Rimfire

To Chris99 & nfnsquared: Perhaps I did not explain this well enough. I agree with the general cynicism being expressed, but it is quite obvious to anyone who participated in RARP in 2001, that there was an impact from individuals who squawked against being recalled back into the active duty category and then were informed they were now eligible for deployment. Statements such as "That's not what I was brought back on active duty for." and "I am here to pull a staff assignment to free up regular active duty guys so that they can fill a cockpit." clearly had an impact. No, there was no continuity folder at the Air Staff, but how many ways has it been expressed in the SOI, current contract, and in FAQs and news articles that recallees will now be eligible for deployment (except for 365 day ones)? The majority will fill staff positions despite having to undergo an insane, exhaustive flight physical (to what end?), and that you are "voluntarily" being recalled back to active duty. No, Mulligan as such will never be remembered by name, but the legalese in the next round of contracts will be noted and duly felt by anyone applying for it. LKampa would have not had an issue under RARP, but now it's a different story. FWIW: I am voluntarily extending my "tour of duty", so that some hapless individual can spend the holidays with his wife and young'uns at that special time of the year and not have to be abroad, possibly for the umpteenth time. I guarantee you that "the Air Force" will never remember that some RRORP guy ever did that!

LKampa

Thank you for the kind words. I was a volunteer for the overseas deployments and I still am a volunteer for the overseas deployments. My only desire was to be assigned to a rated/flying position. I know my strengths and weaknesses, what I like and don't like, and what I will accept and decline. In fact, I even tried to back into the program via the training route, or via the Guard/Reserve to see if they would train and deploy any of those individuals. I have a resume sitting in the pile on the desk at the training facility waiting for a phone call. I understand the program I volunteered for is still not fully manned and up to speed and I remain available, in spite of the response I received from the Sec of Def, Sec of the AF and the AF Chief of Staff.

Larry Kampa

Snacks

It's been so long since anyone posted, I just couldn't stand it anymore. I am here at wonderful Al Udeid enjoying the cool 115 degree weather. Will be headed home in 11 days though. Can't wait. The thing that never ceases to amaze me is the way they manage manpower and career fields. I personally know 2 ABMs (LtCols) who are having to meet the early retirement board. This just after they brought several Major and Lt Col ABMs out of retirement. Me being one of them. Now, explain to me how it makes sense to spend manpower, time, and money to bring retirees back, get their clearances back, and re-blue them (some have been retired for quite some time) and then force the folks with the corporate knowledge to retire before they are ready, simply because they didn't make O-6. The guys they brought back didn't make O-6 either and never will. For those waiting in the wings, they will figure out that they need to bring more of you back because they are wearing out the folks they do have. Keep the faith.

Snacks

UAL T38 Phlyer

Snacks:

I considered not posting any more, since the original purpose of the thread was to help guys get in. I didn't want to seem like I was gloating. I'm in the final orders-writing process.

I sent my app in 3 Sep 09; and my expected first day is 3 July, so 10 months even, from start to active.

I agree with your observations regarding retaining corporate knowledge. You could expand that and say "Why is it that some great guys get passed-over while on active-duty, and some incompetent dirt-ball gets promoted or is the Col's Golden-Boy?" The answer is always: politics---it doesn't necessarily make sense. We can blame the Air Force as a faceless, borg-like entity, but in reality, decisions are made by people---individuals who have been placed in positions of authority. Like all people, they make good decisions, bad decisions, and some that are motivated by personal relationships.

I'm kind of the opposite of your observation: I'm current and qualified (ie, a repository of corporate knowledge), and they are keeping me. So at least part of the time, the system works.

In all things political and military, things are cyclical...I would say there is always a chance a recall may happen again.

Aloha Air Pilot

I am also in the final orders writing phase, with a 6 July start. I started my app in July 09, so it is almost a year. You both bring up great points, on both sides of the argument. Here is another aspect: I am a current and qualified full time Reservist (ART) in the AOC and AFFOR staff. It would make sense to activate me and keep me in place; therefore, no cost to the gov't for moving or training and I would hit the ground running. Instead, I am going to have to learn a new weapon system and move thousands of miles away. I am glad to be given this opportunity; nonetheless, but it could have been done smarter.

nfnsquared

^^^^ All good points for the Hotwash/LL meeting.

Kikuchiyo, anyone at the staff thought about these points? Did they even have a Hotwash or LL conference? Did they put anything in RAP (Remedial Action Program) for tracking? (Not that the AF would ever learn anything from a Hotwash or LL conference ).

Timekiller

I got my SOI Feb 12th for UAV to Creech. I sent in my request for revalidation of my aeronautical orders 15 Feb. I was told the process was six to eight weeks and later adjusted to 90 days. It's now 3 1/2 months and still waiting. Is anyone out there still waiting on AO revalidation?

KC10 FATboy

I can't believe there are people still waiting to get back into the USAF. Next thing you know, just as soon as you get to your duty station, they'll be handing you pink slips.

ip241au

I've been back on AD four months and still don't have my AO's validated.

Timekiller

When did you submit your original app to the recall shop. I sent mine in June 15th 09.