Today I submitted a potentially life changing request and I finally asked for retraining. I’ve known for a few years that I couldn’t spend the next 14 years in this career field and not loose my sanity. I know that I’ve got to get involved in a job that continually challenges me rather than only challenging me once in a great while. I hope I am making the right choice because I’ve thought long and hard about it. So, today was the initial step in the process and here is how the whole thing breaks down.
Tags: USAF, work
Posts Tagged “USAF”The Mayor of New Orleans ordered a mandatory evacuation of the city before the hurricane came upon it. Many people, up to 100,000 residents, decided to ignore this edict and remain behind. Now, these people are fighting for food and water… and the ability to loot their own city. The national guard and police are doing their best to fend off the looters and other criminals as the city decends into chaos. There have been reports of people shooting at police and military helicopters. Yes, 70% of that city lives in poverty and their only chance of having something… brought forth by that damn materialistic streak that some people have ingrained into their minds has brought looting. These people are shooting at others that have volunteered to keep them safe. They are fighting eachother for what? For a pair of nikes and a jersey? This city, which I have always thought of as a rotting hellhole, is only getting worse. Dead bodies are littering the city as it fills with sewage. Whats next? How about a giant wall around the city, we can place cameras every where and create a reality show called “Escape from New Orleans.” We’ll watch these people kill eachother for whatever scraps they have left in the ultimate bid for survival. This morning I heard that USAF special ops forces (C-130’s and MHU-153’s) were deploying from Hurlburt Field in Florida to help with the situation. I can only hope that they aren’t bringing gunships to deal with the situation. Does America have its own problems that we have decided to ignore and obscure with foreign problems? Yes. Now is the time where we’ve got to face some of the social problems that exist in our country. We’ve got to do something… Hopefully we can change the materialistic mindset we all have so that we can move forward as a nation and move forward as a society. I hope they don’t find a leader like Al-Sadr and create a new Falujah. If they have to send in anything more than the national guard (like… the MARINES) we’ve got bigger problems on our hand than Iraq. Tags: crap, food, hate, Iraq, military, rain, USAF, war, waterWe have weekend safety briefings that are redundant and boring. I tried to change that. I wrote a safety briefing and was told that it was “unprofessional”. I then wrote a second one. Here are the two for comparison. Let me know which one you like better. The Good One 4th of July Weekend Safety Briefing Read it, sign it, and consider yourself briefed. 1. Auto Safety – As you are aware, summer in England has finally arrived and with it decent weather. Despite the resurgence of the sun that has left us abandoned for the past 6 months it can occasionally be obscured by clouds and rain my come down across the land. If we are lucky, we might see a thunderstorm complete with torrential downpour, lightning, and thunder. In the event that the roads become flooded, which they are bound to in a country that does not understand the notion of properly engineering roads to promote water runoff, watch your speed to make sure you don’t hydroplane and loose control. If you should find yourself hydroplaning on the roads do not slam on the brakes or make erratic changes to your steering. Take your foot off the gas pedal and maintain your current direction until you pull yourself out of the skid.
2. Alcohol Safety – In case you didn’t know, because you are a TOOL that has never had an Air Force safety briefing in your military career, military members need to drink responsibly. The ZOT program recommends that members have no more than one drink an hour and no more than three drinks a night. Drinking at this speed nobody will be able to sit in the warm comfort of the alcoholic haze that accompanies binge drinking. In case you haven’t read the numerous logon messages during your time here at Lakenheath, many Airmen stationed here have underestimated how little alcohol it takes to reach the maximum BAC. In short, if you are going to drink it is BEST if you do not drive at all. It is much safer for other individuals on the road and for your military career if you call AADD or have a designated driver take you home. Keep in mind that riding a bicycle while drunk carries the same penalties as driving a car.
