BD Fam,

Everyone is always on the hunt for a good podcast. This feed is hosted by Lucky Penny (F-16 pilot airborne on 9/11) and retired Gen Deptula. Both of whom are super smart. They discuss a wide range of complex USAF-centric topics. These conversations can provide a wealth of perspective, context, and background knowledge for…

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mitchellaerospacepower.org

[Part 2] “There I was!”: Stories from Space and Cockpit with the Mitchell Institute

Over the holiday season, we decided it was time to kick back and reflect upon the high adventures of past years. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.), Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), and Kyle Pumroy share some of their … Continue reading

Sometimes in the hustle and flow of life, work, and apps its easy to forget that jets are cool. Great pics from the UK MoD. Awesome partners to work with when you get the chance.
https://theaviationist.com/2025/12/30/uk-mod-2025-pictures/

theaviationist.com

The UK Armed Forces' 2025 in Pictures

The UK's Ministry of Defence has unveiled an image gallery showcasing some of their best photographs from the past year. Let's take a look at some of our

Clinton, you would apply to UPT boards. Much like a rated Army helo pilot etc.

Question: For current RPA pilots looking to go to manned aircraft but went through the URT pipeline (T-6 sim only), do they apply to UPT boards or Rated boards?

We are rated pilots… but […]

BD Fam, do you find yourself asking “Well, what now? What do I do to make myself 1% more hireable every day? What can I work on while waiting for a board/deadline/job opening?”

I recently found myself asking the same questions. I felt that the paperwork and administrative aspects of my package were solid, but that my interview strategy…

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This makes me incredibly jealous of BogiDopers! As future military pilots, there are some of the BD crew who will carry, test, and shoot the HARM follow-on, SiAW. Still shrouded in secrecy, I can’t wait until the BD fam picks up the SEAD torch in the future! This should get you excited about getting those…

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theaviationist.com

Northrop Grumman Completes New Stand-in Attack Weapon Separation Test

Just over a year after the first inert drop of the new Stand-in Attack Weapon, or SiAW, Northrop Grumman announced on Dec. 11 that another separation test

Interesting new developments in the USMC testing of long-range munitions on rotary wing assets. Obviously, the USMC is working on RW relevance in the Pacific. It is interesting that L3 describes these tests as a “family” of systems and has alluded to a loitering EW version of a missile. If the Marnies can field it, you can almost bet this…

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theaviationist.com

U.S. Marines’ AH-1Z Fires L3Harris’ Red Wolf Launched Effects in New Test

An AH-1Z conducted a low-altitude test firing of the Red Wolf over the Atlantic Test Range in September 2025, adding to 45 demonstrations already

BD fam,

Thought this was a great tidbit of tactical aviation knowledge and history. For eons, fighter pilots have wondered “How can I make my eyeballs more better?”. The answer is targeting pods (giant cameras), and helmet mounted displays. These things need to be aligned each flight to align with the pilot that day. Fighters utilize the HUD as…

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twz.com

OA-1K Skyraider II Has Off-The-Shelf Rifle Sight Mounted In Its Cockpit

EOTech holographic sights are mounted on the special operations light attack plane's dash for a reason you might not expect.

Hey Husky, how’s that song go again? This is likely a low Pk attempt to deter Ukrainian helos from downing Russian drones at little to no cost. This will drive the “price per shootdown” higher due to the required involvement of longer standoff weapons. Not necessarily earth-shattering, but you can never “scoff…

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twz.com

Russian Shahed-136 Kamikaze Drones Now Armed With Air-To-Air Missiles

The appearance of a Shahed-136 carrying an air-to-air missile creates a new threat, and a deterrent, for aircrews trying to intercept them.

These are great. A t-shirt for everyone on your list!

https://www.twz.com/news-features/celebrate-the-air-forces-newest-flying-dorito-with-this-t-shirt

twz.com

Celebrate The Air Force's Newest 'Flying Dorito' With This T-Shirt

The B-21 Raider and America's most popular heavily-seasoned tortilla chip collide to make this "Waritos" tribute t-shirt.

BD Fam, if you have not thought about what the pinnacle of your efforts now look like, the search is over. The job that US aviators are executing in the CENTCOM AOR are absolutely the real deal. This is EXACTLY what you are signing up for when you put an app in with a squadron. Skate Parks brought his people to combat, personally led them…

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taskandpurpose.com

Air Force F-16 pilot awarded Silver Star for actions in the Middle East

Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks led a squadron of Air Force F-16s in the Middle East, and defended the USS Harry S. Truman from attack.

