Do the Democrats Really Want to Talk About This?

USA Today via Powerline Blog ^ | Feb. 16, 2004 | Power Line Blog

[TheMole]

We posted yesterday on the fact that the Democrats' groundless attack on President Bush's National Guard service may have the unintended effect of informing voters of the fact that Bush was, in fact, an excellent fighter pilot--a fact that has not been widely known.

USA Today has published lengthy extracts from the President's National Guard records; reader Ruth Solomon has performed the valuable service of transcribing the highlights of the PDF files that are available online.

In both 1971 and 1972, the President received top-notch evaluations, with most of his ratings in the highest category possible. Here is the narrative portion of the 1971 evaluation:

Lt Bush is an exceptionally fine young officer and pilot. After completing the F102 all weather interceptor school in November 1969, he came to this unit as a highly qualified fighter interceptor pilot. Lt Bush possesses sound judgement and is mature beyond his age and experience level. During the last weapons firing deployment, he delivered both primary and secondary weapons from the F102. Lt Bush performed in an outstanding manner, following the test projects requirement set forth. He also participated in a practice element deployment during annual field training. He was easily able to handle intercepts with varying geometries and tactics selection. He continually flies intercept missions with the unit to increase his proficiency further. Lt Bush is a natural leader but he is also a good follower of military discipline. Lt Bush has outstanding growth potential and should be promoted well ahead of his contemporaries.

And this is the narrative portion for 1972:

Lt Bush is an exceptional fighter interceptor pilot and officer. He eagerly participates in scheduled unit activities. During the past year he participated in several target force deployments and an F-102 aircraft element deployment in Canada. His conduct and professional approach to the mission were clearly exemplary and apparent to observers. His skills as an interceptor pilot enabled him to complete all his ADC intercept missions during the Canadian deployment with ease.

OTHER COMMENTS: Lt Bush is very active in civic affairs in the community and manifests a deep interest in the operation of our government. He has recently accepted a position as a campaign manager for a candidate for United States Senate. He is a good representative of the military and the Air National Guard in the business world. His abilities and anticipated future assignments make him a valuable asset. He is a member of the National Guard Association of the United States and Texas.

Those last comments look pretty prescient.

[TheMole]

Interesting stuff for all. I was struck by the references to training in Canada, as I grew up close to a Canadian military base. It's actually quite reassuring to learn that GWB has travelled to Canada as a regular citizen and met normal Canadians (as opposed to present-day federal Liberal Party politicians and their lickspittle media).

[Defender2]

Thanks for posting this and PING!!!!

[BOBTHENAILER]

GOOD POST

[GailA]

btt

[Defender2]

Ping to an Outstanding F-102 Fighter Interceptor Pilot of the 111th F.I.S., 147th F.I.G., Texas A.N.G.(NORAD/ADCOM gained unit at that time), None other than Our Honorable President, President George W. Bush!!!!:-)

[Arkie2]

As a 20 year Air Force pilot myself I can tell you that these reports are absolutely standard language used for 95% of all new pilots. There's always 5% that don't get it! It indicates that Lt. Bush was doing a good job and had command of the particulars of his aircraft and mission. The inflated language is SOP. However, the public doesn't know this and will take these reports to indicate he was exceptional. LOL!

[Republican Red]

Good article.

I think many people were informed that the President was a fighter pilot yesterday by the President himself.

When NBC reporter asked if he would like to drive on the track the President responded:

"I flew fighters when I was in the Guard, and I like speed."

[asformeandformyhouse]

No. They just want to mention the lie often enough that it sticks with the American people. That's all that's required.

[Samwise]

Some visual aids are in order:

[Defender2]

Pinging you to a good article for a change!:-)

[Defender2]

Bookmarked!!!!:-)

[betty boop]

Great post! Thanks, TM!

unspun, just got your e-mail: Here's more on that subject for you!

[mwl1]

I've heard the "exceptional" phrase several times on FOX, once on CNN, and zero times on every other network.

The "exceptional," like the "honorable discharge," is considered the by the media and the left as unimportant background.

[YaYa123]

Same OER language for army, as I recall my husband discussing...standard stuff. Except for the " should be promoted well ahead of his contemporaries."

That phrase was always what set apart the finest from the best.

[timpad]

For those who haven't seen one...

Presenting the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger. From what I understand, this was not the easiest plane in the world to fly. Tended to be rather unforgiving of mistakes. Can anyone confirm?

[Defender2]

Timpad, just to let you know, your photograph is of a YF-102, not an F-102. The redesigned YF-102A would break the sound barrier in a climb as well as level flight as well as the subsequent production F-102As'. The original YF-102s' as you have in your photograph would only bust the sound barrier in a dive not in level flight or a climb. The YF-102As' and susequent F-102As' were a whole different animal. Thanks for the YF-102 pic though.:-)

[Poincare]

So now what reason does Kerry have for holding back the release of his military records?

[Defender2]

They're wrong, I returned from Afghanistan and we did wipe out some of the enemy.

[timpad]

Timpad, just to let you know, your photograph is of a YF-102, not an F-102.

D'oh! my bad, grabbed the wrong pic, as the caption in the photo clearly states. Here's the F-102A: