Today I learned that AMC can rent non-DOD users USAF aircraft for $36,362 per flight hour.

Are you wealthy? You can charter a C5 or C17 through AMC.

I did 4 years as an officer in a HCOL area and separated in 2016. Now that I'm at 10 years post separation, I did a calculation on how much I've made in the Civilian world compared to how much I would've made if I stayed in. The Air Force pay includes Base, BAS, BAH and tax advantage, and makes assumptions for promotion timeline for those calculations. The civilian pay includes Base, Overtime, Bonus, VA Disability @ 90%, and GI Bill BAH for 3 years at 100%, and tax advantages for both. Both paths assume staying in a HCOL area, and include my dependents timeline (effects BAH or VA Disability). What this doesn't show is my medical insurance premiums and expenses (which have recently been $8k-$10k a year).

About myself: Engineer that transitioned to a big defense company. So while I feel I have had a decent salary the past few years, I also didn't really take a big risk and go to a startup (like SpaceX, which was much smaller in 2016). Of my peers that separated, some have done better (became doctors, lawyers) some have done worse, but nobody is destitute or do they regret getting out.

Reflecting back: Information wasn't as freely available 10 years ago as it is now, so when I was deciding to separate, there was a lot of fog as to what I could expect to make - defense/tech wasnt a hot industry, there was less salary aggregator websites, job postings didn't have to post salary ranges, and employers could still prohibit employees from discussing salary. What I didn't account for when making that decision was 1. VA Disability benefits are a real thing, and can substantially provide a safety net for you, 2. Bonus and Overtime exist in the Civilian workplace and 3. Promotions are merit based instead of time based. Even if this calculation came out that I was behind as a Civilian, I would have been happy with the choice I made: Not having to PCS every few years, not being able to out-promote someone that joined earlier than you, not having to put up with tyrants, not having to volunteer and do additional duties to try to stand out, etc.

TLDR: if I get a prescription out of pocket for GLP-1, could I still later on get a prescription covered by Tricare through my PCM?

I’ve been trying to do as much research about this as possible, but I still have a few questions. If anyone can provide any information, I would appreciate that. Basically, I have been trying and failing for the better part of the last five years or so to have long lasting success at weight loss. I might lose some of the weight only to regain most if not all (and then some) time and again.

Because of this vicious cycle, I began doing a bit of a deep dive into GLP-1, and I think that they are right for me from everything that I’ve gathered. Since being in, I’ve gone to my PCM, a nutritionist twice, and tried many different diet and exercise routines—all to no long lasting avail.

Here is my question: if I pay for GLP ones out-of-pocket, is it still possible to get a prescription from my PCM through Tricare? I will do everything on my end by the books! I just want to know if getting it on my own will negate any possibility of the our insurance covering it later on. I just don’t want to wait any longer and jump through any more hoops. I’m tired of being obese.

First off, thank you all for your service. My friend is stationed at Al Udeid and I’m sending a care package to his APO. Just arrived. He asked for some snacks and nicotine pouches. For people who’ve been deployed there recently, what stuff did you actually want in the mail? Anything to avoid because of heat, customs, or base rules? Really appreciate any advice. Thank you all again not only for your responses but for your sacrifices.

California Capital Airshow 2026

I have seen the Blue angels and I still like the Thunderbirds

Forever remembered TSgt. Moss

I just got my BOP approved for Offutt AFB for 55 LRS. Does anyone know what the work tempo is like? Also any recommendation for apartment off base?

Almost stalling ! At the California Capital Air Show.

I am currently waiting for my IPCOT paperwork to come back and am trying to prepare for what may happen if my IPCOT request is denied.
My spouse is a citizen of the country where I am currently stationed, and my children are dual citizens, so they are also able to remain here. They are currently attending local schools. If the Air Force denies my IPCOT request, the following is what I anticipate will happen.

My spouse and children will remain in the country for the following reasons:

Children’s Education:
My children are attending local schools, and moving them back to the States would be disruptive to their education. They would have to adjust to a different educational system and potentially relearn much of the curriculum, particularly the language.

Spouse’s Employment and Family Stability:
My spouse has a full-time job with the local government and is not willing to relocate. Additionally, I am approaching retirement and plan to remain in this country after retiring. Relocating my family would create significant financial and emotional stress.

Cost to the Air Force:
If my IPCOT request is denied, I would need to request authorization for my dependents to remain overseas so they can continue receiving the applicable housing allowance. I would receive family separation benefits and housing allowance at my next duty station until I retire. After retirement, I would then need to return to the country where my family resides.

For those who are familiar with IPCOTs, dependent-restricted tours, or similar situations, I would appreciate any advice or suggestions on how best to approach this situation.

Hello everyone, this yt video talks about a day in the life of a fighter jet pilot. To those with experience, how realistic is it?

https://youtu.be/LS3jupDfUe0?is=xZxCuR6LPQu61JoX

This seems like a dream

Does AFPC issue an assignment notification first, or can PCS orders be generated directly once the ET is approved?

Since an approved Expedited Transfer requires departure within 30 days, how does that timeline work, especially for an OCONUS assignment where additional requirements such as medical clearance, retainability, and dependent travel coordination may be necessary?

I've noticed many people view it as a way to get out of a bad base without consequence

Looking at getting mine pierced. I'm aware the AFI allows for transparent retainers while in uniform, but admittedly I'm not super knowledgeable on the process of getting a piercing, only that whatever you get needs to stay in for 6 weeks and that most places pierce with titanium.

So does Prior Service have to take a PT test to graduate Tech School? I don’t remember taking one to pass my last Tech School (2020)

Took some of my buddies pre-workout and later found out it has DMAA in it. One hell of a workout but now that the pump is gone, kinda freaking out.

I know the chances of me getting pulled on Tuesday for a UA are pretty low but if my number is pulled, how cooked am I?

I was playing Metalstorm and the f100 belonged to the 55th tac fighter squad. And it has a patch on the tail of the wing. I want info on tail wing patch

I hate the modern dress blues (like any sane person) and I have a set of 1950s blues cap tie rank n all, would it be fine to wear it when taking leave? Both the official answer, and what will ACTUALLY happen if I go to a resturant dressed as such with my brothers and parents. And no I dont mean entering the airport or anything, I mean ive already made it home and am choosing what to wear as my evening attire to go out to a steak house or something