@5ME Hate to say it, but yes. Without another connection, their hiring POC will be the best.

It seems that many squadrons say that they don’t do rush these days unless they’re the invite-only events associated with interviews. That said, I have seen some BogiDopers say to just show […]

This is awesome. I always wondered how we planned to get high-value assets out of the ocean after a crash. Apparently this is an entire career field in the Navy.

https://www.twz.com/sea/navy-salvage-ship-trying-to-fish-crashed-super-hornet-and-seahawk-out-of-south-china-sea

twz.com

Navy Salvage Ship Trying To Fish Crashed Super Hornet And Seahawk Out Of South China Sea

USNS Salvor is on the scene in the tense South China Sea to recover both aircraft that crashed on the same night while flying from the Nimitz.

Hey BD. Happy Thanksgiving. I’ll be on the app all day tomorrow, 28 Nov. Hit me up!

The Sniper targeting pod is one of my favorite bolt-on accessories and enables lots of platforms the ability to execute precision strikes. But now the pod may give older fighters the ability to communicate across MADL.

For the future tac aviator here, these…

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theaviationist.com

Lockheed Martin Unveils Sniper Networked Targeting Pod

The Sniper NTP integrates a multi-datalink, multi-processor Hybrid Base Station (HBS) with the existing Sniper ATP, turning it into an airborne

Airshows are great; but maybe low probability of linking up with the right people? Here is my opinion (disclaimer): pilots are people too and can network like most professionals in other fields. This is why that benefits you: pilots like to grab a cocktail and meet fresh, interesting, and highly motivated people who are gunning to keep… Read more

It seems that many squadrons say that they don’t do rush these days unless they’re the invite-only events associated with interviews. That said, I have seen some BogiDopers say to just show […]

Looks like the Italian UPT is a go! Some interesting things to note:

-No mention (yet) of a split between AD, ANG, and AFRC UPT students going to fill Italian classes.
-The syllabus is very similar to UPT without the use of the T-6. As a fighter person, you will still do a basic then advanced track but in the same jet.

-I would have found it…

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theaviationist.com

Training of U.S. Air Force’s Student Pilots Progresses in Italy

Ten U.S. students are now enrolled at the International Flight Training School to complete a 133-day Basic Jet Training course in the T-346A Master.

The Dubai Airshow is one of the most unique aviation experiences I have ever had the pleasure of attending. While dropping off F-16s there in 2017, I was able to meet/watch both the Russian and Chinese fighter demo teams and also watch the Su-35 demo live. The thing that struck me was the “weapons market” mentality of the airshow. EVERY…

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Join us tomorrow, 12 Nov at 8 pm EST for interview/rush prep. Bring questions, and be ready to answer questions!

https://meet.google.com/bfp-btwm-tfg

meet.google.com

Meet

Real-time meetings by Google. Using your browser, share your video, desktop, and presentations with teammates and customers.

We have all experienced turbulence before. We have all flown into a storm that we probably shouldn’t have. But to have the Hurricane Hunters abort missions because of “severe turbulence”? I’m willing to bet nobody here has experienced anything close.

But the 53 WRS is an AFRC unit out of Biloxi, MS. Which BogiDoper wants…

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theaviationist.com

Hurricane Hunters Forced to Scrub Missions into Eye of Hurricane Melissa

A U.S. Air Force WC-130J Weatherbird from the 53rd WRS, as well as NOAA aircraft, have had to abandon planned missions early due to the strength of

There is a pervasive conversation right now in ANG/AFRC hiring circles: What is the future of the XXXX unit? What’s the follow on mission? Are you getting new jets? It seems like the uncertainty with that answer will continue. Should that deter you from chasing that dream? Absolutely not. There is a bright future in the total force for…

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airforcetimes.com

Air Force squadrons are closing — reversing it demands investment

Opinion: The Air Force has passed the point where more cannot be done with less. The Trump administration and Congress need to sufficiently resource the Air Force.

If you’re like me, you grew up with Blink 182, Sum 41, ATL, etc. This generation has finally broken into the fighter bar music movement. Built by legends like Dick Jonas and Dos Gringos, fighter pilot songs have long been a tradition. The AV Boyz continue that heritage from the pop punk cheapseats. Check…

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The USAF recently released (without details, of course) that the longest AMRAAM shot record had recently been broken. Ripped off of a Raptor, it apparently brings the AIM-120 on par with similar PRC and Russian long range missiles. Gotta pump those numbers up! Those are…

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theaviationist.com

F-22 Fires Longest Known AIM-120 AMRAAM Shot in History

Recently disclosed tests with the F-22 set a new record for the AIM-120 AMRAAM in 2024, part of the form, fit, function refresh (F3R) development effort.

