Ever read REDDIT?

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 20:57:10 -0500

Here is an interesting thread about the AF... Question from REDDIT author:

More than half of the people leaving the Air Force leave because they say they do not like the direction that it's headed in. Can someone give me some insight of why they may feel this way?

Top Response:
Shifting away from being a war fighting superpower and becoming a shy corporate entity that allows itself to be bullied by politicians, espirit de corps and unit morale being sodomized with a rake for the sake of liability, over emphasis on wildly unnecessary equipment and budget with an astonishing lack of care for the people who keep this force running.
The mission is being hampered and many units don't have what they need to get their job done effectively just because top brass wants to cover their ass. Just look at what our briefings emphasize: how many times are we briefed on things like SARC, FWA and other liability issues that are the product of commanders becoming frightened by statistics? We're transitioning from "Fly, fight, win" to "Do more with less, make your brass look good, shut up and color".
That said, I can't speak for everyone. This is just the overwhelming consensus. Leadership has become so enthralled with fighting statistics and numbers that they forget about the real fight. When commanders care more about looking good statistically and aesthetically for their own higher-ups than accomplishing our war fighting purpose to the best of our ability, the entire force suffers.
With that in mind, some leaders are better than others. I've seen the good and the bad, and the good ones that put their troops first despite intimidation from their own bosses are sadly far and few between and rather short-lived.

Edit: Never thought I'd get gold. Thanks, friend. Double edit: Just because I know someone is going to bring it up, I'm not saying things like SARC and FWA are unimportant. I'm saying that the perspective seems to be that leaders spend more time looking at spreadsheets than they spend listening to their troops. The Air Force asked me once every three or so months about how to stop sexual harassment. How many times did the Air Force ask me how policy could be changed to help me get my job done faster and more reliably? Zero. And I'm confident that my career field wasn't the only one with this issue.

http://www.reddit.com/r/AirForce/comments/2pzibn/what_direction_are_they_talking_about/

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jan 4 at 2015 9:08 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 21:08:36 -0500

TSgt Joshua Copeland Where the heck do find time to find this stuff? LOL

So that is basically a free-range blog site? Wow, some of the things I read there...

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 6:25 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 06:25:47 -0500

Never heard of it, and from what I just read do not give it much credence... as a group superintendent I talk with folks leaving the Air Force all the time, and none of them are for any philosophical reasons on where the service is heading. Most often the reasons are similar to why I almost left a number of times, they want more quality time with their family, they are tired of deployments, they got the education they came in the service to get, got a great job offer, or they simply want a more stable life.

Now that said, the Air Force is going through a large number of changes in the near future in how we evaluate, rate, and promote our enlisted folks, but most that I am in contact with are willing to give the system a shot before making a decision on leaving the service.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jan 6 at 2015 4:41 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 16:41:12 -0500

Doing more with less is something we all learn to do at some point in our lives. Military or civilian. It makes us more efficient leaders in the end. The military isn't a 'comfortable' place to work by design. My advice to this author...Show some leadership within your unit and do all you can to meet the mission requirements. All we can do is our best, keep a positive attitude and work as a team to get there. It's incredible how far one person's positive outlook will go for a whole team. What do you guys think? CPT Aaron Kletzing Maj Private RallyPoint Member Maj Private RallyPoint Member Col Private RallyPoint Member SFC Mark Merino.

Response by SSgt Devin Roussel made Jan 6 at 2015 5:23 PM

SSgt Devin Roussel — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 17:23:35 -0500

I got out in 2009 mainly because it wasnt as good of an organization as it use to be. I loved the airforce in my early days but as time progressed it turned into the babyforce and we were all professional babysitters. Junior NCO's were more respected then in about 2006 is when the pissing began. Airmen e-1 thru e-4 had more stroke than a e-5.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 1:27 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:27:18 -0500

Would love to have some more background on the Airman that wrote this. Like what job do they do, how many of the folks they speak for do not have the means to accomplish the mission and how their leadership is letting them down specifically? Because if they are under the impression that SARC and other programs are to save some one from statistics they could be more wrong. Programs like SARC are to educate and prevent future occurrences because they are WRONG. With education no one can say "I didn't know".

