First Female USAF F-16 Demo Team Commander Fired After Two Weeks
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interesting background - just seven years ago was flying King Airs around Afghanistan...
https://www.shaw.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/1756017/major-john-waters/
https://www.shaw.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/1756017/major-john-waters/
A Tech graduate from Peachtree City, I'd say he's quite possibly the son of a Delta pilot.
_______________________________________________
After listening to a podcast featuring Maj. Waters it turns out that his father wasn't a pilot but that many of the neighbors were Deltoids with military backgrounds.
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A friend suggested that she may have been sleeping with a junior enlisted Airman, and a fellow Officer may have ratted her out to the Wing Commander because they were jealous that they weren't selected to be the display pilot.
If all of that is true - again, it was a mere suggestion of what *COULD* have happened - then sh*t happens. You cannot put men and women together and not expect intimacy to occur, every now and again. It's simply nature.
Let's face it gents, how many of you would refuse her if you were young and single? I wouldn't....
If all of that is true - again, it was a mere suggestion of what *COULD* have happened - then sh*t happens. You cannot put men and women together and not expect intimacy to occur, every now and again. It's simply nature.
Let's face it gents, how many of you would refuse her if you were young and single? I wouldn't....
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A couple of decades ago a similar 'poster child', 1st Lt. Kelly Flinn, was all over Air Force publications and press releases as the first female B-52 pilot.
Following undergraduate pilot training graduation and several weeks of follow-on training, 2nd Lt. Kelly Flinn will enter the formal training unit at the 11th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La., to learn to fly the B-52 Stratofortress.
During the recent assignment selection process for UPT class 95-04, Flinn gained national attention when she picked the venerable bomber. Although she was aware there was a possibility she would be the first woman to get a B-52 assignment, it did not factor into her decision.
"There were several aircraft available that had the mission I wanted," she said. "But the B-52 encompassed them all. It's a combat aircraft with a worldwide mission, and it's involved in almost all our defensive and offensive actions."
After talking to several B-52 pilots during the two weeks she had to finalize her decision, Flinn said she realized it was the mission she wanted. "The fact I'm the first is an additional benefit to an already great assignment," she said.
She had an affair with the civilian husband of an enlisted woman in her B-52 squadron. She was counseled more than once in writing to knock it off but she persisted to the point that UCMJ charges were filed. Kelly claimed in her subsequent book that her only mistake was 'to fall in love with the wrong man'. Her family in Atlanta hired a public relations firm and molded her image as the female victim of male chauvinist superiors.
She was facing a court martial at Minot and a media circus ensued.
Sheila Widnall was Secretary of the Air Force and befriended Kelly to help her cut a deal to leave with a general discharge. Unfortunately, several other careers were scuttled by the charges of sexism and bias from what coworkers from the B-52 community have told me.
Years later Kelly is 'a pilot with a major airline' and lives outside of Denver.
Like Kelly Flinn, Capt. Zoe Kotnik is a Zoomie (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/zoomie) with a female Secretary of the Air Force. I doubt things will play out so publicly this time. But, we'll see.
COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. (AFNS) -- A Columbus student pilot will make history March 31 when she takes the initial step toward becoming the country's first woman pilot to enter B-52 combat crew training.
Following undergraduate pilot training graduation and several weeks of follow-on training, 2nd Lt. Kelly Flinn will enter the formal training unit at the 11th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La., to learn to fly the B-52 Stratofortress.
During the recent assignment selection process for UPT class 95-04, Flinn gained national attention when she picked the venerable bomber. Although she was aware there was a possibility she would be the first woman to get a B-52 assignment, it did not factor into her decision.
"There were several aircraft available that had the mission I wanted," she said. "But the B-52 encompassed them all. It's a combat aircraft with a worldwide mission, and it's involved in almost all our defensive and offensive actions."
After talking to several B-52 pilots during the two weeks she had to finalize her decision, Flinn said she realized it was the mission she wanted. "The fact I'm the first is an additional benefit to an already great assignment," she said.
She had an affair with the civilian husband of an enlisted woman in her B-52 squadron. She was counseled more than once in writing to knock it off but she persisted to the point that UCMJ charges were filed. Kelly claimed in her subsequent book that her only mistake was 'to fall in love with the wrong man'. Her family in Atlanta hired a public relations firm and molded her image as the female victim of male chauvinist superiors.
She was facing a court martial at Minot and a media circus ensued.
Sheila Widnall was Secretary of the Air Force and befriended Kelly to help her cut a deal to leave with a general discharge. Unfortunately, several other careers were scuttled by the charges of sexism and bias from what coworkers from the B-52 community have told me.
