.

Some of the most common problems:

1. Socks (must be white socks w/ the PT uniform…must come above the top of the shoe line…1st Sgt can give you the specific reference).

2. PT shirt not tucked in

3. ID card not displayed properly when in PT uniform

What's the common thread…obviously PT uniform.

I'm attaching the wing guidance so you can read as well. It can be found, along with other wing guidance, on the ### home page.

Bottom line…we have much more important things to worry about than uniform issues…so just help me out and do it right. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for the help.

###

//SIGNED//

###

-END EMAIL-

[tac airlifter]

"Bottom line…we have much more important things to worry about than uniform issues…"

They say that but they never really mean it. Remember in 05 when there was no official order to wear the AF PT gear and everyone dressed in comfortable clothes and there was never all this drama about being out of uniform? It seems we've made our own "things to worry about" by forcing this PT gear on everyone. If we had left things the way they were, less drama and happier deployers.

[FireMission]

I feel sorry for those that have to spend an extended amount of time there.

As for guys like me that are just passing through waiting to catch a ride downrange, I like to keep a low profile and avoid any sh!t lists and just comply and get the hell out of that place. It's easier than the headaches.

[JeepGuyC17]

If you do get corrected…you will tell the 1st Sgt or me about it.

Wow. "Um, Dad, I got in trouble at school today..."

[Guest Yoda]

"Bottom line…we have much more important things to worry about than uniform issues…"

They say that but they never really mean it. Remember in 05 when there was no official order to wear the AF PT gear and everyone dressed in comfortable clothes and there was never all this drama about being out of uniform? It seems we've made our own "things to worry about" by forcing this PT gear on everyone. If we had left things the way they were, less drama and happier deployers.

Unfortunately, it looks as though the days of wearing civ clothes for PT or in-theatre are gone for good. I just hope the day never comes that they mandate PT gear wear "anytime" you are exercising on or off duty on an installation (including home station).

The most common infraction it seems is the pesky "shirt tucked in" with the PT gear. Why not redesign the shirts to resemble the singlets wrestlers wear? It would be a pain in the ass to take a leak, but you could not ever have a shirt untucked. And with the socks. Come up with a white sock with an AF logo on it that is also a uniform item. Sock problem solved.

I hate both of the ideas above. But, I'd rather wear those things than be bombarded by nazi's and email's and briefing's.

[bfargin]

Hows about not having a stupid PT "uniform" at all. I can't believe an official PT uniform even exists much less that in the AOR (or anywhere for that matter) people are worked up about people having a shirt tucked in when they are working out or running. Unfrickenbelievable!