Have there been some changes in the AF since I came in that I don't agree with, sure. But I love to put on the uniform everyday and am still fired up to be around Airmen everyday. If that changes for others or they don't have the same feelings then their best bet is to leave the AF. Because change is the only constant and if you can't find your own way in those changes then you are never going to like where ever the AF is going.

Response by SSgt Tracy Breckenridge made Jan 7 at 2015 7:10 PM

SSgt Tracy Breckenridge — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 19:10:14 -0500

I read what you posted also what the SMSgt posted. I left the Air Force in 1996. I left because of many reasons. The top reason for me was Bill Clinton and Democrat overreach into military affairs. However, we civilians also deal with many of the same issues. The entitled generation is also a problem for us. Many in our great nation seem to think that this country is here to service all their needs and wants. I wish i would of had them when I was in. I would have found a couple mile stretch of road and handed them a broom, MRE and a canteen of water and told the see you at quitting time and you better be done policing the street. I feel bad for ya' ll but until you get politicians who care about this country more than their bottom line nothing is going to change. We will continue to pray for our military and their families. Thank you for your sacrifice. Tracy Breckenridge - AMMO - IYAAYAS!

Response by MSgt Heather Jackson made Jan 7 at 2015 9:15 PM

MSgt Heather Jackson — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 21:15:17 -0500

Where is this statistic coming from?, or is this strictly opinion?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 10:14 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 22:14:25 -0500

Ya'll need some different perspective here. From what I'm reading, no where is this individual complaining about me, me, me, give me more. Personally, I think this OP hit the hammer on the nail for the whole military. The military institution is being treated like it's a Fortune 500 company, it is constantly compared to them. But last time I checked, the military hasn't turned a dime of profit ever.

The OP's claims about spreadsheet leadership is dead on. We spend so much time on drugs and alcohol and sex and trafficking and dental and a flu shot and making sure no one is getting boo-boos or hurt feelings, and frankly, it is god damn annoying. I understand the importance of these things, I really do, but there comes a point when you've listened to the exact same spiel, nearly word for word, for 6 years in a row and you just don't care anymore.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 11:07 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 23:07:29 -0500

Something's suck, no matter what spin you put on them. Sometimes just acknowledging that is all people need. And to 2 SMSgts on here I say...1. Anyone has the right to speak openly in this environment, try explaining the "big picture", if you can. 2. IF someone needs a program to know assault/rape/abuse is wrong they don't need to be in the Armed Forces, asks the recruiter what kind of clowns he's let in and you will see why we "need" these programs. Good luck with this site.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2015 12:44 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 00:44:31 -0500

No structure

Response by MSgt Robin Layne made Jan 8 at 2015 5:15 PM

MSgt Robin Layne — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 17:15:27 -0500

I retired in 2001, 2-months and 11-days before 9-11. I really don't find that much has changed in regards to people getting out before they realize a full career.

I realized a full career but not fulfilled because of the political aspirations of a few back stabbers and small cadre of butt lickers I couldn't stand.

I was a printer for most of my time and I dealt with every variety of troop both enlisted and officer and many civilians during those days. After a forced retraining, I worked in a flying squadron which was good work with goo people with a good mission. But I had to leave because of promotion and lack of a slot. I ended up in a Communications squadron ran by self styled do gooders and professional snobs. Ostracized from the day I started because I hadn't acquired a 7-level to go with my new SNCO rank... Put in my paper work with a year left.

That would have been the end of it but I received more crap during that last year than what felt like the previous 20-years... Lots of rants about being, well, areal person. There were many good people around, just not any in the slots or positions that counted.

On 11 Sep 2001 I realized that it was my duty to have stuck it out and try to make things better to help the troops that would probably go to a war environment (and which they did for the several years afterward) stuck with the weenies and back stabbers who were now going to make their lives even more frustrating...

This all happens at any given point in time to anybody everywhere. Best thing to do for the real men and women is to keep in mind that they need to give it their best shot and find the best reason to serve on top of just being a patriot, a good sport, hard worker, etc. type. There are those folks that are left with the broom and mop being to told how to properly look like they are doing a proper GI party that need somebody always there to tell remind them they need only do a good job, finish well, feel good about themselves and smile and keeping a good attitude and bearing helps.