In the era of standards, conformity, and progress there is still some heritage out there. More nose art is returning from the CENTCOM AOR (not to mention with drone kill stickers). Entire squadrons with nose art themes is awesome!

https://theaviationist.com/2025/10/13/a-10-uas-kill-markings/

theaviationist.com

A-10 Returns from CENTCOM Deployment with UAS Kill Markings

An A-10C was spotted with two Shahed-type UAS shapes painted on the nose while returning to its home base. An A-10C Thunderbolt II of the U.S. Air Force

A question I get a lot is “How do we get fighters across the world? Do we just take them apart and ship them?”

The answer is Coronet Missions run by the Air Operations Squadron/TACC. Fighter units request support through a website (almost like ordering an uber) with dates and destinations. The AOS folks then plan and source tanker support for…

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acc.af.mil

ACC’s Air Operations Squadron: “We Deliver”

Moving fighter aircraft across oceans is not as easy as a typical cross-country drive. Transoceanic fighter movements require extensive mission planning and briefing, along with robust contingency

Open Office Hours: 16 Oct @ 8 PM EST

Come with questions on all things hiring, military life, pilot stuff, Guard, Active Duty, etc.

See you there!

https://meet.google.com/bpn-syva-ocf

meet.google.com

Meet

Real-time meetings by Google. Using your browser, share your video, desktop, and presentations with teammates and customers.

@Husky Haha i think there is a balloon silhouette out there somewhere?

Dutch F-35s advertising drone kills while protecting Polish airspace as part of NATOs response to Russian drone incursions. The drone-killing game is […]

Looks like the USAF is thinking about how to solve the “tyranny of distance” that is made immensely worse by the standoff capabilities of our adversaries. There looks to be 2 roads right now: make tankers more survivable, or make more (cheaper) expendable tankers. For prospective pilots? Looks like more tanker cockpits no…

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Dutch F-35s advertising drone kills while protecting Polish airspace as part of NATOs response to Russian drone incursions. The drone-killing game is heating up!

https://theaviationist.com/2025/10/01/dutch-f-35-drone-kill-marking/

theaviationist.com

Dutch F-35 Receives Drone Kill Marking

Following the Russian drone incursion in Poland, a RNLAF F-35A has received a drone kill marking below the canopy rail. A Royal Netherlands Air Force

As much as we like to think that winning wars starts and ends with tactical avaiation, the reality is that command and control (C2) is an integral part of the fight. Without it, we all fly blind, get surprised by bad hombres, or never find the tanker. There is a concerted effort across the coalition force to modernize C2. I have worked with…

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@dws_2004

BD Crew, quick shoutout to our very own Dan Shore. He recently won the IAC National Championship Aerobatic title in the Primary power division. These competitions are comprised of […]

BD Crew, quick shoutout to our very own Dan Shore. He recently won the IAC National Championship Aerobatic title in the Primary power division. These competitions are comprised of 3 sequences: one that you can practice (known), one that you get about 24 hours prior (unknown), and one you create (free). He flies for Metro State College in…

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Bombing Drones? Have you heard of my friend named “the gun”?

Great writeup on the recent revelation that several attempts were made to down Iranian drones with laser guided JDAMs in 2023. They were unsuccessful and subsequently turned off.

While unsuccessful, it was a creative idea that was born in the heat of the moment with fighter…

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twz.com

F-15Es Tried To Shoot Down Iranian Kamikaze Drones With Laser Guided Bombs

"And then just out of this massive [explosion], like in Star Wars, just here comes the drone, just right out of the cloud."

More Power!

The F-15 EX is already getting a radar upgrade. The new APG-82VX will replace the already incredible APG-82V1 installed on the EX. The gallium nitride guts allow the radar to operate cooler and with increased power. As with all RF emissions, radiated power is the name of the game. These new AESA radars allow fighters to target air…

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twz.com

New APG-82(V)X Radar For F-15EX Announced By Raytheon

Using advanced gallium nitride technology means the latest iteration of the APG-82 has longer range while ensuring the F-15EX is harder to detect. Using advanced gallium nitride technology means the latest iteration of the APG-82 has longer range while ensuring … Continue reading

Wild stuff going on in Poland. Russian drone incursions have placed the Polish Air Force squarely in the counter-UAS game along with much of NATO. Of note to the BD community, and outside of the greater NATO Article 4 and 5 implications, this is a data point on one of the most likely mission sets that future BD members will partake in.

