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"These obsevations come from a buddy of mine whose an Air Force intel guy who has spent a lot of time in country."

I'm an Army Intel guy - 17 years worth. I've been "in country". I'll be back later this year. I know many AF "Intel guys" - and as sharp as some of them are, I have to lay it on the line and tell you that they, as a group, tend to be very spoiled and left-leaning in comparison to other Services' personnel.

The reason is the Air Force's sense of priority and value that they, as a Service, place on creature comforts and instilling a sense of grandiose privelege in being one of their precious, chosen Airmen.

Don't get me wrong - I appreciate the value and skill sets the Air Force brings to the battle. I'm just telling it like it is based on my 17 years. I've spent about half my career in a Joint-Service environment with all four Services and DoD civilian personnel as well.

Air Force guys are good at their jobs, I'll say that. Their priorities (self-sacrifice, especially) and political leanings, however -- well, I have to call much into question in that regard.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that I wouldn't put all my eggs in one basket being carried by an Airman with an opinion.

I'm an Army Intel guy - 17 years worth.

I am an Air Force Intel guy...22 years, 7 in Intel. You are mostly right in your assessment and I have been Joint Service for 5 years, former SSA. I've been on the ground at sea, just about everywhere. Sad to say most of my Air Force Intel brethren disappointed me. They have no clue about patrols, mine fields, ambushes, hot racks or sleeping in a non-air condition/heated tent for 120+ days. I do.

Please don't lump all Air Force Intel types in that group.

The guy I think Taylor is getting info from is REMF getting Intel from CNN international.

Re airmen: righto, from the wife of a Force Recon Marine. (and Air Force wives kind of snivel too!)

As explanation though: for those not too familiar with service rivalries... we stick together, joint is good, but just realize there are differing perspectives. This is how we had Vietnam Vets Against the War in Vietnam/Kerry's era. If you look at the membership, you will see that very few, if any, members actually saw REAL combat. Likewise on Kerry's side for this past election. He could boast military supporters, but for the most part NONE of them were combat veterans. Most of them only served a few years. Very few on his list were career combat vets with any realistic experience (unless they were up for some cushy job in his potential administration).