Blackhawk

True story. I think I've told it here before.
In the mid 1990's I was doing a site survey for a SOC exercise out of an Air Force base in the Florida pan handle. We needed to borrow a hanger for maintenance during the exercise.
1. I go to the squadron commander. He says he would like to help, but sorry, he does not own the hanger. I have to talk with the maintenance commander. Huh. In the Army, the squadron commander owns his hangers, but it's different here. I'll play along.
2. I go to the maintenance commander. He says sorry; yes, he owns the hangers, and he would like to help, but I have to talk to the base commander. At this point I'm confused. But hey, it's the Air Force, a different service, I'll play along.
3. I get an appointment with the base commander. I explain that I had spent the previous day trying to coordinate the use of a hanger. The owners already said they did not mind, but I needed to talk to her. She says sorry, she would like to help, but she has to bump it up the chain of command. At this point I'm REALLY confused. It's her ^%$ing base. Who does she have to pass it up to??? What, is some one in DC or some other place going to know if the hanger is available??? Heck, the unit that owns it says there is plenty of space...
I'm walking out of the Base HQ dumbfounded, confused, trying to figure out how I will explain to my boss why we have to bump our request up the SOC chain of command to get a hanger without making the Air Force look bad when I hear feet coming up behind me. It's the base CMSgt, who was in on the meeting with his commander. He is obviously embarrassed. He hands me his card and tells me not to worry, he will personally take care of things and make sure my unit has hanger space for the exercise. All the commanding officers were too scared to make decisions. If they made a decision, it might be the wrong decision. It took a senior NCO to make something happen.

BrutusBuckeye

That's hilarious. As AFPirate knows, my theory around the majority of USAF leadership stems from making (in)decisions motivated by fear. Everyone you talked too was too concerned that they may end up stepping on someones toes if they let you use their hanger. They're too afraid to make a decision, so pass it along to someone else. Same thing goes for the stupid reflective belts we all wear around the bases everywhere in the world, "I'm the O-6 who is afraid that someone will get hit by a car. Therefore, everyone will wear reflective belts." Just wait until someone sh*ts themselves....you know the result... Leadership isn't just about making the tough decisions, but also being able to make those decisions out of the shadow of fear.

reCALcitrant

I am laughing out loud right now. I just got done with an ORI. We had to wear reflective belts day and night. Just to make sure nobody forgets to put it on at night. Stupidity knows no bounds!!

ANG 135

This summer my guard unit had it's ORI and the disco belt rule was in full force. Someone posted a spoof on the Full Metal Jacket "this is my weapon, this is my gun" routine except it was about the reflective belt. "this is my reflective belt, there are many like it ...." Extremely funny. Wish I knew where they got it. Maybe someone on here has seen it as well.

Deuce130

Has anyone attempted to waive their PC commitment? I did the 3 for 1 (though I hear that this year they're offering 1 for 1!) and owe until 2009. My AFRC unit is closing down, I'm moved away from the area, and don't want to go fly something else. I've got some inquiries in, but noone seems to know what's up. I'd like to just be done with it. Some of the bros say to just walk away with DD-214 in hand, but I don't want to be George Bush'd 20 years from now when I run for President. Anyone been down this road before?

MalteseX

I can tell you that if you "show your cards" and are denied, that you won't be on the top of the list for "good" jobs, assignments, schools, etc. By the same token, when the "less desirable bills" have to be paid, you will be high on the list---the palace chase attempt not being the only factor. Stage manager in some craphole location and they need someone there next week. You will pop up on the boss's mind as one of the first to go. "He wants to get out" will be a consideration in their selection.

C-17 Driver

True words spoken there. What is even more ironic is how if there no "showing the cards" type of people available, the commander will change the language of the "less desirable bill" and say it is a great opportunity to showcase one's self for promotion. Deploying used to make an individual stand out for promotion. Now it has to be multiple deployments.

Scenario: "Congrats, you made Lt Col. Who do you want to pin on your new rank? Where's your wife and kids to pin it on? Oh, that's right, they left you after your 3rd 180 day voluntary deployment. By the way, how is she doing after she married that reservist?" <-------Last sentence is 100% intended sarcasm! Not meant to be flame bait!

Family life can really suck if one so chooses career over family. I was tasked to be the project officer for a previous AMC/CC some years ago. He came to visit Charleston and we literally had to build time into his schedule for him to visit his daughter who was living w/ BF at the time and had a few kids. I just saw it as sad that we had to build time into his schedule. He was in town for about 3 days and he spent about 2-3 hours total w/ his daughter and grandchildren. But hey, he was a 4 star General. He had it made. He's retired now. I wonder if he is with his family today.

Another reason to go into the Guard/Reserve to gain more control of your life.

I guess my point is that when it is all said and done, once you retire, the military doesn't care anymore about you and all you have left is family. I chose family.

Ranger

That's how it's always been in any of the services. I can remember going to Da Nang Main during my Vietnam days looking for jeep parts. The army either didn't have what we needed or wouldn't part with it. My first sergeant and I walked into an air force office and ran down the NCOIC. They exchanged pleasantries, got down to business and we got what we needed. The Top had to trade something (I honestly don't remember exactly what it was. Probably a ChiCom pistol or flag) the air force dude wanted, but the c.o.'s jeep was fixed.

matmacwc

Any more news in the Palace Chase hunt? My 10 year commitment is up next year and I'd love to pursue the palace chase option. AFPC had a road show last year saying no way, but stranger things have happened. 11FXX AFSC haven't been shown any love in regards to VSP or Palace chase lately, but I can hope! Anyone in a fighter ANG unit want to hire an F-16 guy!?

III Corps

Reading this thread is almost history revisited. Mine was a LONG time ago (got out in '74) but the USAF seems to continue to put its people and their goals last on the page, if at all. I put my papers in and got nose to nose with the DO. He said he was going to ensure I never got to the left seat of the -135. A year later he was gone and I upgraded. But.. as I got closer to my DOS, I was invited to fewer and fewer parties, got fewer and fewer sorties and lost my IP status although we were short handed. AND when slots came down that guys didn't want, I advised I would rescind my DOS for some of those slots. No deal.

Funniest thing was that rotating out of Vietnam and PACAF I had communicated with Randolph and had filled out my 'dream sheet'. I had told assignments that if assigned to SAC I would not be career. Of course, I was assigned to SAC but six months after reporting I was asked if I was offered a regular commission would I accept? I had to laugh..

Some things never change.