[QUOTE]
Originally Posted by
Sputnik
Far as RTUs--different subject entirely I think. Nothing wrong with thread creep but RTU instructing is worlds away from UPT. In my world I wouldn't mind teaching our RTU--but for the fact that it's located in Altus OK, a place I'd be too happy to never see again.
Our FRS used to be totally separate but now we fall under the BIG training command (CNATRA) - they have come up with basically the "cradle to grave" concept. Btw - being a native Oklahoman I understand your sentiments about Altus.
Far as lack of experience in FAIPs--tough question, and one the AF bounces around on repeatedly. They've had FAIPs, gotten rid of them, brought them back, repeat. Kind of like everything else in AF come to think of it.
Same thing with Naval aviation. The SERGRAD program has come and gone through the ages it seems. Usually based on just needs of the service and personell - not having anything to do with the validity of SERGRADS being good instructors or not.
And, any tribe needs Indians. If you don't have an Lt's, who does the Lt work/jobs? Sounds funny, but it's a real concern. If everyone is a Capt, now it's a fight for Flt CC, you got some dudes that can't get the resume they need, you're hurting careers.
I haven't been in our training squadrons for some time but at least in our FRSs there is a good mix of the chiefs and indians as you put it. With a bunch of seniority in a squadron even if you are a second tour LT amongst end of tour LTs or O-4s then there are still enough indians to do the work (think coffee mess officer
)
I was also a flying 'ho, by the end of my second year I had more PIC time than vast majority of guys coming from MWS. I had more total time than quite a few actually. Of course, I had more experience flying a Tweet in bad weather than they did too.
I guess this hard argument comes down to which is better - if either is - especially if you are looking at follow on employment in the civilian world. Is an hour of AETC time as good as an hour of MWS time? Instructional time versus let's say international flying that AMC might do? Hard to say and there probably isn't even a good answer in the end.
In the end - I agree with most of the posters in this thread. Do your best - let the chips fall where they may and you will more than likely enjoy all of your different experiences. Like you Sputnik - I have enjoyed instructing very much and feel that it is even a niche that I would like to continue to explore.
USMCFLYR