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Update! (finally)
Posted 10 years agoSorry the group has been rather dead over the past few months. Being an NCOIC of an entire section (and being currently deployed) ate into my time and this group sorta fell by the wayside. Apologies for that.
That being said: Welcome all the new followers and such. Glad to see the group continuing to grow even with my overall lack of content updating. Hopefully I can change that moving forward but it all depends on how busy I stay in the AOR.
I want to thank everyone here for their service (prior and current) as well as thank those who have not served but still support what we do.
Moving forward with some legit content: There seems to be a huge dropping off in standards of the younger crowd these days. I've noticed it when it comes to dress and appearance (thank you wash~n~wear and no-shine boots), attitudes toward authority, and even PT. Before I left for my deployment, my unit had 8 PT failures. While that is only about 3%, all of them were under the age of 23. When these kids should be in the prime of their health, they can't even pass a simple Air Force PT test. I even had one new troop recently remark, and this is a direct quote when she was written up for failure to adapt: "I didn't expect the Air Force to have this many rules." Uh... you joined the military. Not the United States Flying Club. I'm not saying I agree with every single rule and regulation out there, but they exist. If the installation CC says you have to wear your sniper belt, you wear your damn sniper belt. I don't care how stupid it looks. Same goes for PT. I don't care if you hate running or thing the standards are stupid. I hate running. But I still bust out at least 3 miles a day and even at 29, I maintain well above a 90 on all of my evals.
Is it a lack of being able to properly train and discipline these kids in basic? Are the TIs so paranoid of being NARC'd out these days while being too constrained by the rules to effectively instill good order and discipline. Maybe I'm just an old crust bitter Sgt but I'm curious to see what others think. I can't be the only one that has noticed and feels angst at these developments. Or are there some out there that don't see a problem and thing its just the natural progression of things?
Thoughts and comments are highly encouraged. Open dialogue and all.
More content will be forthcoming!
That is all......
~The NCOIC
That being said: Welcome all the new followers and such. Glad to see the group continuing to grow even with my overall lack of content updating. Hopefully I can change that moving forward but it all depends on how busy I stay in the AOR.
I want to thank everyone here for their service (prior and current) as well as thank those who have not served but still support what we do.
Moving forward with some legit content: There seems to be a huge dropping off in standards of the younger crowd these days. I've noticed it when it comes to dress and appearance (thank you wash~n~wear and no-shine boots), attitudes toward authority, and even PT. Before I left for my deployment, my unit had 8 PT failures. While that is only about 3%, all of them were under the age of 23. When these kids should be in the prime of their health, they can't even pass a simple Air Force PT test. I even had one new troop recently remark, and this is a direct quote when she was written up for failure to adapt: "I didn't expect the Air Force to have this many rules." Uh... you joined the military. Not the United States Flying Club. I'm not saying I agree with every single rule and regulation out there, but they exist. If the installation CC says you have to wear your sniper belt, you wear your damn sniper belt. I don't care how stupid it looks. Same goes for PT. I don't care if you hate running or thing the standards are stupid. I hate running. But I still bust out at least 3 miles a day and even at 29, I maintain well above a 90 on all of my evals.
Is it a lack of being able to properly train and discipline these kids in basic? Are the TIs so paranoid of being NARC'd out these days while being too constrained by the rules to effectively instill good order and discipline. Maybe I'm just an old crust bitter Sgt but I'm curious to see what others think. I can't be the only one that has noticed and feels angst at these developments. Or are there some out there that don't see a problem and thing its just the natural progression of things?
Thoughts and comments are highly encouraged. Open dialogue and all.
More content will be forthcoming!
That is all......
~The NCOIC
EPR Changes
Posted 11 years agoHowdy guys! I know it's been a few months but I've been wearing two hats at work the past 7 weeks or so and I haven't really given much time and energy here. But I have a minute this evening and I just got out of a rather productive and informative session with the ACC Functional Manager and got some relevant information to pass along for those of you that are still serving...
The new EPR system is coming. Stratification is coming. Promotion boards are coming. Things are going to change.
I can't speak for every unit. But I do know that the route MY home station unit is going involves a weighted EPR that awards points for awards, decs, deployments, amount of volunteer hours, CCAF or not, paperwork or not, what you scored on your PT test, how long it took you to upgrade train, what you scored on EOCs, etc. They will use this overall point system to score each individual in the unit to see who gets graded and where, making the quota a much more manageable situation. And while supervisors will have input, the overall final decision on who gets which rating will fall on the squadron CC.
What does that mean? It means if you have 100 SSgts in your unit and you can only give 5 of them the highest rating, then the Commander will take all the EPRs that are given, tally up the scores, and give out the ratings as he sees fit. He doesn't have to give out 5. He could give out 1, 2, 4, or none. He just can't give out more than 5. Word on the street is that a majority if people will fall into the middle/average rating with very few getting the fullest Definitely Promote scale.
THAT in turn, means that if the CC gives out 5 top ratings, then those 5 have a leg up when it comes to promotion. It's almost like a BTZ situation for Tech stripes. The other members in the unit still have a chance to get promoted, but those with the highest scores obviously have the best chance.
In a nutshell: Things are changing. Regulations are still being written and coming out.
I'll have two ACC functionals in my pocket for the next couple of days and I'll work to get more answers if I can.
But right now, just know that by the end of the summer, we should start seeing the new EPR system rolling out.
The other big change is the single closeout date for all ranks. IE: All Staffs will close on the same day. All Techs another day, etc etc.
If there ARE any questions, feel free to ask and I'll answer to the best of my ability. I sat through 4 hours of these topics today and I have a pretty solid idea of where we're going as we move forward as an Air Force.
Carry on......
~The NCOIC
The new EPR system is coming. Stratification is coming. Promotion boards are coming. Things are going to change.
I can't speak for every unit. But I do know that the route MY home station unit is going involves a weighted EPR that awards points for awards, decs, deployments, amount of volunteer hours, CCAF or not, paperwork or not, what you scored on your PT test, how long it took you to upgrade train, what you scored on EOCs, etc. They will use this overall point system to score each individual in the unit to see who gets graded and where, making the quota a much more manageable situation. And while supervisors will have input, the overall final decision on who gets which rating will fall on the squadron CC.
What does that mean? It means if you have 100 SSgts in your unit and you can only give 5 of them the highest rating, then the Commander will take all the EPRs that are given, tally up the scores, and give out the ratings as he sees fit. He doesn't have to give out 5. He could give out 1, 2, 4, or none. He just can't give out more than 5. Word on the street is that a majority if people will fall into the middle/average rating with very few getting the fullest Definitely Promote scale.
