Is the money used for Tops in Blue really worth it or is it used better elsewhere?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 12:03:06 -0500

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 12:53 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 12:53:18 -0500

It's a tiny pittance in the grand scheme, but as a symbol of stupid spending carries a lot of weight.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 1:15 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 13:15:49 -0500

This guy writes about it a lot.
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.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Dec 23 at 2015 2:32 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 14:32:49 -0500

I think so. I recall enjoying their shows twice in South Korea and once in Greenland.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Dec 23 at 2015 5:01 PM

CDR Terry Boles — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 17:01:30 -0500

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.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 7:53 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 19:53:37 -0500

It is peanuts in the scheme of things.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Dec 23 at 2015 8:52 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 20:52:07 -0500

Getting rid of them is more for show than anything else. It proves the AF is trying to save money in today's limited budget era. But considering the total cost, its really pennies in the big scheme of things.

Response by SSgt John McPherson made Dec 23 at 2015 10:20 PM

SSgt John McPherson — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 22:20:35 -0500

It shows the public a different side of our Military. Just like a drill team, or @ airshow doea. Money well spent.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 11:12 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 23:12:01 -0500

http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/entertainment/2015/04/09/another-114k-in-mwr-funds-earmarked-for-tops-in-blue/25474955/

I didn't realize how small their budget was. "appropriated funding is stable at $319,000" "Critics have also said that the Air Force's budgeting doesn't account for the salary costs of airmen who are detailed from their jobs for virtually the entire year. The 37 members of the 2015 team are 10 airmen first class, 11 senior airmen, nine staff sergeants, one master sergeant, three second lieutenants, two first lieutenants and a captain. According to their ranks, their salaries cost taxpayers at least another $1 million."

The article doesn't address the GS employees. In 2013, I was deployed and they performed the week of Christmas. I was surprised that 75% of them were civilians.

The next step is to cancel the Thunder Birds. That is a huge expense (pilots, maintainers, air frames, fuel, lodging and per-diem etc.).

Tops in Blue's MWR funding increases 13%

The Air Force's traveling Tops in Blue music troupe is depending more this year on funds raised by morale, welfare and recreation activities -- as corporate sponsorships remain uncertain and congressionally appropriated funding is unchanged from 2014.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2015 3:10 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 03:10:15 -0500

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.

Response by MSgt John Grollimund made Dec 24 at 2015 8:45 AM

MSgt John Grollimund — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 08:45:25 -0500

I don't believe that budget cost includes airlift. Even military airlift costs major dollars.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Dec 24 at 2015 4:59 PM

MSgt Wayne Morris — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 16:59:59 -0500

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.

Response by MSgt Rob Nethaway made Dec 28 at 2015 10:34 AM

MSgt Rob Nethaway — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 10:34:12 -0500

If I am not mistaken Tops In Blue funding comes out of the Recruiting Budget. Advertising/Marketing the AF/AFR/ANG in a way, such as this, is a great recruiting tool.
Maybe Sponsoring a NASCAR Team or MMA fighter/fights is where the cuts need to be made?
It's easier to cut internal programs - service members have no choice but to suck it up!

Response by Maj Matt Hylton made Dec 28 at 2015 11:01 AM

Maj Matt Hylton — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 11:01:17 -0500

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

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.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2016 5:56 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 17:56:44 -0500

Nope.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2016 11:21 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 23:21:09 -0500

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.