3. BBQ Safety – While many of us have a habit of emptying multiple bottles of lighter fluid over charcoal before igniting the coals it is an unsafe practice. We’ve all seen the flame shoot twenty feet in the air while burning off all of the hair on our arms and face at the same time; but, there is a potential for serious injury instead of just loosing a few follicles. Throwing accelerants on the fire like diesel or chain saw fuel (one of the best out there) is not recommended. The safest option is to buy the charcoal that has already been soaked in lighter fluid. Children should steer clear of the area while the coals are hot to ensure their personal safety. Children, as we know, are stupid and will touch a hot grill resulting in burns. We must make sure that we treat them like the morons that they are and make them wear protective gear at all times. In the event the child needs to be in the area of the BBQ a full body fire suit is a recommended safety measure.
4. Firework Safety – Fireworks, as we all know, are synonymous with the 4th of July. Some might not be aware of the fact that fireworks are explosives. We should follow all of the rules outlined in AFMAN 91-201 when dealing with fireworks. We should follow the Golden Rule of explosive operations when dealing with these potential life ending incendiary devices. Never point fireworks at other people or buildings. Make sure individuals watching the display maintain a safe distance from the ignition point. It is recommended that a sand or water bucket is kept in the area in the event of an incident.
5. Sports Safety – If you like to stay physically active and want to play sports this weekend, do so safely. Ensure that you have the proper protective gear on at all times because its not only your safety that is in question but also your utility to the USAF should you become injured.
6. Wingman – The USAF has the conception that airmen are unable to take care of themselves and act responsibly. A small minority of the people reinforce this view on a daily basis. It is recommended that if you are involved in any activity that you have a wingman to ensure your safety. If you are going out to imbibe alcohol, one person should remain sober to ensure other individuals do not engage in the rampant stupidity that is associated with alcohol. This person will feel bored and lonely throughout the night as they will have no fun whatsoever. Many times throughout the night they will either give in and drink joining the fun or leave the drunks to their miscreant ways. The sober wingman must not do either of these and must stay steady on the course of ensuring the safety of their fellow airmen.
7. O.R.M. - Whatever you do please keep Operational Risk Management in mind at all times. Think about the risks before engaging in any activity and take the proper precautions to ensure your safety. It would be a shame to have everyone standing in their blues in formation because somebody wasn’t as responsible as the rest.
4th of July Weekend Safety Briefing Read it, sign it, and consider yourself briefed. Auto safety – Drive safely. This weekend traffic will be at much heavier than normal. London will have a massive influx of people as the Live 8 concert is going on at Hyde Park. Be patient and safe while driving, even when in a traffic jam. Allow for extra travel time to ensure that you have no problems along the way.
Alcohol – DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. We all know that alcohol has a profound effect on individuals and can result in slow reaction times and altered judgment. There is no worse place to be with impaired judgment than driving down the road at 60mph. If you do choose to imbibe, make sure that you do not drink past you limits. If possible, have a wingman or AADD give you a ride so that there is no temptation to drive.
BBQ Safety – Although many of us have used a BBQ before accidents still happen. Some people have been known to use too much lighter fluid causing explosions. Make sure that children are aware of the dangers of the BBQ and kept clear of any danger.
Fireworks – Fireworks are explosives and should be treated as such. Do not shoot fireworks (like Roman Candles) at other people as there is a potential for serious injury.
Sports Safety – Make sure you wear the proper safety gear and play safe. If involved in contact sports make sure other individuals are of the same athletic ability. In other words, don’t pit the 26 year old 300lb lineman against a 100lb 12 year old. It would be a recipe for disaster.
Wingman – Have a wingman and have a plan. If you cannot find anyone to be your wingman use your recall roster. The shirt would be much happier picking you up from a bar than picking you up from lockup.
ORM – Keep ORM in mind at all times. If something doesn’t feel safe, it probably isn’t.
Tags: air force, car, fun, hate, military, NY Times, rain, travel, USAF, war, water, work As I spent most of my day doing nothing I had some time with an inkpen and a notepad. So, I created a Day-to-Day USAF continuity book. Its also known as how to destroy morale. edit: link removed Tags: USAFI saw this brief article and I laughed. I laughed not because it was funny but because it applied to every member in the USAF. They provide some indicators of what to look for to tell if your career is doomed. I guess we’re all doomed, at least there is somebody else in the boat with me. Read about it here. Tags: car, fun, funny, USAF |
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