THAT in turn, means that if the CC gives out 5 top ratings, then those 5 have a leg up when it comes to promotion. It's almost like a BTZ situation for Tech stripes. The other members in the unit still have a chance to get promoted, but those with the highest scores obviously have the best chance.
In a nutshell: Things are changing. Regulations are still being written and coming out.
I'll have two ACC functionals in my pocket for the next couple of days and I'll work to get more answers if I can.
But right now, just know that by the end of the summer, we should start seeing the new EPR system rolling out.
The other big change is the single closeout date for all ranks. IE: All Staffs will close on the same day. All Techs another day, etc etc.
If there ARE any questions, feel free to ask and I'll answer to the best of my ability. I sat through 4 hours of these topics today and I have a pretty solid idea of where we're going as we move forward as an Air Force.
Carry on......
~The NCOIC
ERB Matrix Update
Posted 11 years agoThe ERB (Enlisted Review Board) Matrix for those facing involuntary separation selection was updated 28 March 2014.
Of the two relevant AFSCs in my work center, both of them saw an overall drop in members facing ERBs due to all of the VSPs being granted. This is a good sign for those of us wanting to stay in who are facing the Boards, obviously.
So if you haven't already been to myPers and checked out the latest and greatest matrix, you should get on that. These numbers going down gives those of us wanted to make a career out of this military gig a better chance.
Best regards!
~The NCOIC
Of the two relevant AFSCs in my work center, both of them saw an overall drop in members facing ERBs due to all of the VSPs being granted. This is a good sign for those of us wanting to stay in who are facing the Boards, obviously.
So if you haven't already been to myPers and checked out the latest and greatest matrix, you should get on that. These numbers going down gives those of us wanted to make a career out of this military gig a better chance.
Best regards!
~The NCOIC
Voluntold for Special Duties
Posted 11 years agoIt's March! Know what that means?
All qualifying SrA, NCOs and SNCOs are getting ready to be submitted to be voluntold for Special Duty Assignments.
Hopefully your upper-level leadership has been keeping you abreast of the situation if you qualify and are being considered for these positions. If they haven't, then the way it works is this: Your unit breaks down all qualifying rank personnel, eliminates them from consideration based on several factors (bad EPRs, failed PT tests, Arty 15s), then takes who is left, gives them the ole rack and stack treatment, then submits the best of the best of the best for these wonderful Special Duty assignments (MTL, MTI, Recruiter, Tech School instructor, etc).
If you qualify and are being submitted, your command should have informed you by now, as there is paperwork to consider, a list you can select from of which job you'd prefer, and it gives you an opportunity (at least in MY case) to openly discuss your desire to change positions.
Now, there is no promise you'll get it. You could have 20 airmen that qualify, your quota might be for 3 positions, and maybe 1 will get picked up. Last year it was a 1 to 7 ratio.
See...back in the good ole days, such jobs were voluntary. But, due to a lack of interest, it is now a voluntold system. I personally don't agree with it, but that's life.
So be in the lookout. If you're being submitted, you'll probably hear by the end of May if you've been picked up for a special duty.
If you don't qualify or aren't being considered... good for you! Enjoy a bit more stability in these weird times.
~The NCOIC
All qualifying SrA, NCOs and SNCOs are getting ready to be submitted to be voluntold for Special Duty Assignments.
Hopefully your upper-level leadership has been keeping you abreast of the situation if you qualify and are being considered for these positions. If they haven't, then the way it works is this: Your unit breaks down all qualifying rank personnel, eliminates them from consideration based on several factors (bad EPRs, failed PT tests, Arty 15s), then takes who is left, gives them the ole rack and stack treatment, then submits the best of the best of the best for these wonderful Special Duty assignments (MTL, MTI, Recruiter, Tech School instructor, etc).
If you qualify and are being submitted, your command should have informed you by now, as there is paperwork to consider, a list you can select from of which job you'd prefer, and it gives you an opportunity (at least in MY case) to openly discuss your desire to change positions.
Now, there is no promise you'll get it. You could have 20 airmen that qualify, your quota might be for 3 positions, and maybe 1 will get picked up. Last year it was a 1 to 7 ratio.
See...back in the good ole days, such jobs were voluntary. But, due to a lack of interest, it is now a voluntold system. I personally don't agree with it, but that's life.
So be in the lookout. If you're being submitted, you'll probably hear by the end of May if you've been picked up for a special duty.
If you don't qualify or aren't being considered... good for you! Enjoy a bit more stability in these weird times.
~The NCOIC
Meet and Greet at FWA: Update!
Posted 11 years agoSo to update this journal here: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5552610/
The FWA Military Furs Meet and Greet has been set for Saturday, 22 March at 1030.
If you're there, come out and say hi and do what military folks do best in such gatherings: Network! Who knows. You might find someone stationed at your base or nearby.
~The NCOIC
The FWA Military Furs Meet and Greet has been set for Saturday, 22 March at 1030.
If you're there, come out and say hi and do what military folks do best in such gatherings: Network! Who knows. You might find someone stationed at your base or nearby.
~The NCOIC
More VSP/TERA updates.
Posted 11 years agoSo I've sat in on numerous All Calls, Town Halls, and Wing/Group/Squadron staff meetings this week and the big topic on EVERYONE's plate is Force Shaping and the on-going measures being taken to deal with it all.
Slowly, VERY SLOWLY, VSP packages are starting to trickle down as being approved for those that put in early. Yes, going forward, the AF put a stop on all VSP/TERA until they rework their numbers, but there are small numbers already receiving notification of separation.
The big picture is that the numbers are fluctuating. The word is that they initially wanted to release 22,000 through all available programs up to and including Retention Boards. But just in voluntary packages alone, they were 40,000+.
At present, Big Air Force reduced the number being separated to about 17,000 instead of the original 22,000. With the release of the FY15 budget that paints a better picture of where the force will be as far as capability and aircraft platforms available, they dropped the total number by a few thousand. What this means is that the powers that be are sifting through applications, racking and stacking, and reconfiguring everything to adjust for new circumstances.
As of NOW, Retention Boards are still a thing. They will be a LAST RESORT measure, but they are all still a thing. Granted, with so many voluntary seps/TERA applications, who knows how it is going to look progressing forward and hopefully at all levels, CCs and Chiefs are funneling this intelligence down. Just know it will go VSP/TERA, those with negative indicators, then ERBs if necessary.
What does this mean for YOU? It means be Gumby. Stay flexible. Keep doing your job, don't burn bridges or slack off just because you might have a VSP/TERA package in. NOTHING in the Military is certain until you get signed, sealed and delivered. We never make guarantees for a good reason.
