(BUFDRVR) wrote in
:

There is no comparison of enlisted folks to officers, even today. I
probably wouldn't trust anyone below (E-6) to make a decision on
their own, where it involved multi-millions, or 40 peoples lives.

How about 5? I trusted my life and that of my crew to anywhere between
2 and 10 E-3 through E-5's nearly every sortie, and after getting to
know these young men (and a few women) I never had a worry in the
world. In fact, I literally never worried about the condition of my
jet, *ever*!

As a wrench turning E-5 myself, I would like to say I appreciate your kind
words, BUF. I'll say there are definitely some 3-5 types who I feel can be
given a lot of trust to. I've also seen 6-8 types - and even some O's - who
I wouldn't trust much further than I can throw them when it comes to my own
safety. Point is, I think each individual should be treated individually -
not necessarily by what kind of rank they have.