A Modest Proposal on the Tops in Blue

"Hot dog! Look..General, we can afford another 1/200th of an F-22!"

**chuckle**

On this, we agree John. There is no room for a broadway act in the military. We are fighting two wars and that's where our focus should be.

If the Air Force wants an effective recruiting tool, they need to send real Airman out into the public to tell their stories. Those guys are the best recruiters we'll ever have, not some flashy song and dance number.

I'm trying to decide if I was being mocked or not.... Atleast if they got rid of the tops in blue, maybe they would have some money for a decent AF memorial.

Tops in Blues, now theres a waste of money. God, I'm sure it was a cool idea back in its time, but they really ought to be shelved and retired.

Call that project an astounding success, throw them a hell of a fairwell, and stick that bit o budget back where it belongs.

If only the AF Brass would grow a pair and get rid of this waste of money. Tops in Blues and the Air Force Bands need to eliminated. Can we have a tight budget and still have a Tuba player AFSC? Should we have an troop of entertainers going everywhere when you can't fund flying hours for training?
When Leadership steps up and cans these sacred cows, they'll actually garner some respect from the troops. After the last 15 years of building leagacy via Uniforms instead of concrete actions, Leadership continues to show how out of touch with the reality of the warfighters they are.

Herkeng

As a member of Tops In Blue I get to see the other side of your shallow comments, We are more than a traveling broadway show, we are more than sequins and song and dance numbersTops In Blue show as a cadet, it was because your leadership felt it necessary to take you away from the stress and pressures of daily life at the academy and to relax and enjoy yourself for an hour and a half... Tops in Blue allows the military memeber who see's the show a moment of pause and escape from the reality they are in; if only for an hour. This program is needed and used quite effectively. I have been a member of Tops In Blue for 4 years and have been a fan since 1986 when i saw my first show, as a dependent. As a military member who has a family and not alot of money it is expensive to get quality entertainment for you and your family to enjoy, Hell a night out at the movies could cost $60.00 for a small family. These Shows are F-R-E-E and you have the nerve to redicule it and it's intentions. We travel to not only all the deployed locations but also stateside, pacific, and european bases to support our brothers and sisters in Blue! Anywhere u are we try to come and lift you up. We perform for the AFmember and their families... We go to hospitals, Daycares, local parks, Schools... Anywhere we feel we can be used. We display a positive image of the Military, the United States and our individual bases. While performing in the desert we are reminded why we are in existance over and over, those men and woman are so proud and honored to be americans, and proud to serve their country, and when we finish our show for them they are renewed able to carry on with their mission with a new found strength and desire to do their best. So think what you will of this World Famous Elite organization filled with the best Men and Woman the Air Force has to offer it's people
Because we know what our mission is and we succeed each and every year. Tops In Blue has been around almost as long as the Air Force itself In 1953 Maj Al Riley created this program with a small touring group and 54 years later look at what it has become, it has grown year after year and the Military families know it as part of the Air Force. We are services and without service there would be no military, we provide from childhood to the grave and everything in between. Needless to say I along with the thousands of Tops In Blue Priors from the past 54 years who have entertained the troops and brought joy to their families DO NOT AGREE with you... And THANK GOD WASHINGTON doesn't either!

Wow...such harsh comments here!

TIB is meant to entertain and boost morale and that is what it has done for YEARS.

Anyone not affiliated with/a member of TIB has NO CLUE what all these performers endure for this show (or what they endure just to make it into the show!). They ARE part of the Air Force and they DO serve their country and fellow military members in a unique and special way. They are in a constant state of deployment, have NO "Life" outside of TIB during their tour and they love what they do. Some even come back and do it for more than 1 tour because they feel so strongly that what they do is important and necessary. It is an honor for them.

The Air Force is not ALL about just funding pilots and planes...it is about people... tradition... a mission... a spirit... a TEAM!

As an Airman in Basic, being allowed to attend a TIB concert is a break from the rigors of Basic... a sanity break and an enjoyable time, once they let themselves relax enough to enjoy the performance. Sad to hear that a cadet was FORCED to attend... What a shame that it came to that for the person who wrote about that experience, here! To those deployed and far out of touch with loved ones and "home" TIB is a blessing and many a TIB performer has been told just that! TIB doesn't only perform for the Air Force, either... they uplift all the branches of the military where they perform and people in many places, at many events/holidays etc. where they perform. For those retired, who get to catch a performance from time to time, it is a time to reminisce and once again feel a part of the Air Force/military of which you were once a part.

Why would anyone feel "mocked"? I do not understand this...A TIB performance is meant as a TRIBUTE to those in uniform! It is meant to boost morale and it is meant to be enjoyed and remembered. It is a fun and meaningful part of the military experience.

I thank God for Tops In Blue, it has been a great part of my life and the lives of my family who have attended TIB performances their entire lives. We even travel to attend performances... it has become a tradition in our family. Where we live, now, it is a PLANE TRIP trip away, but we make the trips!

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AIRMEN... WE LOVE YOU!!!! :0)

~Ret. Chief's Wife/ Former Sgt./ TIB Mom

I agree. Tops in Blue gives military members a chance to get away from the daily grind of shift work, especially in places like the desert, where entertainment is scheduled few and far between. AND it's free. When I saw them a couple years ago, there was a line around the building hours before the show even began, so there is still a high demand for morale builders like this. It's a good example of the Air Force and Army (the Soldier Show) putting their resources to good use and presenting a tradition that's been around for over 50 years!

I will always support the morale of my fellow troops, especially when it comes to saving programs like Tops in Blue.

ha, was it mandatory fun?

We're in the middle of a RIF, impossible to justify cutting real workers when we're wasting money on a circus like Tops in Blue.

I find it strange that you would argue over such a thing. Obviously anyone that has commented against TIB has never really enjoyed a broadway show. That's understandable, some people don't like that kind of a show and can't enjoy it in any way. That's fine, but for the majority I would think that's not the case. Anyone that has ever performed in any worthwhile show knows what sacrifices happen to make a good show. They put their heart into and they make more of an impact than you know. They just can't appreciate that impact, because they don't know what a good show is.

Tops In Blue is an all volunteer team.
Each member is full time active duty Air Force. Members come from a variety of careers(admin.,law enforcement, medical,etc.)and return to those jobs after the tour is over. Each Airmen must get permission from his/her commander to perform for the TDY. Those in critically manned jobs usually can't go or sometimes are called back off tour.

Funding for Tops In Blue is proudly offset by civilian company sponsors.

So that explains manning and cost.

I've had the pleasure to both perform on stage as a member of Tops in Blue, and sit in the audience and watch TIB perform for me and my fellow desert troops. 24 years in and I have to say, there is no AF family like my TIB family!
God Bless You All!
DD

Wow, well lemme first start off with this....

Cadet-
In a leadership role dont you find it important to find morale boosting events that you can allow subordinates to attend to? You obviously are just that...a cadet. You have never been in the real Air Force yet, and definatly have not deployed yet. It is the simple minded ones such as yourself that create negative work center areas, and I hope to never work for you. Mandatory fun is a way of your supervision taking an interest in your needs, professionally and personally. The fact that your leadership cares that much should make you happy, not pissed off. I'll tell you what. Next time TIB comes here, you work for me while I go watch.

I was going to hit on the budget; however TIB prior hit on that one for me.

As for the AF Memorial, get you facts straight go to http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123022113 to view the beautiful AF Memorial we have! And hitting on that, wouldnt that be considered a waste of money? In fact, how about the new Blues? That comes directly out of the mission budget (unlike TIB) and MAJORITY of the AF has rejected the new uniform. Shouldnt that be the larger waste? Especially when MAJORITY of the AF LOVES TIB?

As for the comment to "When Leadership steps up and cans these sacred cows, they'll actually garner some respect from the troops" from Herkeng, I hope you never become an AF leader as well. The number one thing majority of the younger ranking amn want is FREE TIME OFF/FUN!!! Especially when you are in a remote location, when your hope is running out, you wanna see your family, and you have been homesick for so long that you dont know how to manage anymore.

I will always support TIB, my friends that I have CURRENTLY ON TOUR, my friends that are Prior, and all of my service members. Be proud TIB, and not everyone hates ya, just the uninformed idiots.

