Posted on Dec 23, 2015
Is the money used for Tops in Blue really worth it or is it used better elsewhere?
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Posted in these groups: 
Air Force
Business Funding
Air Force Business Funding
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 15
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For us old timers, I always enjoy a good show and appreciate what they bring in the way of morale. I suppose I think more in terms of USO shows, Bob Hope and the such.
Tops in Blue certainly displays very good talent, and can be a morale builder when deployed. However, the restrictions placed on the type of shows they may give may not resonate with the younger troops these days and instant gratification can be found no father than an iPod and a good natured slap on the back.
I think they may have outlived their usefulness with today's generation and as we scan around the globe looking for dollars to pay for readiness, medical, equipment, etc its probably time to move on and retire this group. Maybe in some far away time the Tops in Blue can be resuscitated and brought back to life, and provide that entertainment value of yesteryear.
Tops in Blue certainly displays very good talent, and can be a morale builder when deployed. However, the restrictions placed on the type of shows they may give may not resonate with the younger troops these days and instant gratification can be found no father than an iPod and a good natured slap on the back.
I think they may have outlived their usefulness with today's generation and as we scan around the globe looking for dollars to pay for readiness, medical, equipment, etc its probably time to move on and retire this group. Maybe in some far away time the Tops in Blue can be resuscitated and brought back to life, and provide that entertainment value of yesteryear.
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This is a touchy subject. I don't have an issue with the AF band/Tops in Blue when we have money but when the Air Force decided to cut massive amounts of personnel and benefits before considering these wasteful programs...it could be used better elsewhere. Temporarily shut them down and reclass all the band members to undermanned career fields until we are through the tough times. I compare this to being homeless living on the street and someone hands you $20, are you gonna buy a CD or go to a concert with that money? I had the privilege of working AMD, while deployed, where we scheduled all cargo/passengers movement through the AOR. These guys have dedicated missions for just them to tour the AOR. The money wasted adds up quickly.
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Maj Matt Hylton
TSgt Brian A. It's a 1 year commitment and then they return back to their AFSC and former duty station (I know because a SSgt that worked for me when I was still active duty last year left to perform for TiB this last year, she'll be returning soon).
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SSgt (Join to see)
It's a tiny pittance in the grand scheme, but as a symbol of stupid spending carries a lot of weight.
It's a tiny pittance in the grand scheme, but as a symbol of stupid spending carries a lot of weight.
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In these times of manning and budget cuts I would rather see a facility or two that is available to all not closing instead of Tops In Blue. Not that many bases even get a show from them and how can you tell an Airman even though you're a top performer we have to save dollars so adios and keep this fluff around.
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I don't believe that budget cost includes airlift. Even military airlift costs major dollars.
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MSgt Wayne Morris
A peanut here and a peanut there and pretty soon you are talking acres of peanuts.
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This guy writes about it a lot.
http://www.jqpublicblog.com/temperature-in-hell-plummets-as-air-force-cancels-tops-in-blue/
http://www.jqpublicblog.com/temperature-in-hell-plummets-as-air-force-cancels-tops-in-blue/
Temperature in Hell Plummets as Air Force Cancels Tops in Blue
It's a Festivus miracle.
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MAJ (Join to see)
81% of airmen surveyed were not in favor of maintaining the show choir. In a recent unscientific survey here at JQP, 97% of more than 2,000 respondents said they preferred a free taco to a Tops in Blue performance. “Cut and dried” being defined as “completely settled or decided” … in the minds of an overwhelming majority of airmen, this issue has been cut-and-dried for a long time.
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MAJ (Join to see)
SSgt Derek S.
Why the two down votes? Simply disagreement?
Usually save those for inappropriate comments, not disagreement.
Why the two down votes? Simply disagreement?
Usually save those for inappropriate comments, not disagreement.
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Maj Matt Hylton
MAJ (Join to see) I don't think some people understand the purpose of the downvote. (I gave you an upvote to offset) It isn't for simple disagreement. Heck, all you really did was post a statement of fact that J. Q. Public doesn't like TiB. You never said you agreed with him.
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Honestly, I haven't seen a show, they maybe good or not. I don't think we should have so many bands, when need manning in other careerfields. I definiely would vote for a reclass of those members and allow all careerfields who would like to participate. Volunteer, under auditions of course, as a special assignment. I think we could maximize our manning and still keep bands honored.
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Well, they canceled the 2016 season of TiB.
http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/637595/air-force-cancels-2016-season-of-tops-in-blue.aspx
http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/637595/air-force-cancels-2016-season-of-tops-in-blue.aspx
Air Force cancels 2016 season of Tops in Blue
Air Force officials announced on Dec. 21 that Tops in Blue, the service-unique entertainment program, will cancel its 2016 season, allowing an extended review of the program.
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