FredtheGnome

Thank you shackone... If I didn't already have enough on my plate, you throw that little pearl into the mix.

Put yourself in my shoes for a second. The air force is paying people to get out so that it can reduce both the number of commissioned officer paychecks and the burden of retirement paychecks for the next 50+ years.

I happen to be in one of the year group/MWS combinations that they want to reduce by about 5%. Bonus: I also happen to be in the year group that is facing their major promotion board in six weeks. (Sept 11th, if you can appreciate the irony).

So, my dilemma. For me, the bonus is an incentive to get out early. For some others, it is a generous windfall for being at the right place, right time because they were getting out anyways. Before the bonus was offered, I would be staying longer, possibly to retirement. Even if I got out at the end of this assignment, I would still extend as long as I could.

As soon as I apply, my military career is done as I will most certainly get passed over for major for submitting my application.

If I don't submit my paperwork, I think I am a shoe in for major. We don't get to see our PRFs for 2 more weeks, but I'm confident that I will make it.

Either way, somebody is getting $100K to get out. Would you rather it be someone like me, who served well, went to school, was flying over Iraq during the launch of "shock and awe", led flights and shops to outstanding and excellent ratings during inspections, a quarterly award winner, and has a series of #1 out of xx stratifications on my OPRs?

Or would you rather give a $100K parting gift of taxpayer money to someone who was getting out anyway, has a history of tactical DNIFs, didn't go to school, sucked at any job they were given, and weren't even considered to be a flight commander?

Oh, and then, what do I do after I separate?

I apologize if my 8+ years of service is an embarrassment to you. I figured my awards and medals were evidence of a job well done.

surreal1221

Well said Riddler. It's even worse on the enlisted side of the house of the Air Force.

bschref

Great news! Can't wait! I'm already consistently flying 17 student sorties during a 6-day work week because of manning deficiencies. I'm really looking forward to continuing to do MORE - with less, and less, and less...

shackone

That's the problem...people confusing money with service.

I'm not trying to preach to anyone...I'm just expressing the opinion that service to one's country used to be a sufficient reward by itself. For some. Maybe even most.

But there were in my day those that saw the grass as being greener on the other side. Just as now. And so, just as then, if that is the case now, then get out.

surreal1221

Times have changed a great deal from decades ago. The military environment is not the same as it was in the 70's and 80's. Service means a whole lot more now, whole lot more of being away from your family, a whole lot more of dealing with the beauracracy that shouldn't be there, etc.

Times are changing, and some will find comfort in knowing they have a life outside of the military, knowing that they can support themselves AND their family without being dependent on the military to provide for them.

I wouldn't get down on anyone seperating, as they have done more than the majority of their fellow citizens. Whatever amount of time they have given up, or lost due to their military service, is something they should be thanked for.

shackone

I didn't claim anything of the kind. All I said was that IF folks only signed up for the money, then they should take their separation money and leave.

If you are going to quote me, please get it right.

No, it isn't...in far too many ways. No lectures please on deployments. I agree that the situation today isn't too pure...but you are not the first guys to do multiple tours or face duty in multiple hot spots around the world.

I don't see that I haven't recognized those that serve today. That's a red herring of a statement.

shackone

You might take comfort in knowing that this is nothing new. My first assignment out of UPT was Tweets at Laredo. In those days the typical IP/student load was 6:1. We were short of IPs and so we had RCAF instructors helping us. Three hops a day was the norm. When we got behind, we worked through the weekends. The longest was a 31 day stretch...finally the WC called it off...we were an accident waiting to happen.

shackone

LOL!!

I'd give the cash to the slow leak and keep you! I don't see your point. You seem to have done a fine job so far...why get out? My only point is to say that folks are either in for the service or they are in for the cash...and given the pay scales, if cash is the only incentive, then these folks can do better on the outside.

Knock it off, Fred. Nobody ****ed in your messkit! My statement had to do with folks whose only commitment seemed to be to their bank account.

Duty, Honor, Country. Once upon a time, this was enough. My bet is that for many, it still is. Some see the blue suit as an end to itself...and some do not. For those that don't, please show them the door.

Is that too hard core for some of you?

MalteseX

Having sit on O-4 promotion boards-- you WILL make major

(unless you have UIF, did the General's daughter, etc)

P.S. The decision as to whether to stay or go is yours to make.... you have fulfilled your commitment; and if the AF wasn't looking to boot you out involuntarily, you wouldn't be in the "target" population. In other words, if NOBODY takes the money voluntarily, then the Force Shaping board MAY come along and boot you........ (probably not you with your record; but you do not have any obligation to stay if you don't want; and you are not a "bad guy" for considering getting out.)

TankerDriver

Bottom line, the AF only cares about your commitment and service when it benefits them, not you. Hence them letting pilots with 8+ years left of commitment separate to the ANG/reserves (like me!). Granted, I'm not getting out altogether, but you get my point. I know a lot of people in the tanker world that are trying to jump all over this. There are a lot of people that have had enough BS out of crappy leadership. It's a vicious circle I guess. We need better leadership that cares about the people in the unit and not their own careers, but it's the good people we will lose to programs like this. My opinion, take advantage of it while it lasts. Noone will look out for you like you will.