Smack-Meier
USAF Pilot
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Reply to UPT General Discussion-All questions UPT through RTU
Hey Colin,
I did both UPT and FTU with wife/kids. Actually had 2 of them during the formal courses. My experience was between 2013 and 2014. Here are some of my biggest takeaways:
-The weekdays are busy. Most of your focus goes toward learning, both at work and at home. As long as your family is primed with this info, you can get into…
C.J. -
Smack-Meier posted an update 5 weeks ago
Interesting analysis of the US-Russia-India arms triangle. This also occurs against the backdrop of F-35s, F-16s, and Su-57s sitting side-by-side on the ramp at AeroIndia 2025.
The US has sold a substantial amount of arms to India in recent years. But the F-35 has always been a another level of trust. Obviously the US wants India…
defensenews.com
For India, it’s ‘Pick your fighter,’ as Delhi weighs US, Russian bids
India wants to catch up quickly to China in fighter jets. But buying on the global market could torpedo the country's homegrown program.
Kratos, warwolf and Derek1 Comment-
Hoping they pick the F-35 for sure
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Smack-Meier posted an update 5 weeks ago
Great video all about current U-2 operations. As a reconnaissance platform, the U-2 is still quietly doing a good amount of the US operational and strategic intel collection. But it also has game in the tactical world as well. In Korea, we would pretty routinely work with the U-2 folks in tactical scenarios and kill chain processing.
While it… -
Azteka and
Smack-Meier are now connected 5 weeks ago -
Rowan,
Actually a super relevant question. Especially for UPT/non-mil applicants. The data I have is from the CO ANG, so could be different elsewhere, but probably a good start. For rush events and zoom meetings (pre-interview events), business casual seems to be the standard. At the very least a collared shirt. For interviews, a suit… -
Smack-Meier posted an update 5 weeks ago
This is a great writeup and lots of photos from Bamboo Eagle 25-1. An Indo-Pacific exercise that focused on distributed operations and working to overcome the “tyranny of distance” in the Pacific. Getting to work with partners such as the RAAF is incredibly valuable. The devil always resides in the details, and these exercises give us the…
airandspaceforces.com
Bamboo Eagle: 175 Aircraft Fan Out for Agile Combat Exercise
The Air Force finished its eight-day "Bamboo Eagle" exercise involving B-2 and B-52 bombers, plus fighters from the U.K. and Australia.
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Smack-Meier posted an update 5 weeks ago
5 weeks ago (edited)
Happy Fast Jet Friday!
Not in accordance with FJF, super interesting news coming to light this week in the air-to-ground game (sorry SLAP). The USMC has successfully tested an unspecified long-range precision strike capability off the rails of a helo….cued by an Android tablet. While the details remain classified, the name of the game now…
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Smack-Meier posted an update 6 weeks ago
History and tradition are a HUGE part of the tactical aviation culture. Whether USAF, USMC, USN, or USA it is the warfighter culture built upon the shoulders of giants that ties it all together.
The story of Jim Swett is one of these ties. Credited with 15.5 kills, DFC, and Medal of Honor while being shot down twice in the Pacific. An…
airforcetimes.com
This Medal of Honor recipient became an ace pilot in a day
'Ace in a day' is a rare distinction. Among the earliest American pilots to do so, Jim Swett was credited with seven victories amid a WWII turning point.
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Smack-Meier posted an update 6 weeks ago
6 weeks ago (edited)
In the spirit of Viper Saturday, here is a classic video of the 36th FS Fiends. They are an active duty squadron based at Osan, Korea. As a young active duty F-16 LT, chances of going to Korea are high. Even as a a reservist or guardsman, chances exist of a Korea deployment or theater support package (TSP).
Most footage was taken at Red Flag…
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Give the Governor a HARRUMPH!
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Smack-Meier posted an update 6 weeks ago
What’s up BogiDope!
As military members and aspiring military members, the context in which conflict may happen is always important. As the US tries to pivot to the Pacific, I have found it difficult to visualize the South China Sea situation. This is a great site that really ties everything together. I was able to explore all the disputed…
amti.csis.org
China Tracker | Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative
AMTI's Island Tracker, featuring high-resolution satellite imagery and information on China's 20 outposts in the Paracel Islands and 7 outposts in the Spratly Islands.
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