Again, I'll update information as it becomes available just in case some of you don't have access to it, aren't getting it filtered down, etc. I hate to say that at present, social media seems to be the best source of information. Facebook gets these updates and stories first and foremost and from there it trickles down through the ranks. I highly encourage anyone with Faybo or Twitter to follow Air Force run sites as they will give you quicker information.
All that being said, keep on keeping on. If you are someone facing an ERB (as I am), this news should be a little comforting in that it MIGHT not come to that.
~The NCOIC
Slowly, VERY SLOWLY, VSP packages are starting to trickle down as being approved for those that put in early. Yes, going forward, the AF put a stop on all VSP/TERA until they rework their numbers, but there are small numbers already receiving notification of separation.
The big picture is that the numbers are fluctuating. The word is that they initially wanted to release 22,000 through all available programs up to and including Retention Boards. But just in voluntary packages alone, they were 40,000+.
At present, Big Air Force reduced the number being separated to about 17,000 instead of the original 22,000. With the release of the FY15 budget that paints a better picture of where the force will be as far as capability and aircraft platforms available, they dropped the total number by a few thousand. What this means is that the powers that be are sifting through applications, racking and stacking, and reconfiguring everything to adjust for new circumstances.
As of NOW, Retention Boards are still a thing. They will be a LAST RESORT measure, but they are all still a thing. Granted, with so many voluntary seps/TERA applications, who knows how it is going to look progressing forward and hopefully at all levels, CCs and Chiefs are funneling this intelligence down. Just know it will go VSP/TERA, those with negative indicators, then ERBs if necessary.
What does this mean for YOU? It means be Gumby. Stay flexible. Keep doing your job, don't burn bridges or slack off just because you might have a VSP/TERA package in. NOTHING in the Military is certain until you get signed, sealed and delivered. We never make guarantees for a good reason.
Again, I'll update information as it becomes available just in case some of you don't have access to it, aren't getting it filtered down, etc. I hate to say that at present, social media seems to be the best source of information. Facebook gets these updates and stories first and foremost and from there it trickles down through the ranks. I highly encourage anyone with Faybo or Twitter to follow Air Force run sites as they will give you quicker information.
All that being said, keep on keeping on. If you are someone facing an ERB (as I am), this news should be a little comforting in that it MIGHT not come to that.
~The NCOIC
Update on all of this VSP/TERA stuff
Posted 11 years agoProcessing of the first round of officer and enlisted TERA and VSP applications has been delayed while sustainment requirements for projected force reductions are further reviewed by the Air Force. We anticipate the continuation of processing applications for approval in the near future, however at this time a firm date has not yet been established. Once the Air Force has completed the review, we will provide an updated message to the field and initiate the approval phases.
Basically: Big Air Force has to crunch more numbers and make sure they aren't taking us down below operational capabilities.
Keep on keeping on!
~The NCOIC
Basically: Big Air Force has to crunch more numbers and make sure they aren't taking us down below operational capabilities.
Keep on keeping on!
~The NCOIC
Military Furs Meet and Greet at FWA
Posted 11 years agoI've been asked to lend an assist with the Military Furs meet-up at FWA and as part of that, I'm putting the info for it out there.
Yes, there will be one.
The current FWA schedule says Friday, 21 March from 1530-1630. That might get pushed back to Saturday depending on a thing or two. Will update fully with time and exact location once it is finalized.
It's for current, former or soon to be military members of all branches, those that have loved ones that are, have, or will be serving, those interested in serving in the Armed Forces, and those that support us.
Very informal setting, typical meet and greet sorta deal. We'll have the space for an hour so hopefully that allows for adequate mingling.
Again, more to come as it gets more set in stone. But yes, there will be a meet up at the Con for those of you that might be attending.
~The NCOIC
Yes, there will be one.
The current FWA schedule says Friday, 21 March from 1530-1630. That might get pushed back to Saturday depending on a thing or two. Will update fully with time and exact location once it is finalized.
It's for current, former or soon to be military members of all branches, those that have loved ones that are, have, or will be serving, those interested in serving in the Armed Forces, and those that support us.
Very informal setting, typical meet and greet sorta deal. We'll have the space for an hour so hopefully that allows for adequate mingling.
Again, more to come as it gets more set in stone. But yes, there will be a meet up at the Con for those of you that might be attending.
~The NCOIC
Force Shaping Update
Posted 11 years agoThe process continues and the VSP is in full swing. Some folks are taking the bait and jumping ship early so you should see the numbers for Non-vols start to go down. So if you're in one of those ranks and AFSCs that is facing a cut, be mindful that the numbers reported 23 Jan on the myPers site will change as time progresses.
NOTE: The deadline to apply for VSP is 31 March. If you do not VSP by that date and meet the criteria for separation, you WILL go before an ERB. Right now, if you go before an ERB, you should know NLT 16 August what your status is. If you do not get past the board and are selected for involuntary sep, the current stance is you will no longer be employed as of 1 Feb.
Another note: VSP is NOT a guarantee. You might submit an application and let the process play out. Just because put in for VSP does not mean you'll get it.
In light of this situation, the testing cycle for E5 for FY14 has been bumped up a month so that those facing a board might be spared if they get promoted. So if you're an E4, keep that in mind that if you're testing this year, the cycle has been advanced a month and it could be your golden ticket.
Your humble NCOIC happens to be on the list to VSP/ERB/INVOL. I'm taking my chances with the board but that is only because given the numbers in my particular career field, it's not looking that bad for me. But that doesn't mean I'm not preparing for the worst.
Stay educated, stay up to speed, talk to your supervisors and pay attention to any and all updates that come down.
Also something to consider. I read this a couple of weeks ago and one you just happened to send it here in a note as well so it warrants mentioning:
http://www.stripes.com/news/serving.....ation-1.176622
Australia is offering jobs to US military members facing separation. More money to do something close to the job you do now and it is in Australia. Something to consider.
If there are any direction questions related to force shaping, I'll do my best to answer them. Since I'm also gazing down the barrel of this loaded gun, I've done my best to stay up to speed on the latest developments and check the numbers as often as they are updated.
Stay frosty, those of you still in and dealing with this.
~The NCOIC
NOTE: The deadline to apply for VSP is 31 March. If you do not VSP by that date and meet the criteria for separation, you WILL go before an ERB. Right now, if you go before an ERB, you should know NLT 16 August what your status is. If you do not get past the board and are selected for involuntary sep, the current stance is you will no longer be employed as of 1 Feb.
Another note: VSP is NOT a guarantee. You might submit an application and let the process play out. Just because put in for VSP does not mean you'll get it.