Response by TSgt Crystal Seibel made Jan 8 at 2015 5:21 PM

TSgt Crystal Seibel — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 17:21:11 -0500

I chose the early retirement option because of where I think the AF is headed. I had noticed more and more my command staff preaching not to take care of your troops but to strive to stand out and get awards. Then as I watched my fellow NCOs looking out more for themselves and not their troops, I felt disgusted. I had many conversations about this between both those NCOs and the leadership above them to no avail. I also feel like the AF has (well at least the medical side of it) started to lean more toward coddling our troops instead of holding them accountable for their actions and behavior. I'm not saying bring them out back and beat on them, but they must understand that for every action (good or bad) there will be a reaction. Too many NCOs were/are (in my opinion) afraid to hurt someone's feelings. I have to say, I am not Hardass, I'm pretty easy to work for and I always take care of my ppl. But, if/when paperwork needs to be written/given, I do it without letting my troops complain about it. When they walked away, there was no question of what they did wrong and how to fix it or not do it again. It wasn't personal, it was just business. I didn't hold it against them later and I feel like my troops respected that. I still have troops call me up to ask about things.

Response by MSgt Timothy Johnson made Jan 8 at 2015 8:19 PM

MSgt Timothy Johnson — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 20:19:43 -0500

First! E5 and up should be properly explaining and answering questions to support our new Airman. In approximately 2 years I hope to see a big change. The idea of "do more with less" was our rallying cry to build teamwork and have a common cause to rally around. Near the end of September I would work with the command staff and we would figure out the funds available going into the next fiscal year. Each of our flights would submit a prioritized list of items directly related to beter accomplishing their mission. Items were then chosen by a squadron board determining input and a final yes or no from the commander. I always questioned why don't be just return it to the DOD budget. It was explained to me like this. Alll year we have worked very hard and like a family we have a budget to operate with. So we purchase spare parts and maintain vehicles and facilities. We make sure we don't go over our budget. Not a good thing for a commander to ask the wing commander for funds too purchase spares or vehicle parts etc. So if you and your "family" flight watched your budget you should have excess funds at years end. WOW. Now you have a chance to purchase new training aids for CATM training. Maybe you need a new tire cage for safely working truck split rim tires. The list goes on. So giving the money back will not get you the new equipment you need. I saw it as a gift for working smarter doring the year. It is up to any airman to professionally ask your supervisor , section supervisor or shop chief for a more clear explanation to your questions. I went through times of near shutdown due to budget cuts from our congress. I taught the airlift of hazardous material and could not purchase the correct number of AF instructions nor could I keep enough supplies for other corses that we taught. So we found other ways to do our job. The event that turned our AF around at the time was the election of a republican president. President Reagan. So the cycle continues.

Response by SSgt Sean Peters made Jan 8 at 2015 9:43 PM

SSgt Sean Peters — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 21:43:50 -0500

Into the wild blue yonder...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2015 5:45 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 05:45:51 -0500

I've been in 8 years going on 9 and have noticed drastic change, but there are a couple obvious things to point out. If you don't like the job you have, get out after the enlistment or just retrain if you have the chance. No one likes CBT's, and all the training we have to do, but the Air Force has obviously encountered things it must do to show the public eye and its personnel its trying to fix them, even if we think its a dumb idea. 3rd, NO ONE put a gun to your head and made you sign that dotted line, you knew what you were getting into and if you didn't, that's bad on you for not doing the research. I have worked in maintenance and have my complaints and gripes like we all do, but the thing about it is we receive a paycheck, have a job to do, take care of each other and move on. Not saying to not complain and all that, its good to vent, but be careful how you do it and realize at the end of the day, your paid to do a job

Response by SSgt Glenn Carter made Jan 9 at 2015 9:23 AM

SSgt Glenn Carter — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 09:23:08 -0500

If, an explanation can be given as to how the Air Force Department "allows itself to be bullied by politicians", I will address this misled man. When I served, I thought that I was working for the leaders who we placed in the position to "bully" the Air Force??

