Hello,
I'm a fiction writer who has recently completed my Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing at the University of Chichester and I am currently researching for a novel set in 2005 about U-2 pilots/high-altitude aviators.
I'm looking to talk with anyone who served around that time or knowns about high-altitude flight routines who wouldn't mind answering a couple of unclassified questions about pilot routines, high-altitude suit preparations, training and base culture.
If you're open to sharing a few quick insights or pointing me toward good resources, please send me a message. I'd really appreciate it as my knowledge of this subject is very limited.
Adrien
I am seeing that the 199th FS has an application deadline for August 1st, does that imply that it needs to be in by midnight tonight on July 31st, or by the end of August 1st tomorrow?
Sorry for such a silly last minute question- I'm having an issue with my last letter of reccomendation I didn't manage to pick up on until earlier this week, and the writer won't be able to correct it for me until tomorrow morning on the 1st.
I'm just wondering if I should just proceed with my two LoR's I have right now or not?
https://app.milrecruiter.com/squadrons/199th-fighter-squadron/job_postings/652/applications/new
A look into the future of Air-to-Air with unmanned "loyal wingmen" being commanded by manned fighters.
https://www.twz.com/air/australian-mq-28-ghost-bat-fighter-drones-could-be-commanded-by-u-s-pilots
As we all know the iconic Eagle is getting a “refresh” and continuing its legacy with the F-15EX! Here is a really great video talking about this platform, enjoy!
Good morning BD, I’ll be online throughout the day so email me at cage@bogidope.com or DM me. Cheers!
-CAGE
As the world has its eyes in the Middle East, our other adversaries are still working hard to develop and train. China is one that is building quick and especially its long range weapons. The US is lucky for the “isolationism” potential we have and so much gap on land mass but that pro is slowly being pushed away.
https://www.twz.com/nuclear/a-guide-to-chinas-growing-long-range-nuclear-missile-arsenal
One of my most vivid memories of flight school and life as a young lieutenant in my first Operations Squadron is creating a "Gouge Folder" on the Evaluator pilots. The Lieutenant Protection Agency (LPA) worked hard to make sure we provided as much information as possible for upcoming Checkrides. We wrote down and asked pilots about the Evaluator's ground-eval questions, pubs check, airborne profile, and any areas we were downgraded. It's just part of the culture of military flying. And it was there for others to use so we collectively didn't make the same mistake twice!
Anyway, I just wanted to say hi this evening and thank you all for boosting the BogiDope Community. We have had ELEVEN new Interview Debriefs posted since June 1st. This summer has been a good one for the BogiDope community with so many receiving UPT slots. Make sure no one has to figure out the process or best practice alone. Continue helping each other out! Head over to the Interview Debriefs (under Academy Tab) to input a recent interview debrief or to review the 100% truth data of what's been asked in 2026!
My goal for the remainder of 2026 is to see this Community Space, "General Discussion," become a lot more active with peer-to peer interactions. You all have so much to share and so many great experiences. This space, BogiDope, is your go-to for collaboration on all things Military Flying and finding yourselves in the cockpit!
Please let me know how I can help or what would make your journey easier at wyatt@bogidope.com.
Smax
Royal New Zealand Navy's HMNZS Te Mana was called into a real-life emergency in Sea State 4 (Rough!)
Obligatory Flex Seal infomercial to help the ole USS Peleliu stay afloat. The US used our version of USVs to sink a decommissioned LHD last week. Very interesting to see the evolution/copying of tactics and hardware. Whether is's FPV drones, LUCAS one way attack UAVs, or drone boats, the US is piggy-backing off of current wartime technology to rapidly field similar systems.
https://www.twz.com/sea/navys-garc-kamikaze-drone-boat-blew-a-hole-in-ex-uss-peleliu-during-sinking-exercise