In light of this situation, the testing cycle for E5 for FY14 has been bumped up a month so that those facing a board might be spared if they get promoted. So if you're an E4, keep that in mind that if you're testing this year, the cycle has been advanced a month and it could be your golden ticket.
Your humble NCOIC happens to be on the list to VSP/ERB/INVOL. I'm taking my chances with the board but that is only because given the numbers in my particular career field, it's not looking that bad for me. But that doesn't mean I'm not preparing for the worst.
Stay educated, stay up to speed, talk to your supervisors and pay attention to any and all updates that come down.
Also something to consider. I read this a couple of weeks ago and one you just happened to send it here in a note as well so it warrants mentioning:
http://www.stripes.com/news/serving.....ation-1.176622
Australia is offering jobs to US military members facing separation. More money to do something close to the job you do now and it is in Australia. Something to consider.
If there are any direction questions related to force shaping, I'll do my best to answer them. Since I'm also gazing down the barrel of this loaded gun, I've done my best to stay up to speed on the latest developments and check the numbers as often as they are updated.
Stay frosty, those of you still in and dealing with this.
~The NCOIC
In Case You Missed It
Posted 11 years agohttp://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDispl.....less-athl.aspx
A few changes to AFI 36-2903: No more restriction on cellphone colors (I've had a purple phone case for about a year now anyway), PT shoe colors, you can sport those black socks and look out for casual undershirt Friday (AKA Morale Shirt Friday).
And...holy crap... nicknames on your flightsuits? Well Jesus Tits, kids! Better rush on down to Alterations and get those patches done up, toot sweet!
~The NCOIC
A few changes to AFI 36-2903: No more restriction on cellphone colors (I've had a purple phone case for about a year now anyway), PT shoe colors, you can sport those black socks and look out for casual undershirt Friday (AKA Morale Shirt Friday).
And...holy crap... nicknames on your flightsuits? Well Jesus Tits, kids! Better rush on down to Alterations and get those patches done up, toot sweet!
~The NCOIC
Merry Christmas
Posted 11 years agoTo all those serving at home and abroad that can't spend the holidays with your families: Thank you for your current and continued sacrifices.
To all others: Hope you all have a festive holiday season, enjoy the down time and appreciate what you have.
Carry on.......
~The NCOIC
To all others: Hope you all have a festive holiday season, enjoy the down time and appreciate what you have.
Carry on.......
~The NCOIC
Force Shaping
Posted 11 years agoBy now I'm sure those of us serving on Active Duty status have heard about the FY14 force reduction measures being implemented, either via an email from SECAF or through the required "Town Hall" meetings Big Air Force has mandated every command to give to all E4s and above.
First and foremost: This is nothing new, radical, or unprecedented. With the general ebb and flow of things in the world, the military goes through its ups and downs between conflicts, during draw-downs after influx movements and whenever the budget mandates more with less.
Please take the time to read the information provided through these briefs and the AFPC website. Check your SURF to verify your code status and if you may or may not fall under one of the mitigating factors for the upcoming reduction. If you're a supervisor, learn what you can about the programs and pass the information on to your troops. If you're a young/new airman, learn what you can and ask questions. Make sure you're fully aware of the programs available, the options you have, and the processes in place.
This round of cuts will be conducted over the next 10 months, meaning that there is the possibility that some of us will not be employed by the DoD by the end of next year. If you're in an overmanned career field or have negative circumstances on your record, you stand a very real chance of being asked to or forced to leave the military ahead of your scheduled DOS.
Unfortunately this is life. When your company no longer has the money to pay it's employees, layoffs happen. The best thing you can do is understand the circumstances and prepare accordingly. If you are on the cut list or the at-risk list, make sure you understand the situation and the time frame. Understand that if you go before a review board and they rule against you staying in, how much time you have from that date before you're forced out. Know what is being offered in the voluntary separation programs as well as the involuntary ones.
I know it's early and some of this information is still being sent out and more will become clear over the coming couple of weeks as Big Air Force puts out more intel and starts rolling out the emails to those being affected.
The worst thing you can do is ignore the situation, not ask questions and not be prepared. Read, ask, prepare.
More updates may be forthcoming as the situation develops.
If you have questions or concerns, feel free to Note me either here or on my personal account. I've read all the memorandums currently available and can give guidance/information or at least point you in the right direction if need be.
Be flexible. Changes are coming, they wont be easy and chances are if you aren't impacted directly, you'll know someone that is.
Carry on....
~The NCOIC
First and foremost: This is nothing new, radical, or unprecedented. With the general ebb and flow of things in the world, the military goes through its ups and downs between conflicts, during draw-downs after influx movements and whenever the budget mandates more with less.
Please take the time to read the information provided through these briefs and the AFPC website. Check your SURF to verify your code status and if you may or may not fall under one of the mitigating factors for the upcoming reduction. If you're a supervisor, learn what you can about the programs and pass the information on to your troops. If you're a young/new airman, learn what you can and ask questions. Make sure you're fully aware of the programs available, the options you have, and the processes in place.
This round of cuts will be conducted over the next 10 months, meaning that there is the possibility that some of us will not be employed by the DoD by the end of next year. If you're in an overmanned career field or have negative circumstances on your record, you stand a very real chance of being asked to or forced to leave the military ahead of your scheduled DOS.
Unfortunately this is life. When your company no longer has the money to pay it's employees, layoffs happen. The best thing you can do is understand the circumstances and prepare accordingly. If you are on the cut list or the at-risk list, make sure you understand the situation and the time frame. Understand that if you go before a review board and they rule against you staying in, how much time you have from that date before you're forced out. Know what is being offered in the voluntary separation programs as well as the involuntary ones.
I know it's early and some of this information is still being sent out and more will become clear over the coming couple of weeks as Big Air Force puts out more intel and starts rolling out the emails to those being affected.
The worst thing you can do is ignore the situation, not ask questions and not be prepared. Read, ask, prepare.
More updates may be forthcoming as the situation develops.
If you have questions or concerns, feel free to Note me either here or on my personal account. I've read all the memorandums currently available and can give guidance/information or at least point you in the right direction if need be.
Be flexible. Changes are coming, they wont be easy and chances are if you aren't impacted directly, you'll know someone that is.
Carry on....
~The NCOIC
Seriously...What The Fuck? (PSA)
Posted 12 years agoPart of my job is to in-process all newcomers to my unit, be they PCSers or Airmans getting to their first duty location.
In this capacity, I've noticed an alarming and annoying trend with all the "Fresh From Tech School" diddleshit Airmen:
What. The fuck. Is up with these kids throwing away their 10-100s? (That's Airman's Manual for those that don't know the digits).
I mean. Holy shit. I've had so many newbies come in to get their mobility folders built and when I mention the Manual I get a blank/nervous stare and an "Oh uh... I threw that away after Basic... I didn't think (or) they didn't tell me I needed to keep it."