GO TIB07!!!!!!!!!!!! Good Job Riblett :)

Well, well, well...yet another person spouting useless verbiage. Cadet, it seems that the lesson learned here is to keep your mouth shut until you have all the information. Before blasting an organization, please do your research, and then opine. Yet, it is because of the sacrifices of our brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces, past, present, and future that gives you the freedom to state your opinion. Just one suggestion...don't belittle their sacrifice with stupidity or hatred.

As a prior Tops In Blue (Not Tops In Blues, Herkeng...shouldn't criticize if you can't pronounce it right)and a former AF Bandsman (married to a current AF Bandsman) AKA sacred cow, I am appalled at the venom you have spewed forth. What, did you try out and not get it? Where did the hatred come from? Can't musically talented people serve their country as well? And maybe you should ask recruiters how they get into schools they couldn't normally get into without the bands (free of charge). Or how about tell the Veterans who, year after year, come to a community concerts to be honored (I'm sure we can arrange for you to come and announce) that by us honoring them is a waste of funds.

Okay, so can Tops In Blue...while you're at it, let's 86 the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels...how much do they get paid to fly for fun??? Or how much does it cost in fuel to get those planes off the ground for the show...how many hours does it take to get that kind of precision??? Well, let's not stop there...get rid of Services all together. You know, those people who are usually working when you're not (holidays and your day off) to boost troop morale by providing food and lodging...why waste AF funds...you can pay for it!!

Oh and the memorial idea...money's already been 'wasted' on that. chic(k)pilot...go here http://www.airforcememorial.org...again another astounding display of someone speaking before they have all the info...what planet were you on to miss this one? Hello...60th Anniversary. So great, now we have three stainless steel spires that go into the sky. Although the money for the memorial is charitable donations, that you would propose that a portion of the DoD budget be diverted to that is ludicrous.

The next time you go see a Tops In Blue show...make sure you thank AT&T and Coca Cola for their funds. That's why you see their logos at the shows. Oh and another thing...these airmen who are sacrificing a year out of their lives and careers to serve someone else are on PTDY...no per diem. They work on average 18-20 hours, a day. They perform on Christmas Day, they leave their families, voluntarily, for YOU. They don't get A day off until about four months into the tour (18-20 hour days). I think the AF gets their money's worth. It is not as glamorous as one might think. The show is just an hour and a half out of an 18-20 hour day.

So, the thing is this...maybe next time, Cadet, ask your supervisor the next time Tops In Blue comes to town that instead of wasting your time making you sit in front of the show, come early and help them set up the 70,000lbs of equipment and tear it down when they're done. Get to know the program you're proposing to cut...at least you'll know what the heck you're talking about. I think that goes for all of you.

I am a veteran who proudly served my country by singing. I shared my God-given talent, gave a child a positive image about the military, cried with deployed troops, and gave 100% of my soul while doing it. I am proud of what I've done. Are you?

All I have to say is that I love Tops In Blue! My husband is a cuurent member of the 2007 team. This is his 3rd time touring. I have never been so proud of him. We have 2 children and they love to go to their Daddy's shows. My 2 year old dances in the isle through the whole show. Our children have been raise around this wonderful orgnization and love to see the show every chance they get.

Tops In Blue is a legacy. They perform their behinds off every show. They don't care if it is 20 people in the crowd or 20,000, they give it their all. I see the faces in the crowds, they laugh, they cry, they are filled with pride, as am I.

Spouces go to the show because they know that just a couple months ago their husband/wife just saw the show in Iraq. It brings them together in ways nothing else can. I wish you could see what I see. See the love so many people have for this program. I just hope one day you will.

You've got to be kidding me. Seriously, you people are considering keeping Tops in Blue, but you want to buy more F-22s and now Joint Strike Fighters? Do you know how much work it takes to maintain these brand new, super-sophisticated aircraft? Do you know that we can't manange to house our people in decent dorms over here in Korea, but we spend money on eight different Air Force bands, including Tops in Blue? Eight bands. You don't think that's a little overkill? I do.