Years later Kelly is 'a pilot with a major airline' and lives outside of Denver.
Like Kelly Flinn, Capt. Zoe Kotnik is a Zoomie (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/zoomie) with a female Secretary of the Air Force. I doubt things will play out so publicly this time. But, we'll see.
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These are the consequences - rightly or wrongly - of allowing men and women to serve, side-by-side. I am not suggesting for a minute that I'd want a country with Western values to go back to the dark ages where men and women worked separately, but it really is time that attitudes changed to reflect the reality of what progress has created.
The Military reflects the society that it serves and it is becoming increasingly unacceptable to fire somebody from their job for simply sleeping with a co-worker. This is the view of society, so it's time for the military to change with that.
You can either embrace the reality of the "new" world we live in, and be a part of the force that strives to change the currently accepted norms, or you can be a dinosaur that takes your current views to your grave.
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You can either embrace the reality of the "new" world we live in, and be a part of the force that strives to change the currently accepted norms, or you can be a dinosaur that takes your current views to your grave
I have known a few officer colleagues who have crossed the line. It’s not a good thing hearing about a female cpl being seen emerging from her sqn ldr boss’s room in the Mess in the small hours, or a female fg off having sex in a toilet with a cpl, or a married wg cdr doing it with a female plt off in her room in the Mess.
Proud to be a dinosaur.
Chalk me up as being a Dinosaur.....the Military does not reflect civilian society.
The Military has much more stringent standards of conduct than does civvy street.
Unity of Command, Unit Cohesion, and Discipline are ways of life and not subjects to be discussed or negotiated.
Fraternization between ranks and members of the same unit are very bad karma.
The Military has much more stringent standards of conduct than does civvy street.
Unity of Command, Unit Cohesion, and Discipline are ways of life and not subjects to be discussed or negotiated.
Fraternization between ranks and members of the same unit are very bad karma.
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Chaps,
It is simply a fact that the military represents the society it serves. It has to or else it isn't serving the public, it's serving something else and that wouldn't be a democracy at that point.
Therefore, its values must be based on the societal values. In civilian life, people are fired when relationships disrupt the work environment, not for the relationship its self and it is incredibly difficult to treat a person equally when your romantic feelings are wrapped around your judgement.
If she was screwing a team member, or a young guy on her then-former Squadron, then I completely agree with her being dismissed.
However there needs to be a serious discussion about it going on when it isn't in the same unit. It absolutely does go on and you can't stop it, so you might as well embrace it when it is possible to do so. If that is what she did, and he wasn't under her direct command, then according to societal values, the dismissal was unfair so it's time to make some changes, I think.
It is simply a fact that the military represents the society it serves. It has to or else it isn't serving the public, it's serving something else and that wouldn't be a democracy at that point.
Therefore, its values must be based on the societal values. In civilian life, people are fired when relationships disrupt the work environment, not for the relationship its self and it is incredibly difficult to treat a person equally when your romantic feelings are wrapped around your judgement.
If she was screwing a team member, or a young guy on her then-former Squadron, then I completely agree with her being dismissed.
However there needs to be a serious discussion about it going on when it isn't in the same unit. It absolutely does go on and you can't stop it, so you might as well embrace it when it is possible to do so. If that is what she did, and he wasn't under her direct command, then according to societal values, the dismissal was unfair so it's time to make some changes, I think.
One of my company first Sergeants had this to say on the subject of military discipline: "We're here to defend democracy, NOT to practice it!"
Even though I may not have been pleased to hear it at the time, he was right all along. Accountability, serviceability and uniformity are the hallmarks of military order. A military without order is just a rabble.
Not that I wish to go back to living as a soldier now, but having done it, I have to agree that most of the rules are necessary to maintain order. How this can be applied in times of changing social mores in the civilian sector will always be a moving target. Sexual relations between members has always been problematic, it's not new.
Even though I may not have been pleased to hear it at the time, he was right all along. Accountability, serviceability and uniformity are the hallmarks of military order. A military without order is just a rabble.
Not that I wish to go back to living as a soldier now, but having done it, I have to agree that most of the rules are necessary to maintain order. How this can be applied in times of changing social mores in the civilian sector will always be a moving target. Sexual relations between members has always been problematic, it's not new.
BVRAAM, Are we correct in assuming you have never been in a Military Unit of any kind?
