How many former Air Force do we have here?

[walnutred]

Well she is scheduled to take the ASFAB so we will see what is offered to her after that. I’m not too worried about that as she is a pre-nursing student with a 3.98 GPA.

 

[safearm]

Enlisted in 1980 as an Aircraft Security Specialist. Two years of walking around airplanes in the snow with a rifle on my shoulder convinced me that I would rather fly them than guard them; commissioned in 1982, flight training in 1983, first operational unit in 1984. Flew every model of KC-135 built, EC-135C, B-52H, and RF-4C. Spent lots of time overseas including Saudi Arabia (Desert Shield) and Iraq (OIF); retired in 2008.

 

[WC145]

...............

 

[HGWT]

I flunk out of college in 1970 and knew I was going to get drafted, so I asked my Dad what should I do. His answer was the Air Force 3 square a day and a warm bed. I never regretted going Air Force 1970 to 1976

 

[old bear]

Of all the different branches of the military the Air Force is closest to civilian life. After basic training and any tech schools there WAS very little marching, camping out and all that silly stuff the normal military folks do. You show up on time do your job and go home at the end of the day an enjoy life. All of the aforementioned was based on my State Side experiences in the late 60's - early 70's.

 

[oeg]

Air Force! Retired in 1973 witrh 22.5 years as a B-29 and B-52 gunner. Wife missed active duty more then me

 

[chez323]

Ditto here, 20 years.........

An excellent choice. I was in the Air Force for 21 years and never regretted a moment.

 

[kenpofan]

May 1984 thru 1990 ..only regret is leaving to early to get a retirement.

 

[kalei]

'54 - '66, Drill/Academic instructor, A3A/MD-9?ASG-21 B-52 Gunnery systems mech, then OSI till I separated in '66.
Lackland AFB, Lowrey AFB, Columbus AFB, Wurtsmith AFB, Wash. DC, then finally Wright-Patterson AFB.
Great life and fantastic experiences.

 

[Babalooie]

Of all the different branches of the military the Air Force is closest to civilian life. After basic training and any tech schools there WAS very little marching, camping out and all that silly stuff the normal military folks do. You show up on time do your job and go home at the end of the day an enjoy life. All of the aforementioned was based on my State Side experiences in the late 60's - early 70's.

Yes. When I was in, we addressed everyone in our shop by their first names. I would show up, take off my fatigue shirt and spend the next eight hours with my t-shirt on. I considered that my work uniform.

Occasionally, we had to do military stuff, but most of the time was spent keeping the airplanes flying. In other branches I'm told, people would be chastised for having their hands in their pockets. We were told to keep our hands in our pockets, particularly when working on live circuits. It helped prevent electrical shocks.

At my level, politics were minimal. If a person worked hard, used initiative and their imagination to get difficult problems corrected, they were generally left alone.

 

[bgrafsr]

I keep telling ya Bill, you can't catch the fighter jocks with a Slant Six powered crew cab!

1970-1997 Security Police
2 SEA tours 1971-1973
SP Academy Instructor
IG's Office Investigator

No regrets...ever

I salute my Air Force brothers here.

Sigh.... Maybe one of these days I'll learn to listen to you.

 

[gunblade]

I retired in 2003 after 20 years as a small arms (CATM) instructor. I miss the free ammo.

 

[Evil Dog]

I retired in 2003 after 20 years as a small arms (CATM) instructor. I miss the free ammo.

That would have been a dream job.... plenty of toys to play with.

 

[USAFret]

Active Duty AF 66 to 86, then retired and worked as a full time contractor to AF research & development activities until 2010; retired again and now work as a part-time consultant to AF research & development programs. Over 45 years of good times. Also teach management courses at the nearby University so I'm not completely AF blue!

 

[DVD]

Been there done that. Didn't hurt me none. New blue ID card as of last Sunday, 24yrs, 3mo, 20 days. My story. Went in the Mont. Air Guard, 1966 to 1974. Had a ten year lapse. About a year in the Mont. Army Guard. Out of that, back to Air Guard, until the end of 2001. England and Korea were some of the stops. Including a monthly 450mile road trip to serve.

 

[thomasinaz]

I'm x Air Force. Did 8 years and it put me on a good path to a recession proof career. Great experience overall.

 

[Joe in SC]

USAF from 1973 to 1977. Lackland, Keesler, Robins then Wheeler in Hawaii. I was having the time of my life and like many young men just didn't fully realize it.

Initially, I had planned to make the military a career. After 4 years though I decided to come back to civilian life and have wished that I had stayed at times. I have wondered about what else I might have seen and experienced. Life after the Airforce has been good so I don't dwell on it.

I think the Airforce is a great oppurtunity for a young person. Just be sure you have a job locked in and have it in writing if they still do that. There's something for everyone in the military and there are jobs that don't require advanced training that aren't especially appealing. When I was in SAC I used to feel so sorry for the security police that stood around the up-loaded birds on the alert pad.

Of all the branchs the Air Force and the Navy would be my picks if I could do it again. The best training in my opinion.

 

[24spenser]

Aim High.

Good to see some SP and OSI brethren on here.

 

[fiasconva]

'71-'74. Went to McChord then to Langley. I probably had one of the best jobs you could in the AF, worked in the gym and didn't even have to wear a uniform, but knit shirt and athletic pants instead. But it just wasn't for me. I met some of the best people I ever knew there and have a great deal of respect for all you "lifers".

 

[McGivern]

I'm another ex-flyboy as was my Dad (33 years)and my son.