More affirmative action gone bad? I’d like to think this is just a bad attempt at humor, but perhaps this is what you really believe. If you do, then it’s your prerogative, but I’d like to think that the Air Force I’ve proudly served for almost (20-years) and still do is above the garbage found in the civilian world. Airmen are responsible with flying, fixing, and operating some of the most advanced weapon systems, and most sophisticated equipment in the world with “sticker prices” too high to contemplate. From USAF astronauts in the space shuttle program to our lowest ranking Airmen repairing jet engines on a flight line somewhere around the world, we simply can’t afford to play the affirmative action game.
Clearly this Commander lost his way over the years, but like other parts of society, the US military has its share of “bad apples”. We’re no more impervious to idiots in our ranks than you in whatever industry you work in, but the system worked. Col Lofton was accused, tried and convicted.
I don’t give a rip what you think about these politicians playing word games while trying to become president, but when you insult the men and women of the USAF I guess I can get a little pissed off.
No need to get all huffy. Just because you are upstanding and haven’t witnessed anything like this doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.
I served off and on in the Marine Corps and the Army National Guard between 1970 and 1992. I saw some real shitbirds for officers and I saw plenty of good ones, too. By far the best one was a man who was my battery commander and then continued on and is now a full colonel. He had a way about him that was truly worthy of respect. Not flashy or charismatic. Just pure competence and genuine caring about his men and his mission. But he was the exception.
your righteous anger over a discriminatory practice that has been a cancer on and in our society for many years is appropriate but directed in the wrong direction. It should be directed at the cause, CONGRESS.
I too am a proud former Airman (reservist 10 years} air cargo/special handler. I have also served in the army as a military policeman (4 years/3 active and 1 reserve) In the civilian world I was a government employee in the Justice Department (23 years Bureau of Prisons hence the e-name) now retired and (4 years in Kansas State) Lansing State Prison.
I have witnessed the discrimination first and second hand in each of those areas and although I have survived and prospered I know of many hurt egos and attitudes of capable military men and civilians destroyed and lost to our government due to the socialist plans of equality concocted in smoke filled back rooms (no we cant use him we need a black or hispanic for the promotion).
That discrimination was not made illegal by our law givers and power takers.
I as you have said I know of many good non white co-workers that could and have made their way up the ladder and with the new information tech we have it is much harder to cover up incompetent workers and promote on quotas.
However as with this 0-6 many things in the 70’s and 80’s were deleted and covered up to make many of the bad decisions look good and many will come to roost in the near future as they are removed or retired but their bad/poor career decisions will have long range ramifications.
I have hope for us and if allowed the younger troops and polls will actually only look at the character and abilities of the up and coming.
Sorry for being so long winded but I had to let you know where I was coming from.
Thank you for your service and for being a Patriot.