However there needs to be a serious discussion about it going on when it isn't in the same unit. It absolutely does go on and you can't stop it, so you might as well embrace it when it is possible to do so
As for your point about reflecting society, officers in particular have a duty to uphold standards that often exceed those found in civil society. for example, in the 1950s (and unlike in civil society) getting a divorce was a career foul in the military, but that is no longer the case, likewise being a part of the LGBT community. Up until the early 90's, getting pregnant even when married was incompatible with continued service; again, no longer the case. The world has moved on, but being e.g. an undischarged bankrupt will still have an impact on any security clearance you might hold and on your suitability to be in command of anything or anybody.
Similarly, if your behaviour undermines or risks undermining your credibility as an officer, especially if you are in a position of command, you can expect to be on the end of some form of sanction. That is why the RAF has for some years had a simple 'Service test' that is applied, which starts with any impact on the operational effectiveness of the unit; the significance of the impact increases with rank and it will also differentiate between someone in a command appointment and someone serving on the staff. If the 'offence' does not breach the terms of the Service test it is treated as a private life matter, otherwise action will follow
If you get into training, you will find that much is made of the need to trust your fellow servicemen and women, which includes where relationships are concerned. "Service before self" is a good working mantra for all military personnel - I hope one day you get to realise what that means.
((And if you do hope to join, you'll be serving the Monarch with OPCOM delegated to the PM and MOD! I don't see Society or the Public written down anywhere in the kill chain.)
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Yet another 'first female' 'milestone' and 'role model' for the U.S. Air Force. 
Her dad Jon flew back seat in Weasel F-4's and front seat in F-15's while she was growing up.
Nice short video with some of the F-35 demo in the article link below.
Military.com | By Oriana Pawlyk
The U.S. Air Force's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter demonstration team is making history.
Capt. Kristin "Beo" Wolfe of the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, was recently inducted as the new team commander for the 2020-2021 air show season, the service announced Monday. She is the first woman to command the team and follows Capt. Andrew "Dojo" Olson, who was the first solo F-35 performer for the team out of Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
The demonstration team is now part of Air Combat Command and is assigned to the 388th, where Wolfe is an F-35 instructor pilot, according to a news release.
"We are extremely proud to have Capt. Wolfe leading the new F-35A Demonstration Team," said Col. Steven Behmer, 388th Fighter Wing commander.
"She's an incredibly accomplished pilot, and we can't wait to see her and the team showcase the capabilities of our wing and the F-35s to the world," Behmer said in the release.
Wolfe is already a stealth fighter pilot. She transitioned to flying the F-35A Lightning II from the F-22 Raptor in 2017 and has racked up 800 total fighter hours across the two fifth-generation aircraft, the service said.
"She will serve as an outstanding role model and ambassador for the Air Force and the F-35 enterprise, and I look forward to seeing her take this team to the next level," Olson said.
As the team lead, Wolfe will perform alongside the Heritage Flight Foundation. The foundation is a contractor with Air Combat Command and performs across the U.S. and overseas, flying old warbirds such as the P-51 Mustang.
Only four aircraft -- the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor and F-35 -- are certified to fly alongside the planes from a bygone era. The F-35 has been part of the Heritage Flight for four seasons.
The team is scheduled for 20 flight performances across the country, "showcasing the approximately 18-minute-long profile as well as a maintenance team jet-launch and recovery," the release states. The first demo is slated for March 13 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. The team's schedule can be found here.
"It's extremely humbling and rewarding to get the opportunity to showcase the F-35A at so many different locations," Wolfe said. "It's a privilege to work with the best airmen from Hill Air Force Base and to give people a small glimpse of what this jet is capable of."
https://www.military.com/daily-news/...and-pilot.html
Her dad Jon flew back seat in Weasel F-4's and front seat in F-15's while she was growing up.Nice short video with some of the F-35 demo in the article link below.
The Air Force Has its First Female F-35 Demo Team Commander and Pilot
3 Mar 2020Military.com | By Oriana Pawlyk
The U.S. Air Force's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter demonstration team is making history.
Capt. Kristin "Beo" Wolfe of the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, was recently inducted as the new team commander for the 2020-2021 air show season, the service announced Monday. She is the first woman to command the team and follows Capt. Andrew "Dojo" Olson, who was the first solo F-35 performer for the team out of Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
The demonstration team is now part of Air Combat Command and is assigned to the 388th, where Wolfe is an F-35 instructor pilot, according to a news release.
"We are extremely proud to have Capt. Wolfe leading the new F-35A Demonstration Team," said Col. Steven Behmer, 388th Fighter Wing commander.
"She's an incredibly accomplished pilot, and we can't wait to see her and the team showcase the capabilities of our wing and the F-35s to the world," Behmer said in the release.