Do you know that my base boasts the oldest working dining facility, and the Air Force has eight bands? Did you know that my shop has a problem getting money for spreadable RAM and that the Air Force has eight bands? Eight freaking bands.

If the Air Force wants to keep TIB, fine. But get rid of something else, and I would hope that wouldn't be your maintainers. Additionally, go look at the rosters for the eight different bands. They're comprised of totally different people. In fact, approximately 700 people make up the military bands. 700 hundred people. That is ridiculous.

I think they should keep Tops in Blue. Where else can homosexuals openly serve.

Wow, MO and Spencer... I am appalled at your responses to this idea. I am over here in korea and have been stationed here since 2005 it is now Jan 2008 and yes this is an old wing, and yes the facilities are deteriorating, but at what point does getting rid of jobs make a difference in how we live, getting rid of TIB isn't going to build a new PACIFIC House or get you more Dorms... Tops in Blue has lost 40% of it's budget too, everyone feels it when the Air Force is low on funds. And Tops in Blue isn't an Air Force Band it is The Air Force's EXPEDITIONARY ENTERTAINMENT TROUPE, Performing for the ENTIRE WORLD... The other bands have regions in which they perform and yes that is their primary job, but also know alot of those people crosstrained into that career field, served at least one enlistment in the "Functional Air Force". Some members are prior Tops In Blue performers. And those bandsman have gone to school to perfect their craft as you try to perfect yours through OJT and upgrade training. They deserve a place to use their degree's and knowledge as well. The Air Force is Equal Oppertunity. Tops in Blue is a permissive TDY meaning these airman aren't professionals, they are Maintainers, medics, cops, CE, services, Chaplains assistants, Officers and commanders, who all have another AFSC being allowed to perform for their Brothers and Sisters in uniform "YOU". We count it an honor to represent you and everyone past and present who has served and to be able to touch your lives for a moment when you are away from the comforts of home and your families. Tops in Blue Has a very small budget from the Air Force and offsets all its expenses with Private funds from their SPONSORS Coca Cola and AT&T among many others. So don't feel that Tops in Blue is taking precious money that you need. And as for YOU SPENCER... It is not permitted for anyone to Serve in the Air Force as an openly Known Homosexual, read your UCMJ. Where all can homosexuals serve...? Anywhere, but it is not openly recognized, nor condoned, nor permitted in any squadron, Group, wing, or Service. Tops In Blue is STILL an ELITE MILITARY ORGANIZATION! And regardless of what you may think of the cast members. KNOW THAT THEY ARE MILITARY PROFESSIONALS FIRST and take their Job, and what they represent very seriously THEY ARE AMBASSADORS in Blue representing the UNITED STATES AIR FORCE, and AMERICA to the WOrld at large... They sacrifice a year of their Lives to portray you and me the everyday Joe, and try to instill some of our values, and lead by example to younger generations, and impovorished nations... people who don't have but want what AMERICA IS! So all this being said, Think before you speak again.

Cadet,and anyone else that does not get it. Until you have waited months in a far away land for a little "home" you do not know how good these hard working USAF people are. Understand they were not recruited from Hollywood or Broadway to "put on a show" They are working Airman and Officers that voluntered the step up and do something you CAN NOT DO. I saw TIB in southeast ASIA ( a wet far away land) and at two state side bases.Never did anyone boo, walkout or dare say something as stupid as you people.Does anyone doubt for a minute that if the world stability went bad that the "Team" (Thunderbirds for you cadets) and TIB would redeployed within days. So stop winning volunteer for extra duty when TIB comes to town so someone can enjoy one of the few "TRADITIONS" that we have in the newest branch of he service. By the way if you dont agree please email me.
Mike "Robby" Robertson
F-15 Crew Chief

Thanks Mike, Glad to see someone gets it!!!

