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Department of Defense Announcement
Today we introduce the Distinguished Consideration Medal for civilians who seriously thought about joining the military but chose a different path.
Criteria: Watched a recruiting commercial, filled out partial paperwork, or told a veteran ‘I almost enlisted.’
Wear it proudly at barbecues.
Your service (almost) is appreciated.
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The Air Force confounds me, and I will never understand why they have been trying to kill and retire the A-10. I truly wish they would return the A-10 to the Army and then allow the A-10 to be modernized and brought up to modern standards. The single best tool for so many missions. A magnificent beast of a plane. A-10’s go BRRRRRTT
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Thanks to AI.
Key Differences Between Modern (A-10C) and Original (A-10A):
Avionics & Cockpit: The A-10A utilized analog gauges, while the A-10C (developed 2005–2011) features a modern glass cockpit with two color multi-function displays (MFDs), a moving map, and digital situational awareness.
Targeting Capability: The original relied on the pilot’s eyes and the Pave Penny laser tracker. The modern A-10C uses advanced targeting pods (AN/AAQ-28V LITENING or Sniper), allowing for target detection, tracking, and laser designation at high altitudes and far distances, day or night.
Weaponry (Smart vs. Dumb): Originally, the A-10 was limited to “dumb” bombs, rockets, and the gun. The A-10C is fully integrated to fire precision-guided munitions, including GBU-54/58 Laser JDAMs, GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs, and laser-guided AGM-65E Mavericks.
Communications & Network: The A-10C includes the Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL) and Link 16, allowing it to share target information with ground troops and other aircraft, a capability nonexistent in the original design.
Structural Upgrades: The modern fleet has received new wings (TUSK program) to extend service life to 2040, addressing fatigue issues from decades of service.
“Suite 11” Enhancements: Recent upgrades (Suite 11) added high-resolution display systems (HRDS), 3D audio, and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rockets.
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Excellent contribution. Thanks.
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The bigger question is how long can the USAF keep kicking that can down the road? An A-10 replacement is needed. That process should have started around 2020 if you want to start retiring the warthogs in 2040. Maybe the best replacement is a still further upgraded A-10?
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I agree Bradley. You notice that alot of times when the talk of scrapping the A10 comes up, something happens and it shows its worth. May just be me but….
Its not gonna win air to air, but for close in ground support. It still wins.
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I’m certain that I wouldn’t want one to be the last thing I see.
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Makes quite the ‘Racket’ Blood! But a beautiful sight to see when they come down to deal some Pain!. They are Ground Pounder support Not Dog fighters (Generally)
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2 aircraft that have stood the test of time…so far. A10 and the AC130. Why? they can loiter on station and with its “antique “ systems unleash holy hell on the enemy. Grant it, both aircraft have been updated but they are not f22’s or f35’s, They are better. Give me old school firepower when my ass used to be on the line. Im sure my brother’s feel the same nowadays
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I’m starting to think you are biased being a submariner. 
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Note to self: Never call the Navy when Close Air Support is required.
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