A friend sent me this video last week. It's fascinating, and well worth the 8 minutes to view.
"Trillions of dollars on jet fighter programs that don't work...but the
Department of Defense can't even spend money on service-member suicide
prevention?!?"
Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene
Who would have thought?
Ouch! The clip makes me ill. Even if the reporter has but 50% of his details correct, it still makes me ill.
ReplyDeleteLet us not forget that virtually all civilians who follow the aviation industry have learned through painful experience, to distrust most of what the mainstream press reports, perhaps this fellow has some of his ducks in order. Some Flight ti Success readers may fly with Rolls Royce engines, but how many drive to and from the airport in that brand? Even when possible, most pilots are far more skilled at getting a much better ride for their available funds. With thousands of economists and military hardware buyers in its employ, one would think that those purchasing 'experts' could obtain a lot more airplane function for my tax dollar and yours, than is happening with the current F-35. What are they buying and do we really need it? If at a lesser degree and at FAR less cost per copy, the KC-46 project looks like a bargain. Did I mention that the '46 can also service multiple different rolls? In the end, the general officers in blue are a highly experienced sales force and they are talented.
It is not beyond imagination to believe that a junior Air Force officer could spend his or her entire career designing, justifying and buying a single aircraft type. (They usually rotate in and out about every 2-3 years, so no one individual carries much institutional memory. What they do not know cannot damage the program.) We spend far too much on military toys and I've said more than enough to get tossed out of here.
-Craig (of Cedarglen)
Craig, That made me ill too. But I have spent many years flying with pilots from the military and the stories are incredible... mouth hanging open. Yet, they are not allowed to talk, as there is a code of silence. This was an eye-opener for sure. And for me... the more I learn, the more directions I see attention is needed in many areas. But... focus on the mission first, and then we can work on the rest of the world! :)
DeleteThank you so much for your comment. And by the way... GE, stuck in my mind is an old slogan, "They bring good things to life."
Karlene, usually you stay clear of political stuff, but that guy is to the right of Trump, Palin and a few others.
ReplyDeleteThere's got to be a better source for the same story.
Colin, I don't know who he is or anything about him. But there are definitely people I know never to post anything they say. Anyway, a good friend sent it and thought it might open up for some interesting conversation. Thanks for a heads up on this guy!!!
DeleteAnd you're right... I do tend to stay clear of political stuff. But we were discussing this similar topic in systems engineering with a fellow student... active military... was sharing the same information.
Thanks for your comment!