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 9 at 2015 2:16 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 14:16:59 -0500

Let me focus on the question: "Ever read REDDIT?"

Yes. StumbleUpon, too. Both are excellent resources for finding links to webpages that you didn't know you were looking for. They allow you to "surf" the World Wide Web looking for things that appeal to your areas of general interest, and I have stumbled on many interesting pages using them.

Now, as to the subtext of your post, I think that the US is sadly lacking in any clear direction for its defense. Of course, my bias is firmly based on my distrust of all who now serve in the District of Calamity. It seems that those mentioned share my viewpoint.

Response by TSgt Donna Sue Jolliffe made Jan 10 at 2015 10:32 AM

TSgt Donna Sue Jolliffe — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 10:32:29 -0500

To many changes taking place at once. People have to be able to have time to accept the change before it takes place. Unfortunately, as soon as the personnel found out changes were going to take place the changes were already occurring.

Response by Amn Allen Burks made Jan 10 at 2015 2:33 PM

Amn Allen Burks — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 14:33:55 -0500

Air Force is more combat oriented now. Security forces are becoming a relief group for the infantry. Combat medics are being trained with rifles. Tactical patrol and combat controllers are scouting intelligence convoys and etc.

Response by SMSgt Bruce Gegner made Jan 12 at 2015 11:51 PM

SMSgt Bruce Gegner — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 23:51:18 -0500

Lot of valid points made out there. Let me just say that having recently retired after 26 years as a SMSgt, the Air Force I loved and made my life started dying about 8 or 9 years ago. The old guys who are complaining about what the young guys are saying have pretty short memories, and the young guys who think they are wise enough to opine as if they were old guys don't yet get it. Lots of things wrong in the AF and the world. What ya goin' to do about it? Writing opinions here doesn't cut it. Make a difference or shut up and let somebody else legitimately earn the right to complain.

SMSgt B.A.G. (Ret)

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2015 8:19 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:19:32 -0500

I subscribe to daily texts, today reads as follows "Good morning from 95.1 SHINE-FM! "You may not be able to fix yesterday but you can start today to make a better tomorrow." -Dr. Tony Evans"

For those airmen witnessing FWA: "Anyone who knows of fraud, waste, or abuse has a duty to report it to the FWA Hot Line: Dod/Ig [login to see] , secaf/Ig [login to see] , afrc/Ig [login to see] ext 71513 434, arw/Ig [login to see] "

Let's start here, today, day 1 begins now- for a brighter, more functional force tomorrow

Response by SMSgt Matthew Hoyer made Jan 13 at 2015 6:36 PM

SMSgt Matthew Hoyer — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 18:36:19 -0500

It's really easy to point at the next generation and say that we had it perfect and they messed it up. If people aren't producing what you want them to, then make them! Motivate, develop and inspire.

Response by A1C Amanda Sumrall made Jan 14 at 2015 11:10 AM

A1C Amanda Sumrall — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 11:10:02 -0500

I love this. It is speaking on what many of us have wanted to say for years. I was thrown in a position directly out of tech school and had no real guidance. Supervisors were more worried about the offices statistics, but to the blind eye they claimed to be all about the mission. It truly was a shut up and color situation. But when you try to ask for help or finally feel like you can speak you don't because you know they aren't listening. Anyway, I got out with honorable under the downsize, I sit and think to this day I'm glad I did.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2015 11:45 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 11:45:07 -0400

I'm retired with 23yrs service. Some active some air national guard. When the Air Force is worried about sexual harassment reflective belts political views instead of getting the job done saving lives esprit de corps the discipline of military life the Airman soldiers marines and seaman of our military dont want any part. When I retired my young airman would ask me what happened to the way it was. All I could say is things change. Why because I would not speak against me leaders. After it was finalized I spoke out. The military has no place for the pokitical correct world. We won wars because of leadership and hard discipline. Now we have to be nice pokitically correct, ethnic quotas for positions and ranks. It is no more the best person for the job. I love my Air Force my military but honestly things have gotten weak.