Have we become so afraid of being PC and making sure nobody gets touched in the shower that we've neglected the simple shit like telling kids to, oh I don't know.. Hold on to your fucking 10-100s? It's a Govt Issued item. And I'm not in the business of just tossing one to these kids that chucked it after Basic. Do I have a drawer full of them? Of course. Am I just going to start giving them away? No.
I'm at a loss... It is seriously flabbergasting.
For all of you kids out there reading this who might be in DEP or heading off to Basic shortly... when they give you that thick spiral notebook that says Airman's Manual 10-100: HOLD ON TO IT! KEEP IT. I promise you that you will in fact need it.
Ridiculousness...
~The NCOIC
In this capacity, I've noticed an alarming and annoying trend with all the "Fresh From Tech School" diddleshit Airmen:
What. The fuck. Is up with these kids throwing away their 10-100s? (That's Airman's Manual for those that don't know the digits).
I mean. Holy shit. I've had so many newbies come in to get their mobility folders built and when I mention the Manual I get a blank/nervous stare and an "Oh uh... I threw that away after Basic... I didn't think (or) they didn't tell me I needed to keep it."
Have we become so afraid of being PC and making sure nobody gets touched in the shower that we've neglected the simple shit like telling kids to, oh I don't know.. Hold on to your fucking 10-100s? It's a Govt Issued item. And I'm not in the business of just tossing one to these kids that chucked it after Basic. Do I have a drawer full of them? Of course. Am I just going to start giving them away? No.
I'm at a loss... It is seriously flabbergasting.
For all of you kids out there reading this who might be in DEP or heading off to Basic shortly... when they give you that thick spiral notebook that says Airman's Manual 10-100: HOLD ON TO IT! KEEP IT. I promise you that you will in fact need it.
Ridiculousness...
~The NCOIC
Major Air Force Overhaul
Posted 12 years agoSo. As some of you may or may not know, based on how well information is disseminated within your unit, there are major changes coming down the pipeline regarding promotions and EPRs.
Anybody that has been in more than a year can attest to the fact that the Enlisted Performance Report system is stupidly inflated where best of the best has become the norm and you have to be a fuck-up to get an average rating. Not to mention supervisors seem to have this inability to give out less than 5s because they don't want to the the bad guy or whatever.
Well. Once again the AF is working to correct this jacked up system. Setting percentage limits on ratings (Only the top 5% in any unit will 5s, top 20% get 4s, and everyone else gets 3s, etc). Supposedly this will fix the inflated system my making 3 the average standard rather than 5 being the average standard. How this all plays out remains to be seen. You can change a policy overnight but you can't change a mindset. To those of us that have been in 7+ years or so, a 3 will still be looked at as a negative because we're so accustomed to anything less than 5 being a fuck up. Supposedly there will also be nothing but work as the emphasis and none of this extracurricular shit that's been cluttering up page 1 of the report.
Promotion testing is also changing. First off the dock will be Boards for Master. I always wondered why they didn't have this before since its a SNCO position and thus should require a board on top of your test scores. It will go into affect on the 2015 cycle so if you're in a position to make Master, I'd suggest you do it now if you don't want to face a board. Consequently, this could also fuck people over if the person writing your board package sucks dicks at writing. But of course no system is perfect and we'll just have to make do as is.
Another key change is the removal of points for time in grade/time in service. Now the scores will be based entirely on how well you study and know your shit. So if you've been trying to make rank for 5 or 6 cycles and you're hoping time and experience alone will get you in, no longer going to work. You'll actually have to crack a PDG and get to work.
I do see this upsetting some folks. I also see this as a force shaping method designed to weed out the force even more and restrict people from getting promoted that do not deserve it. But we'll see how this all plays out.
As with all things, we just have to grin and bear it, shut up and color, and press on. Same goes for the Govt shut down. You might not get paid on the 15th if the Govt doesn't get its shit together and approve a budget. I've heard rumors that USAA will pay their customers regardless but I haven't confirmed that yet. Either way, be on your toes and be conscious of what's going on around you. If you think not getting paid will fuck your world up financially, consider the Aid Society. If your command hasn't put out helpful links and tips yet, get on their asses.
So that's the updates for now. More to come as any information develops.
~The NCOIC
Anybody that has been in more than a year can attest to the fact that the Enlisted Performance Report system is stupidly inflated where best of the best has become the norm and you have to be a fuck-up to get an average rating. Not to mention supervisors seem to have this inability to give out less than 5s because they don't want to the the bad guy or whatever.
Well. Once again the AF is working to correct this jacked up system. Setting percentage limits on ratings (Only the top 5% in any unit will 5s, top 20% get 4s, and everyone else gets 3s, etc). Supposedly this will fix the inflated system my making 3 the average standard rather than 5 being the average standard. How this all plays out remains to be seen. You can change a policy overnight but you can't change a mindset. To those of us that have been in 7+ years or so, a 3 will still be looked at as a negative because we're so accustomed to anything less than 5 being a fuck up. Supposedly there will also be nothing but work as the emphasis and none of this extracurricular shit that's been cluttering up page 1 of the report.
Promotion testing is also changing. First off the dock will be Boards for Master. I always wondered why they didn't have this before since its a SNCO position and thus should require a board on top of your test scores. It will go into affect on the 2015 cycle so if you're in a position to make Master, I'd suggest you do it now if you don't want to face a board. Consequently, this could also fuck people over if the person writing your board package sucks dicks at writing. But of course no system is perfect and we'll just have to make do as is.
Another key change is the removal of points for time in grade/time in service. Now the scores will be based entirely on how well you study and know your shit. So if you've been trying to make rank for 5 or 6 cycles and you're hoping time and experience alone will get you in, no longer going to work. You'll actually have to crack a PDG and get to work.
I do see this upsetting some folks. I also see this as a force shaping method designed to weed out the force even more and restrict people from getting promoted that do not deserve it. But we'll see how this all plays out.
As with all things, we just have to grin and bear it, shut up and color, and press on. Same goes for the Govt shut down. You might not get paid on the 15th if the Govt doesn't get its shit together and approve a budget. I've heard rumors that USAA will pay their customers regardless but I haven't confirmed that yet. Either way, be on your toes and be conscious of what's going on around you. If you think not getting paid will fuck your world up financially, consider the Aid Society. If your command hasn't put out helpful links and tips yet, get on their asses.
So that's the updates for now. More to come as any information develops.
~The NCOIC
Quick Question
Posted 12 years agoAnyone in or around the Tyndall area?
