Well you may be retired Air Force, but that doesn't give you the right to breezily dismiss the Force as a second-class branch of the military, bud. SOME of us busted our humps in the Air Force.....and it was not exactly an easy ride.
Except for a very few MOS's, like the guys that jump in to save downed pilots, being in the Air Force - is like being a civilian in a blue uniform. As a Marine, I was also AMAZED at how many, and how fast, stripes and medals were handed out to the enlisted airmen. And, they've GOT to have the youngest looking Generals in any branch. I'd say the Air Force is definitely a tougher outfit than the Salvation Army.