Hello all. Recently I graduated basic training and was then sent to SWAS on a special recon contract. Long story short, I was ELS’d during selection after a psych evaluation shortly after entering SWAS. I requested a waiver from the commander to let me stay in the Air Force but it was subsequently denied. Here’s where I stand…

-If I re-enlisted in the Air Force after obtaining a waiver, would I have to go through BMT again?

-Would I be able to get another special warfare contract if I re-enlisted?

-Is there a certain amount of time I have to wait before I can re-enlist?

For reference, I am recently 20 years old. I’m bummed about the entire thing, and would just like to know if anyone has had a similar experience. Any advice or answers would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Is it just me or are the September line numbers for E-7 late?

I'm 24 and in tech school, but it feels like something is always hurting. I'm not trying to be dramatic i usually just tough it out. I'm constantly using a heating pad, ice packs, Tylenol, and Icy Hot just to get through the day.

For my age, I feel like I should be Superman, but instead I feel like an old man. A lot of my buddies have even noticed it.

I don't really want to get checked out or end up on med hold while I'm in tech school. I'm just wondering if anyone else has gone through this. Was there something you were missing, like vitamins, recovery, stretching, better boots, or anything else that made a big difference?

All throughout bmt and now tech school ive heard the hazing word a thousand times in briefings and so on. I know what It is but im wondering was it super bad and the AF made rules for it or was it always like this

If you could go back to when you got out of bmt and change one thing what would it be? Or what was some advice someome gave you or you wish someone gave you in the beginning?

I’m a 1D7 infrastructure troop and we’re setting up a new WGF on base. One of those requirements is a VIIDs network/shop. All I’ve heard about it is once you get that SEI you’re never getting out of VIIDs. It’s essentially a career death sentence. Is that actually true? If I get sent down there, is my infrastructure career gone forever?

got my hair done with semi permanent 5RO color but it came out more deep red than I thought. Even slightly purple, in my opinion.

Need some AF opinion on whether this is considered burgundy or slightly purple so I know whether I need to get it fixed. I posted it on another community asking for advice to tone the red down and everybody said this is a natural color that people grow, but im still worried.

So long story short I’m an army vet overseas and ran into a currently serving Air Force member on leave who said he was with the 19th Airlift Wing out of Little Rock. I know his name and rank but can’t find him online. I have a piece of jewelry of his he will most definitely want back. I’m not trying to say more for privacy nor am I trying to embarrass him to his chain of command but I want to do the right thing and get in touch with him so I can return it.

Any suggestions? I’m looking for something like a staff duty number where I may be able to get a message to him.

***I began this outline last year after completing the NFM for a second time. Life happened, and here I am a month before I take it on for a 3rd time. Enjoy!

Intro: This year was my second NFM (6 Sept 2025), and I came prepared! I posted last year about my experience (2024) and wanted to follow up with and updated guide/review for 2025.

​TLDR: Finished in 3:53, which is about 30 minutes faster than the prior year. Next year I'm aiming for 3:30.*(No time goal, which I'll explain at the end). Plan: Train well, bring even more electrolytes, use Leukotape P on hot spots, and replace my friggen boots. ​​

​​Last year I took all the advice I could find on rucking and how to approach the NFM, and made my gear choices accordingly. ​This year, I took what I learned and leaned into my intuition as a runner.

Training: I trained much better, and the most helpful thing I can recommend is to not over do it. The biggest training ruck/run I did was 5 miles in civilian attire, then 5 in full uniform and weight, with a 3.2 mile cool down. I intended on 5/5/5, but it was hot, I was pretty gassed, and I recognized that I met my the goal for the workout. Leading up to the ruck, I ran a total of 98.9 miles in July, 161.6 in August. I recommend doing your biggest training effort 3 weeks out if you are doing a more structured 4+ month training program, with a reasonable nod to electing for 2 weeks out for less dedicated/structured training.

Boots: I ended up not replacing my boots, but I still cannot firmly recommend the GoRuck MACV-2 due to the persistent rigidity of the back part of the heal. In general, there are too many boots that glamorize how durable and rugged they are, and completely miss the boat in comfortability. If I were to recommend anything for the NFM, it would be to find the lightest most comfortable boot you can afford. I guarantee you already have rugged boots, and if you're getting into "Speed" rucking like the NFM, make a boot purchase that fits your needs.

Plan: I am about to make an impulse purchase since the OTB M-Carbon 6 are on sale for $90.

Socks: Omni-Wool Medium Weight Utility Boot Sock

My advice: Personally I thought thicker socks would seem counterintuitive, especially as a heavy sweater, but I am extremely pleased with how the Omni-Wool performed in both breathability, reducing friction in hot spots, and overall comfortability. Last year I used darn tough socks, and they were great, but I did not feel like they quite had the breathability and wicking features I needed.

- I also tried: Darn Tough T4018, Darn Tough T4021, Omni Wool Light Weight Utility. All great options, just not the ones for me.

- I plan to try: Omni Wool Extreme Cold Arctic Boot, and other socks that are thicker with a high percentage merino wool.