Normally I wouldn't be usin the group for this but I haven't been in the Tyndall/PCB area in about 10 years...seeing if any of you Air Furries are in or know the location.
Everyone else: As you were!
~The NCOIC
Normally I wouldn't be usin the group for this but I haven't been in the Tyndall/PCB area in about 10 years...seeing if any of you Air Furries are in or know the location.
Everyone else: As you were!
~The NCOIC
My How Times Have Changed
Posted 12 years agohttp://www.military.com/daily-news/.....=todayinmil.sm
No more juicies in Korea? Oh PACAF...we hardly know you anymore...
~The NCOIC
No more juicies in Korea? Oh PACAF...we hardly know you anymore...
~The NCOIC
Location Shout Out! and other things
Posted 12 years agoDon't think we've done a base/location shout out in a while! So if you're up for it, feel free to drop a comment with your duty station. Good way to find locals!
Tough times our ole Air Force is going through. Budget cuts, sequestration, more rollbacks, rumors of a change in the promotion system to match the Navy where you earn the rank, wear the rank, but don't get paid for it right away, etc. Times are tough, times are lean. But as is the usual economic ebb and flow, it wont last. It might get worse before it gets better, but it wont last. Just have to tighten our skirts for a bit kids.
Also don't be surprised if we see another uniform change before the end of the decade. Congress has already made preliminary moves to go with a single, DoD-wide uniform for all branches so expect that if you're going to be in that long. I mean...I know we're all SO attached to tiger-stripe with green boots... but for those us that have been around long enough to have worn BDUs, we know of better times.
Probably see some changes in the PT format again. Less points on the waist measurement and more on the run. I'd say based on the inexact science of the waist tape method and it's completely irrelevant impact on overall fitness (large waist does not mean out of shape).
I know updates are sporadic. A lot going on and this isn't high on the priority list... but I haven't forgotten it!
So. That being said.
As you were!
~The NCOIC
Tough times our ole Air Force is going through. Budget cuts, sequestration, more rollbacks, rumors of a change in the promotion system to match the Navy where you earn the rank, wear the rank, but don't get paid for it right away, etc. Times are tough, times are lean. But as is the usual economic ebb and flow, it wont last. It might get worse before it gets better, but it wont last. Just have to tighten our skirts for a bit kids.
Also don't be surprised if we see another uniform change before the end of the decade. Congress has already made preliminary moves to go with a single, DoD-wide uniform for all branches so expect that if you're going to be in that long. I mean...I know we're all SO attached to tiger-stripe with green boots... but for those us that have been around long enough to have worn BDUs, we know of better times.
Probably see some changes in the PT format again. Less points on the waist measurement and more on the run. I'd say based on the inexact science of the waist tape method and it's completely irrelevant impact on overall fitness (large waist does not mean out of shape).
I know updates are sporadic. A lot going on and this isn't high on the priority list... but I haven't forgotten it!
So. That being said.
As you were!
~The NCOIC
State of the Force
Posted 12 years agoIf you haven't seen it, after all the posturing and back and forth, Tuition Assistance is officially back. So if you were one of the ones complaining about it (as I was), then get your ass down to your education office and register for classes (as I did today). If nothing else, I see more and more where college classes are becoming factors on EPRs. So use what they're giving you to the better yourself and your career.
Its Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month. Be mindful. Don't just roll your eyes at the "required" SARC briefing and let the rapid click-thru on the annual CBT be the norm. Pay attention. It only takes a seemingly innocent comment to the wrong person to derail a career. It's as simple as that. Also be mindful of your surroundings, have situation awareness, and if you see something that looks like its going in a negative turn, correct it. Stop it. Prevent it. If you are a victim, don't be afraid to come forward. Contact appropriate base agencies, talk to someone...don't sit on it.
Civilian furloughs were pushed back but all indications are that they are still coming. If you are a civilian employee or share a work center with them, be aware of the fiscal issue, the possible change in workload, and the impact this could have.
DOS rollbacks are also still very much apart of the Air Force culture. Minor infractions can result in early termination. So watch your asses. This isn't like the old days where you could still make E9 with three Arti-15s. We're having to do more with less, fat's being trimmed, etc.
I know most of this is Yeah Yeah We Know shit. But it all bares repeating.
Carry On...
~The NCOIC
Its Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month. Be mindful. Don't just roll your eyes at the "required" SARC briefing and let the rapid click-thru on the annual CBT be the norm. Pay attention. It only takes a seemingly innocent comment to the wrong person to derail a career. It's as simple as that. Also be mindful of your surroundings, have situation awareness, and if you see something that looks like its going in a negative turn, correct it. Stop it. Prevent it. If you are a victim, don't be afraid to come forward. Contact appropriate base agencies, talk to someone...don't sit on it.
Civilian furloughs were pushed back but all indications are that they are still coming. If you are a civilian employee or share a work center with them, be aware of the fiscal issue, the possible change in workload, and the impact this could have.
DOS rollbacks are also still very much apart of the Air Force culture. Minor infractions can result in early termination. So watch your asses. This isn't like the old days where you could still make E9 with three Arti-15s. We're having to do more with less, fat's being trimmed, etc.
I know most of this is Yeah Yeah We Know shit. But it all bares repeating.
Carry On...
~The NCOIC
A TA Update...
Posted 12 years agohttp://www.stripes.com/news/congres.....tance-1.212706
For you linkaphobes:
WASHINGTON — Congress will force military officials to reinstate tuition assistance funding for the rest of the fiscal year after troops and veterans protested the end of the education benefit.
On Wednesday, the Senate included the tuition assistance rules as part of their plan to fund federal programs through September. On Thursday, the House agreed with the proposal, and the president is expected to sign it into law in coming days.
Congress had until March 27 to pass a new budget bill or risk a government shutdown. But the tuition assistance provision was a surprise for supporters of the education benefit, since partisan infighting seemed to shelve the idea earlier in the week.
Over the last few weeks, officials from the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard stopped new enrollments to their respective tuition assistance programs. Each had previously provided $250 per semester credit hour and up to $4,500 a year to servicemembers pursuing college degrees.
The new measure does not restore tuition assistance programs for the Coast Guard, since funding for that benefit comes from the Department of Homeland Security.
Service officials blamed sequestration — $85 billion in mandatory agency spending cuts this year, half coming from the military — for the sudden funding change.
But veterans advocates and lawmakers lamented the change as short-sighted and potentially devastating to student servicemembers midway through a degree program.
Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., one of the sponsors of the measure, said on the Senate floor Wednesday that numerous troops he has spoken with were dismayed over service officials’ decision to end the education benefit.
He also questioned whether the move was more politics than financial need, adding that plenty of less important programs could cover the funding cuts.
