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From our Forums

AF’s newest ace receives Silver Star

While this story was intended to identify and celebrate something joyous, it points out how seriously deplorable the Air Force is at providing timely recognition for those who deserve it.

— chief0299

How to become an officer in the Air Force

I found that [Officer Training School] was pretty easy. The big thing is time management. They give you more to do than most can accomplish, with the thought that you’ll have to prioritize. Prior enlisted service helps since you’ll already know how to maintain a uniform, march, salute and all that stuff. Play that game and you’ll get through just fine.

— Capt Alfredo

PT Test Revamp

I don’t like the idea of on-the-spot testing, especially for the more senior folks. We have a hard enough time as it is with metabolism changes; believe me, it ain’t the same as when I was a 21-year-old hardbody. The graybeards need to keep some sense to this thing and realize we are not the Army or Marines, and leave the PT system we have now in place. Don’t keep screwing with it like the uniform.

— smarg

Take nuclear missiles off ‘knee-jerk’ alert

I was a missileer for most of my time in the Air Force. I will agree that I hated the job and I hated the locale. However, there isn’t a single missileer who will say that the job is not necessary. The problem the ICBM force is facing now is that the systems are aging and the technology is getting outdated.

— AIRFORCEAGGIE

VFW, Legion must modernize in order to thrive

As a young lieutenant, I found out that the VFWs and American Legion posts were not just the stereotypical old veterans sitting around smoking and drinking. What I found at the North St. Paul VFW was a very community-minded organization. I also found there very honorable men who had life stories to share and who would listen to my experiences and could understand and respond to where I was at in my life.

—       Retired SW CAPT

Mr. Dorr is completely off-the-mark with his thought process. First, my post is no-smoking, and enjoying an adult beverage is not a requirement. The problem isn’t recruiting younger members, it’s recruiting younger members who will participate.

— Legion Post Commander

After 35 years of membership and holding several positions in various [VFW] posts through the world, I quit my recent post and went “at large.” Too many posts today are run by an “old-boy network.” One of the reasons the VFW is having trouble recruiting is their lack of or willingness to change with the times. It is a shame that this honorable organization has become what it is.

— RETSGTMAJ