What is it like deploying with National Guard members?

SrA Jay Strauser As far as the "Log Boys" are concerned, I'll agree with you. The USAF simply doesn't have the budget to allow its transport pilots to accumulate the same number of hours as the commercial airlines do. (Which isn't to say that there aren't some real hot USAF log-pilots, just that, on average, the commercial flyers have more hours.)

On the other hand, if it comes to "Ground Support" PLEASE don't send me anyone except a REAL professional who actually knows what they are doing and not some "hot-shot" ANG/Res pilot who thinks that he/she is "God's Answer to the Man on the Ground's Prayer". [In fact, if it can be arranged, could you please send me a Regular Force USMC pilot in an A-10?]

COL Ted Mc Sir, I was not trying to down play any USAF Pilot. They all have my respect. Actually I think it may have been mutual since I was a Jet Engine Mechanic. I hope that my comment did not come off as down playing any USAF pilot. My favorite two pilots that I ever knew were Active Duty fighter pilots. One was a Col who was the Deputy Commander of Maintenance while I was at Kunsan Air Base Korea. He flew F-4 led sleds in Vietnam. Ejected too many times and had to fly a desk. He carried pictures of his Harley's in his wallet and the little green truck he drove in had a Harley sticker in the back window. A huge sticker. The other was a Capt. at the same base. He was in a upside down flat spin and came out of it and lived to tell about it. I didn't ask him anymore questions after that. I just did whatever he told me to do.