Under the amendment, military officials could cut tuition assistance programs for the remainder of the fiscal year, but only by the amount mandated under sequestration — about 8 percent.
It would effectively undo the services’ plans to zero out the program and use the savings elsewhere.
Roughly 300,000 servicemembers used the military tuition assistance programs last year. The 8 percent funding cut will likely lower the number of applicants eligible for the program this year.
But the congressional mandate will still allow tens of thousands of troops to continue their classes without finding new ways to pay for tuition.
Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., another amendment sponsor, said after the Senate vote that the tuition assistance program was the wrong place for military leaders to find savings.
“We cannot balance our budget on the backs of servicemembers,” she said. “The brave men and women who serve in uniform have never given up on our country, and today the Senate signaled that we won’t give up on them.”
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, whose members logged more than 12,000 calls and emails to lawmakers in support of the program, praised the move. Ryan Gallucci, deputy legislative director for the group, said the education benefit was too valuable to lose.
“As a former soldier who used tuition assistance, I’m happy to see that Congress agrees that the program is a win-win for the military,” he said. “It not only develops better leaders but boosts troop morale.”
Yup.
Carry On......
~The NCOIC
For you linkaphobes:
WASHINGTON — Congress will force military officials to reinstate tuition assistance funding for the rest of the fiscal year after troops and veterans protested the end of the education benefit.
On Wednesday, the Senate included the tuition assistance rules as part of their plan to fund federal programs through September. On Thursday, the House agreed with the proposal, and the president is expected to sign it into law in coming days.
Congress had until March 27 to pass a new budget bill or risk a government shutdown. But the tuition assistance provision was a surprise for supporters of the education benefit, since partisan infighting seemed to shelve the idea earlier in the week.
Over the last few weeks, officials from the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard stopped new enrollments to their respective tuition assistance programs. Each had previously provided $250 per semester credit hour and up to $4,500 a year to servicemembers pursuing college degrees.
The new measure does not restore tuition assistance programs for the Coast Guard, since funding for that benefit comes from the Department of Homeland Security.
Service officials blamed sequestration — $85 billion in mandatory agency spending cuts this year, half coming from the military — for the sudden funding change.
But veterans advocates and lawmakers lamented the change as short-sighted and potentially devastating to student servicemembers midway through a degree program.
Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., one of the sponsors of the measure, said on the Senate floor Wednesday that numerous troops he has spoken with were dismayed over service officials’ decision to end the education benefit.
He also questioned whether the move was more politics than financial need, adding that plenty of less important programs could cover the funding cuts.
Under the amendment, military officials could cut tuition assistance programs for the remainder of the fiscal year, but only by the amount mandated under sequestration — about 8 percent.
It would effectively undo the services’ plans to zero out the program and use the savings elsewhere.
Roughly 300,000 servicemembers used the military tuition assistance programs last year. The 8 percent funding cut will likely lower the number of applicants eligible for the program this year.
But the congressional mandate will still allow tens of thousands of troops to continue their classes without finding new ways to pay for tuition.
Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., another amendment sponsor, said after the Senate vote that the tuition assistance program was the wrong place for military leaders to find savings.
“We cannot balance our budget on the backs of servicemembers,” she said. “The brave men and women who serve in uniform have never given up on our country, and today the Senate signaled that we won’t give up on them.”
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, whose members logged more than 12,000 calls and emails to lawmakers in support of the program, praised the move. Ryan Gallucci, deputy legislative director for the group, said the education benefit was too valuable to lose.
“As a former soldier who used tuition assistance, I’m happy to see that Congress agrees that the program is a win-win for the military,” he said. “It not only develops better leaders but boosts troop morale.”
Yup.
Carry On......
~The NCOIC
This Issue with Tuition Assistance (Sound Off)
Posted 12 years agoFeel free to share your thoughts, concerns, bitches, gripes, complaints, insights and/or ideas. Open forum as always.
We knew it was coming. As optimistic as I tried to be with subordinates about the situation, it doesn't come as a huge shock that TA has been suspended for this fiscal year while the budget gets fucked with.
However. It's not the end of the World, its not the end to higher military learning and it's not this horribly horrible horribleness that people are making it out to be.
There is a great deal of concern with EPRs and Senior promotion being tied to higher education. I'm sure that will all be addressed in time. Speaking on an NCO level, my initial thought was that I can't necessarily mark a troop down for not seeking college credit when TA isn't being made available. But just because TA is not being offered until at least October 13 is no reason to not seek outside education. Allow me to break it down...
While this may hurt those going for bachelors degrees, the Air Force is concerned mainly with that CCAF. Which can be gained through DANTE/CLEPs. You also get credit from ALS/PME. So that's not a huge panicking point.
For those of us that have already secured our CCAFs and are seeking higher degrees. Keep in mind that active duty can use their GI Bills. Yes the benefits apply differently for Active over Veterans. I suggest you read up on the rules of GIB and talk to your local education office. But trust, you can get GI Bill benefits for tuition while in. You can also seek scholarships, grants, and/or loans like any other college student. Yes its more work than filling out a TA form, sending it to the education office and getting instant gratification. But if you WANT to pursue a degree, there are ways, channels and methods of getting it done.
Does the loss of TA suck? Yes.
It's it the nature of the beast for now? Yes.
Do you have to shut up and color? For the most part.
Lobby your state reps. If you feel comfortable doing so: https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/pe.....on-ta/kSyVdySm sign the White House petition to get it back.
Also keep in mind that, again, optimistically speaking, this is only a fiscal year issue. The Marine Corps dropped their TA last year and they are getting by. It could very well come back once the budget gets fixed.
All you can do is press on, hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and work to change the system. If you want to continue on in your education, make it happen. It is doable.
Make the best of bad situations and press on.
Carry on.
~NCOIC
We knew it was coming. As optimistic as I tried to be with subordinates about the situation, it doesn't come as a huge shock that TA has been suspended for this fiscal year while the budget gets fucked with.
However. It's not the end of the World, its not the end to higher military learning and it's not this horribly horrible horribleness that people are making it out to be.
There is a great deal of concern with EPRs and Senior promotion being tied to higher education. I'm sure that will all be addressed in time. Speaking on an NCO level, my initial thought was that I can't necessarily mark a troop down for not seeking college credit when TA isn't being made available. But just because TA is not being offered until at least October 13 is no reason to not seek outside education. Allow me to break it down...
While this may hurt those going for bachelors degrees, the Air Force is concerned mainly with that CCAF. Which can be gained through DANTE/CLEPs. You also get credit from ALS/PME. So that's not a huge panicking point.