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bbc.com

Poland says it shot down Russian drones after airspace violation

Nato jets were deployed to respond to drones that entered Polish airspace during Russian strikes on Ukraine.

BogiDope Community,

Quick hit on something that comes up with some applicants in the hiring process that nobody likes to talk about: adverse legal proceedings. There are applicants on both the rated and UPT side of the hiring house that have had run-ins with the law in the past. Does that disqualify you from being a military pilot?
…

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We tend to be fighter-centric here at BD, and most applicants are looking to get into fighter cockpits. But the world is much larger than a tank of gas through a GE100. This is a great article on recent REFORPAC and Bamboo Eagle efforts to modernize, test, and stress beyond-line-of-sight comms, kill chains, and logistics.…

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It may seem like these military-involved near misses are increasing in frequency as of late. My opinion: the mix of increased coverage, increased visibility through things like ADSB Exchange/Flight Radar 24, and the recency of the DCA incident make it feel that way. For this BUFF crew, the NTSB came to the conclusion that they followed…

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The world has truly come full-circle. The air defense of Ukraine is now being augmented by World War 1 tactics; Red Baron style! Ukrainian civilian pilots flying antique trainers are taking to the sky with a backseat “gunner” to down Russian ISR drones, loitering munitions, and one-way attack drones. This is a great writeup by the WSJ with…

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twz.com

This Is How Ukrainian Yak-52 Crews Hunt Russian Drones

Although only small in number, the propeller-driven trainers and their crews' World War I tactics are claimed to be enjoying success in bringing down Russian drones. Although only small in number, the propeller-driven trainers are reportedly enjoying disproportionate success in … Continue reading

The next B-21 Raider is in the hands of the USAF and alleged to be still on track for an IOC of the mid-2020s. Nice to see positive news/progress out of the test world. With the recent setbacks of both the T-7 and F-15EX, a new on-time (for now) airframe feels good.
Of consequence to the BD fam, there are several ANG/AFRC positions…

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Kuet, your experience as a skydiver is no factor to units hiring now. In fact, its probably a positive factor because it is aviation-adjacent and involves complex decision making in a stressful environment. There are over a dozen fighter pilots I know personally with the same experience (800+ jumps w/ AFF instructor exp).

The obvious caveat…

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Hi everyone,

This is my first post and I just wanted to gauge everyone’s opinion on something core to me.

I have a fair level of skydiving experience (1300 jumps) with over half of those […]

A new company has jumped into the fray for the T-45 replacement. As the possible future of USN/USMC tactical training, there are a few things that stood out to me:

-The T-7 (USAF next-gen trainer) is already in the USN competition. So possibly disrupting joint training commonality?

-The airframe is advertised to meet a much faster timeline than…

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And the UPT changes keep coming. Both Columbus and Pensacola are nearing 100% divestment of the T-1. The next event on the horizon looks like the T-7, even if it is delayed. What does that look like for a BD guy? MAF-centric training will still be sim heavy and eventual T-38 transition to the T-7.…

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theaviationist.com

451st Flying Training Squadron Celebrates T-1A Jayhawk, Final Assigned Jet Retires

End of an era as final Jayhawk departs Pensacola, marking shift to all-simulator training for Combat System Officers. The 451st Flying Training Squadron

Say it with me: “Fox-3, hostile Viper”

Top Aces F-16A sporting a new Su-57 inspired paint scheme out of AZ. The advent of civilian contract adversary support is upon us, and is a huge leap forward in US tactical training. These companies have deep benches of experience, advanced systems, and expanding arsenals of aircraft. Lots of future…

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theaviationist.com

Let’s Take Another Look at the Top Aces F-16 Sporting a Russian Su-57 ‘Felon’ Paint Scheme

A recent mission of Top Aces’ F-16 N871TA provided another opportunity to see the jet’s striking Felon-inspired livery. As already reported in detail in

So, you got a UPT slot and earned your wings. Now what? There is still a bunch of school left to complete between wings and MQT. One of those schools is SERE, or survival school. Here you will learn to survive an ejection, on the ground, evade, and get rescued. You will also learn what to do if you’re NOT rescued.…

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