Wolfe is already a stealth fighter pilot. She transitioned to flying the F-35A Lightning II from the F-22 Raptor in 2017 and has racked up 800 total fighter hours across the two fifth-generation aircraft, the service said.
"She will serve as an outstanding role model and ambassador for the Air Force and the F-35 enterprise, and I look forward to seeing her take this team to the next level," Olson said.
As the team lead, Wolfe will perform alongside the Heritage Flight Foundation. The foundation is a contractor with Air Combat Command and performs across the U.S. and overseas, flying old warbirds such as the P-51 Mustang.
Only four aircraft -- the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor and F-35 -- are certified to fly alongside the planes from a bygone era. The F-35 has been part of the Heritage Flight for four seasons.
The team is scheduled for 20 flight performances across the country, "showcasing the approximately 18-minute-long profile as well as a maintenance team jet-launch and recovery," the release states. The first demo is slated for March 13 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. The team's schedule can be found here.
"It's extremely humbling and rewarding to get the opportunity to showcase the F-35A at so many different locations," Wolfe said. "It's a privilege to work with the best airmen from Hill Air Force Base and to give people a small glimpse of what this jet is capable of."
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Sasless have you watched this? https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80216003
Bar being a total screw up in many ways, it struck me the female in the front of one of them wasn't giving her pilot accurate situation information... she could see the rounds coming at them, where as he couldn't and she seemed not to grasp the idea of telling him from where and the direction.. it was compounded by the stupidity of telling the crews before the off their footage would be gone through with surgical precision to ensure they only engaged active targets, thus making them second guess themselves whether to open fire or not, even when taking rounds they were asking should I fire?
Not being in the UK, I had to do some searching to find the movie in NutLoose's link. It is Apache Warrior.
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Read for more on it
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_attack_on_Karbala
Of the 29 returning Apaches, all but one suffered serious damage. On average, each Apache had 15-20 bullet holes. One Apache took 29 hits. Sixteen main rotor blades, six tail blades, six engines, and five drive shafts were damaged beyond repair. In one squadron only a single helicopter was fit to fly.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_attack_on_Karbala
Of the 29 returning Apaches, all but one suffered serious damage. On average, each Apache had 15-20 bullet holes. One Apache took 29 hits. Sixteen main rotor blades, six tail blades, six engines, and five drive shafts were damaged beyond repair. In one squadron only a single helicopter was fit to fly.
Read for more on it
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_attack_on_Karbala
Of the 29 returning Apaches, all but one suffered serious damage. On average, each Apache had 15-20 bullet holes. One Apache took 29 hits. Sixteen main rotor blades, six tail blades, six engines, and five drive shafts were damaged beyond repair. In one squadron only a single helicopter was fit to fly.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_attack_on_Karbala
Of the 29 returning Apaches, all but one suffered serious damage. On average, each Apache had 15-20 bullet holes. One Apache took 29 hits. Sixteen main rotor blades, six tail blades, six engines, and five drive shafts were damaged beyond repair. In one squadron only a single helicopter was fit to fly.
The US Army got a very forceful lesson as to the limitations of airborne attack, I just hope that the flood of money currently is not producing amnesia.
And the question is - would she have been treated the same way if she had been a male Sqn Cdr playing away from home? I suspect not.
That is the lot of many women in the military - a male who sees a lot of ladies is a top bloke/swordsman/player - a female who does it is a slag - not really fair treatment and this is the dinosaur attitude that needs to change.
That is the lot of many women in the military - a male who sees a lot of ladies is a top bloke/swordsman/player - a female who does it is a slag - not really fair treatment and this is the dinosaur attitude that needs to change.
Originally Posted by [email protected]
And the question is - would she have been treated the same way if she had been a male Sqn Cdr playing away from home? I suspect not.
That is the lot of many women in the military - a male who sees a lot of ladies is a top bloke/swordsman/player - a female who does it is a slag - not really fair treatment and this is the dinosaur attitude that needs to change.
That is the lot of many women in the military - a male who sees a lot of ladies is a top bloke/swordsman/player - a female who does it is a slag - not really fair treatment and this is the dinosaur attitude that needs to change.
B) Marital infidelity used to be career-limiting and to all intents career-ending for male officers in the UK forces. These days it is all about the effect on unit efficiency, a test which is gender-blind and subject to redress through the Service complaints process. My impression of the USAF is that it is still quite socially conservative. What evidence have you for your assertions about disparity of treatment in the contemporary services besides gender-stereotypical hand-waving ?