Forum: Careers & Assignments

Well, well, well... it has finally come to this. After six years in the active duty side (not much compared to some, I know), I am going to be leaving the full-time USAF for something a little more interesting. AFPC has, somehow, decided over the last 2-3 years that there are just too many of us little F-16 crew chiefs running around; as such, many of us are being denied the opportunity to re-enlist.

So, for myself and many, many others, the years we've dedicated to fixing the aircraft and making the mission happen have not been enough to secure our future in a job that we may or may not have loved. Personally I thoroughly enjoyed coming into work and walking out to the line every day, working whatever hours were needed, just to be able to sit on the ground and watch an F-16 get airborne. The one thing I always worked for was the chance to get "my" ride, so I could see first hand the results of what I did every day. Alas that never came to pass, much to my bitter disappointment.

But, the time has come to move on, by choice or by chance. I have had the good fortune to work with some outstanding individuals, and even work
for some that I truly admired and respected. Most will be missed, some will be gleefully ignored, and others I'll of course stay in contact with. I wish the best for all those who remain.

I've also been able to have some great work experiences; my time in a Test Wing gave me unique experience on aircraft ranging from Block 10's with the Pratt 200 motor, all the way to factory-fresh Block 50's with GE 129's; I was able to be there for many tests of the now-famous JDAM, as well as the CFT program that is such an integral part of the Block 60. I saw the testing of the AIM-9X and JHMCS, as well as JASSM, ASRAAM, SDB, and others too numerous to mention. My job has carried me halfway around the world, along with innumerable F-16 maintainers, to the Republic of Korea; fate smiled and gave me a Transient Alert slot, where I could interact with everything from Korean F-4's and F-5's to C-5's and C-17's. I was able to train with the Koreans to work their aircraft for combat cross servicing, and become one of the few "young" F-16 guys with F-4 experience- great stuff. Finally my stint in Utah (another foreign country, in my opinion) let me dabble in the "real" Air Force, and put me in touch with another good group of people (at the working level, anyway).

Now, I am moving to the world of the Air Force Reserves; I fortunately secured a job as an MC-130 Flight Engineer, which I am looking forward to doing with a great deal of excitement. I have no idea where that road may lead, but if it is anything like the one I've traveled so far, I'll get to have some great experiences, and see some incredible things. I will stock up even more stories to tell my kids later on, and hopefully enjoy that career as much as I've enjoyed the majority of this one.

I will of course still be a regular here at F-16.net; there is too much to learn, and too much to share, to leave this site behind. I'll do my best to keep from ranting too much about "back when I was there", and I'll try to see what kind of relevant stuff I can forward from the enlisted aircrew side of the house. See you guys (and gals) around the line! Cheers

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good luck

I take it from your talk about the Test side, you were perhaps at Edwards?? When where you there?

Dude, come to work at Shaw. We're short about 100 crew chiefs and they could definately use the help. At least that's what they're telling us on the ops side. Why the hell AFPC in their infinate wisdom wouldn't allow a very seemingly undermanned career field re-enlist is beyond my small cranium. Good luck in the chill reserves. But think about Shaw.

Asiatrails, thanks for the thoughts Smile

510Gh0stl, I was at Eglin, not Edwards; 2000 to 2004 was my sentance there.

Magnum- Sounds like you're set up about like we are here. One of the squadrons here, according to a pro super, has about 40 crew chiefs- total. The other two squadrons (although one is "gone" right now) are not too much better from what I've been hearing, and seeing first hand at mine. One of my buddies isn't even being given time off for his baby's delivery. But, we're "overmanned". It makes no sense to me.

Forum Veteran Joined: Dec 25, 2003 - 10:03 PM Posts: 679

Best of luck man, I too have found life away from the Viper, we have -130's also! Did'nt you say your wife is enlisted also? Also about Utah, LOL it sure is different.

Hey, at least now as an Eng, you will get to go on the trips. Herc's get to to go everywhere, so thats gotta be nice. Have fun filling out the weight and balance!!!

Yes, shiz302, my wife is (was) enlisted as well. I feel special that you remembered Smile

Key word in that sentance is "was"; effective 31 May she seperated, so we aren't stuck here till late '07- we've got some pressing issues down in Fl that she needs to be present for. Lucky for me that I was able to find a job down there.
Destro, this is true! Especially the AFSOC guys, which is who I'll be working for. And as far as weight and balance- I hope the loadmasters take care of as much of that as possible!

...it strikes me as funny that I had to spend 6 years in and then seperate before I get to ride in an airplane that I'll be working on....

Forum Veteran Joined: Dec 25, 2003 - 10:03 PM Posts: 679

Best of luck!

Salute my man and thanks for a job well done........be safe

Best wishes VPRGUY...........! Thumb

Sorry about the late post, you might be long gone already but.....I know what its like to leave the vipers, it really doesn't sink in until you start doing something else for a bit and then you start to compare whatever you do to working on 16's. For instance, you might be taking a pot of noodles out of the microwave and swear you were taking out the lox bottle to get it ready to go to the fuel barn!

Anyways, good luck in your future. Thumb

Not gone yet, just wrapping up my outprocessing Smile

Thanks for the words everyone, it is appreciated!!!

We have a lot of jobs on the DC Guard. We work out of Andrews and have Block 30's. You can come as a civilian or go to our alert det and be an AGR which is essentilly active duty but without the BS. I spent 9 years active and have been here the last 5. It is the smartest move I ever made. If you or anyone is interested, let me know. We have all career fields open. I'm avionics, but the entire unit is a lot more close knit than active duty so its a real good deal.

I've already managed to get set up with an AFRES slot in Florida, doing the Flight Engineer thing. BUt, I'm not ruling out a return to the F-16 after that is up, so I'll keep that in mind Smile

Thanks!

Forum: Careers & Assignments

Farewell Viper!