For those of us that have already secured our CCAFs and are seeking higher degrees. Keep in mind that active duty can use their GI Bills. Yes the benefits apply differently for Active over Veterans. I suggest you read up on the rules of GIB and talk to your local education office. But trust, you can get GI Bill benefits for tuition while in. You can also seek scholarships, grants, and/or loans like any other college student. Yes its more work than filling out a TA form, sending it to the education office and getting instant gratification. But if you WANT to pursue a degree, there are ways, channels and methods of getting it done.
Does the loss of TA suck? Yes.
It's it the nature of the beast for now? Yes.
Do you have to shut up and color? For the most part.
Lobby your state reps. If you feel comfortable doing so: https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/pe.....on-ta/kSyVdySm sign the White House petition to get it back.
Also keep in mind that, again, optimistically speaking, this is only a fiscal year issue. The Marine Corps dropped their TA last year and they are getting by. It could very well come back once the budget gets fixed.
All you can do is press on, hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and work to change the system. If you want to continue on in your education, make it happen. It is doable.
Make the best of bad situations and press on.
Carry on.
~NCOIC
Get Um While They're Fresh...
Posted 12 years agohttp://www.cnn.com/2013/02/05/us/pe.....html?hpt=hp_c1
Without violating DOMA, Pentagon Officials are set to announce the extension of Benefits to same-sex couples that fall within legally acceptable provisions, such as on-base access, base housing allotments, and duty assignment considerations.
Progress to some, folly to others. But its happening.
~The NCOIC
Without violating DOMA, Pentagon Officials are set to announce the extension of Benefits to same-sex couples that fall within legally acceptable provisions, such as on-base access, base housing allotments, and duty assignment considerations.
Progress to some, folly to others. But its happening.
~The NCOIC
Just a heads up....
Posted 12 years agoSince I know alot of us work out and take supplements.....
~~~~This came down in an email today from higher-ups. Just in case it didn't make around to everyone~~~~
All,
Be aware, the supplement 'C4 Extreme' by Cellucor label clearly reads in the "Important Disclosure" that this product can cause a Positive urinalysis test and recommends the consumer request approval prior to purchasing.
It is sold at some GNC's at PX,MCX,BX (i.e. DoD exchanges) ... see attachment for specific labling.
NOTE: you have been warned ... recommend not being "that guy" ...
Carry on...
~The NCOIC
~~~~This came down in an email today from higher-ups. Just in case it didn't make around to everyone~~~~
All,
Be aware, the supplement 'C4 Extreme' by Cellucor label clearly reads in the "Important Disclosure" that this product can cause a Positive urinalysis test and recommends the consumer request approval prior to purchasing.
It is sold at some GNC's at PX,MCX,BX (i.e. DoD exchanges) ... see attachment for specific labling.
NOTE: you have been warned ... recommend not being "that guy" ...
Carry on...
~The NCOIC
Happy Holidays! and New Years! and all that
Posted 12 years agoGreetings Airmen!
Hope you all had a festive, enjoyable, and restful holiday season and are looking forward to yet another New Year with rested engines, cooler jets and a positive outlook on what's to come.
Recent and Upcoming situations we as AirPeople are facing...
The recent workplace inspection for questionable material that put the Kibosh on things like Men's Health and motivational posters in the work centers definitely happened. I personally see the need to keep the work place professional and that's all well and good. I didn't see the need to dump men's health magazine but if washboard abs offend some female walkin through the area... so be it, right?
The talks of Fiscal Cliffs and budget cuts to the DoD has everyone pondering their paychecks and benefits. If you have subordinates, best to sit um down and talk to um and let them know what they could/should expect. Raises, changes in BAS/BAH rates, etc. And even if you don't have them, it's best to keep abreast of what's going on. Especially since all of this could affect your wallets/pocket books.
Minor points. I'm currently traveling and tossing something up out of a guilty notion for not having done much with/for the group in a couple months. More to come after the holidays draw to a close and life settles back down for a time.
~The NCOIC
Hope you all had a festive, enjoyable, and restful holiday season and are looking forward to yet another New Year with rested engines, cooler jets and a positive outlook on what's to come.
Recent and Upcoming situations we as AirPeople are facing...
The recent workplace inspection for questionable material that put the Kibosh on things like Men's Health and motivational posters in the work centers definitely happened. I personally see the need to keep the work place professional and that's all well and good. I didn't see the need to dump men's health magazine but if washboard abs offend some female walkin through the area... so be it, right?
The talks of Fiscal Cliffs and budget cuts to the DoD has everyone pondering their paychecks and benefits. If you have subordinates, best to sit um down and talk to um and let them know what they could/should expect. Raises, changes in BAS/BAH rates, etc. And even if you don't have them, it's best to keep abreast of what's going on. Especially since all of this could affect your wallets/pocket books.
Minor points. I'm currently traveling and tossing something up out of a guilty notion for not having done much with/for the group in a couple months. More to come after the holidays draw to a close and life settles back down for a time.
~The NCOIC
Roll Call
Posted 13 years agoWord on the street (and in the latest issue of AF Times) is that the new Command Chief of the good ole AF is pushing to bring back Roll Call.
Think of it as an alternative to ~!mass emailing... where the higher-ups get everyone together for a pow-wow to get a read on things rather than relying on outlook to pass along what needs to be said.
Thoughts? Comments? Anyone think its a great idea to help NonComms reconnect with troops or is it a collective waste of time?
~The NCOIC
Think of it as an alternative to ~!mass emailing... where the higher-ups get everyone together for a pow-wow to get a read on things rather than relying on outlook to pass along what needs to be said.
Thoughts? Comments? Anyone think its a great idea to help NonComms reconnect with troops or is it a collective waste of time?
~The NCOIC
It Should Never Come To This
Posted 13 years agoLate this past week the Air Force lost another member to Suicide.
According to this final remarks on his Facebook, he couldn't take all the ridicule and life-long anti-gay sentiment he had been subjected to.
I know we're in the military. I know we talk alot of shit. I've seen it happen and I'm very much guilty of it myself. But always remember that while it may seem like innocent fun to you, your words can have a much stronger impact on those around you.
It should never come to something like this.
RIP SrA Chris Moore: 1987-2012 An Arirman. A Civil Engineer. A WFSMer.
~The NCOIC
According to this final remarks on his Facebook, he couldn't take all the ridicule and life-long anti-gay sentiment he had been subjected to.
I know we're in the military. I know we talk alot of shit. I've seen it happen and I'm very much guilty of it myself. But always remember that while it may seem like innocent fun to you, your words can have a much stronger impact on those around you.
It should never come to something like this.
RIP SrA Chris Moore: 1987-2012 An Arirman. A Civil Engineer. A WFSMer.
~The NCOIC
