Quote:
Originally Posted by Defender968
As a matter of fact I’m 100% sure there are problems in the procurement system I’ve seen them up close and personal as I was a 64P for a short while, but doing what works means fixing those problems and getting the assets where they need to be, how long did it take to get the B-24 or B-17 into the fight in WWII, less then 3 years each, granted the technology was much simpler but they made it happen. Anything is possible if there is a will to make it happen, the lack IMO is the will to make it happen at the highest levels.
I was in SOS in Feb last year, maybe it’s in there now, but I doubt it, they’re still focused on flickerball, Chennault and WWII, just over a year ago a full 7 years into the UW fight.
As I said before there are lots of great people doing great things in the AF, I never claimed otherwise, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a healthy organization or that it is focused as an organization on the fight, it simply means there are extraordinary people making the mission happen in spite of the system rather than because of it, that is in fact what I saw during my time in the AF.
Afchic I’m all for esprit de corps, but I’m also for calling the baby ugly when it is, and I did so when I was in the AF, and I will continue to do so now, regardless of weather it hurts yours or anyone elses feelings. You want to make a change in the AF, I say good luck to you, truly I hope you do, it's badly needed, but you'll forgive me if I don't hold my breath.
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I guess my thoughts to you are this: When I was a Captain, I had many of the same thoughts you did. I can remember sitting around with my buddies, cursing the decisions of those above us, because we didn't think they "got it".
It is something all CGOs do, and will continue to do. It is part of "growing up" in the military.
Now that I am no longer an O-3, have about 8 years more experience and a couple of promotions under my belt, I see things differently. I no longer would make the decisions now, that I did then, as a flight commander. I have gained experience that shows me that as a young officer, many of us have a very focused vision, on one thing or another. As we gain experience and rank, the appature changes.
I am not saying the AF senior leadership always makes the right decision, because I know that they don't. But they have a much different perspective on things than those of us at the flight/squadron/group level. I am sure that you will agree that when it is your name going on things, you have a tendency to provide them a different perspective.
I have been in the AF now for 36 years (AF Brat) and although at times I get quite frustrated, I still think it is a SUPERB organization, that is going through a rough time right now. I am not at a point where I am ready to sell it down the river.