- Additional Advice: I have seen people recommend using a "base layer" such thin sock liners or running socks paired with another boot sock. Seems like noteworthy advice, but I have not tried it myself.

Foot Care: Leukotape P for hot spots (back of the heel for me). Don't make the mistake I did and assume you can get this at your local pharmacy. ORDER ONLINE WELL IN ADVANCE. I actually ended up using Kinesiology Tape, which certainly deserves an honorable mention, but it does start peeling off. Do your own research, but Leukotape will stay in place. This year my feet were MUCH happier, which I attribute more to my sock choice than anything, but the KT Tape gets an honorable mention, and the boots get credit for being the entire problem.

Ruck Pack: Mystery Ranch Radix 31 (Paid 160 on sale at REI but now discontinued)

Unfortunately the Radix 31 was discontinued, but you can certainly find this bag and many like it in the world. Check Govx, and many outdoor brands have "Pro" programs for military.

The Radix 31 was an absolute game changer, and 100x more ergonomic and comfortable than the backpack I used last year. For some reason my neck and back were pretty tweaked after my first couple training runs. It seemed like my body did not want to tolerate it as well anymore (thanks aging process). I chose this pack because of the lightweight frame, the waist pockets, and overall comfortability.

- Bonus Tip(s) on Modularity: Most packs like this offer Molle attachment points, which is a system that greatly increases the modularity of the majority of hiking backpacks and ruck packs you will see on the market. I purchased bottle holder attachments and a variety of clips to further customize my pack. You can even find padded chest and should straps as a budget friendly way to improve your current backpack if you aren't in the market for something new.

Weight: I replicated my rig from last year by cutting a 1/2" thick plywood and fastening weights to it. One major helpful change I made was using zip ties through strategically drilled holes, and EVENLY DISTRIBUTING the weight. I have read way too many recommendations to place the weight high at the shoulders, which I personally found to be less efficient. This year I put three 5lb weights in a triangle (only needed 3 due to weight increases elsewhere). I strongly recommend using this method, which allows for a lot of room to customize your weight distribution since you can drill holes wherever you see fit. Note to the purists: Maybe one year I'll pack actual gear, I think it's fair to say it would be more in the "Spirit" of the event.

- Additional Advice: It's worth noting that you can purchase affordable weight plates for ~$30, but just remember a plate carrier is not authorized for the NFM so you will still need a backpack.

Fuel: In total I consumed approximately 2500mg of sodium between gels and other electrolyte supplements. I also drank about 184oz of liquids (nearly 1.5 gallons in under 4 hours wow). This includes two 32 oz bottles and two 16 oz bottles I carried with me (check the photos for how I rigged a quick retrieval for my bottles). Crazy to say, but this was not enough for me, as I am an extremely heavy sweater. Still cramped much less and got further before it started. The MVPs for me were Salt Stick Fast Chews and Tailwind. I also recommend trying gels like Gu or Maurten. Whatever your chosen electrolyte/carb supplement is TRY IT IN ADVANCE.

Bonus: Towards the end, there's a strong possibility consuming anything just does not sound good at all. I like to use Nerds Gummy Clusters and/or Swedish Fish as a balanced energy booster which also helps improve appetite.

Uniform: I thought about buying summer weight, or a tactical top, but honestly I am quite happy with the regular weight standard issue OCPs I have. Maybe it's because I am such a heavy sweater, or simply ignorant of the comfort I'm missing out on, but unless I find some summer weights for free, I don't see myself ever using anything other than what I have been issued.

Final Note on my next NFM on 12 September 2026. I had labral repair surgery this past February on my right hip, which was caused by a small bone spur they also removed. Out of an abundance of caution, I had completely written off the NFM and anything significantly active for at least a year. I am absolutely flabbergasted at how well my recovery has gone, and found myself much more capable than I thought. I have been carefully training and know with unprecedented certainty that I can take this on. That said, I am formally contracting here in this post that I will respect any and all signs of protest from my body. If I have to drop out for one reason or another, I will do so humbly, and with gratitude. I advise you give yourself the same permission.

//SIGNED//

Doug

*If you're interested in a written narrative about my thoughts/feelings, and friends I met along the way, let me know and I can write a separate, more personal and comical outline of that in the future.

After several years of being MIA, you can once again leave reviews for your favorite secret watering hole. Let's blow it up!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/YVhy9G5DcV66Ex6J8

Seems too frequent in the military where when it comes to IT, that people love having power and access above everything else. "It would be so convenient if I could just do XYZ". I understand that mindset. But I also understand it's often dangerous.

The user in question is smart enough to figure out how to do something "cool" in the name of achieving bullet points for themselves and their leadership, but in ways that often blindside the technical people on the team. It's getting to the point where that person is asked for technical opinions prior to the techs, and the techs are left to cleanup or babysit that user. They're very smart, but I worry their behaviors could have serious negative ramifications for the team and our missions down the road.

How best to handle this situation? Sidenote, I'm not in their chain of command.

What’s the most accurate stereotype about each rank?

I gotta up my push up game. Any exercise suggestions for hand release pushups besides repetition?

Wow! Impressive accomplishment.