TIB and the regional bands should be deactivated and the people should be be given a choice to join Honor Guard or a chronic critical shortage AFSC or go through convoy training at Camp Bullis and start filling ILO Army convoy taskings. Units like mine continue to send Airmen TDY for 9 months on ILO convoy deployments, leaving us only 40% manned at home station, working 60 hours a week and constantly feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, with no time for unit activities or even mandatory PT--this is done before or after a 12 hour shift. How does TIB come to my rescue? They contact me and ask for 4 of my vehicle operators to go TDY for a week to drive the tour bus or support vehicles, making it even more difficult to sustain daily mission requirements. Oh yeah, and the bands call us to drive them around too, because they say they need to rest during the bus ride from 1 high school to the next, so they cant drive themselves. The really frustrating thing is knowing that many of these little bands are so top heavy with E-8s and E-9s that are making so much money to be clueless about the GWOT and the military in general, but they are really great flute players and a great recruiting tool...I didn't know we were trying to recruit flute players into the Air Force...ditch the bands and put the money into advertising on TV and the Internet, those are way better recruiting mediums than our bands. Those of us in AFSCs with OPSTEMPOS/PERSTEMPOS that are through the roof are probably the best candidates to receive the benefit of escapism by reveling in the supposed sanctuary of a performance, however, I can't get past the fact that budgets are so tight that I've had to pull money out of my own pocket to buy paper towels for our latrine in the past...but there's money to pay for these non-mission related programs. Knowing this, I feel the best way TIB and these bands can contribute to my morale and quality of life is for them to be deactivated and start filling real voids in the Honor Guards, chronic critical shortage AFSCs and train up to drive trucks ILO Soldiers...this would do so much more towards relieving our stress than any 1 hour show could.

Also, just more food for thought...and it seems as if all of you who come up with alternatives to the bands and TIB REALLY don't know what they're talking about. It's quite oxymoronic. You suggested replacing the band with advertising on TV and the internet. Once again, you are speaking from ignorance. To advertise on TV and to reach the demographics to recruit...let's say during American Idol...it will cost the AF for 30 seconds $780,000. That's not including the cost of making the commercial...that's just for the air. For 30 seconds...that is more than the yearly budget of one AF Band. Hmmmm, so I would say that by employing the bands, the AF is actually saving money. And why mention the Honor Guard? They are also a 'tradition' and if we wanted to really get down to it, the AF Honor Guard in D.C. who is employed full time, what do they do? Carry and spin guns and wave a piece of fabric on a stick...what kind of sense does that make? They have a vital mission as well, but not one that is more important...they actually work side-by-side. Let's try to make some sense here instead of spreading the hatred for something that clearly you have no comprehension of.

Wow, just wow... Libby, you and I aren't living on the same planet. The idea that TiB is an effective recruiting tool is farcical. I stand by my statement on another thread- spend that million on the rec tent, or just put some more cheerleaders on tour again. But I'd feel much better if the money paid for some private security for a Stateside base (thereby freeing up some Security Forces manning), or even bought a year's supply of toilet paper for the Pentagon.

Sgt F...

Are you not capable of reading? TIB is NOT A RECRUITING TOOL...once again, ignorance. Go ahead and stay on your planet, we need less uninformed people on planet earth.

Wow it's funny how you get so many different view points about TIB! Tops in Blue is a GREAT recruitin tool it help me make my decision in joining. I'm a music major and I perform shows like TIB and when I heard of the group I INSTANTLY fell in love because now not only can i serve my country and pay for college . I have to oportunity to audition to do something I have a passion for. Even if I dont make it I believe Tops in Blue is one of the best perks in AF. These men and women work extremly hard and they still have their normal jobs and to volunteer to sing dance, and do comedy is AWESOME. The purpose for any kind of performer is to excite you , to wipe away your worries at the moment, and to just live in the moment. COME ON now why should we NOT have them . With the war and many stresses in being a servicemen or family member, I believe having Tops in Blue would be a great form of destressing. I just want to let Tops in Blue Know I have the utmost respect for them and just wait because Artesha Dunning is coming for you!

Wow it's funny how you get so many different view points about TIB! Tops in Blue is a GREAT recruitin tool it help me make my decision in joining. I'm a music major and I perform shows like TIB and when I heard of the group I INSTANTLY fell in love because now not only can i serve my country and pay for college . I have to oportunity to audition to do something I have a passion for. Even if I dont make it I believe Tops in Blue is one of the best perks in AF. These men and women work extremly hard and they still have their normal jobs and to volunteer to sing dance, and do comedy is AWESOME. The purpose for any kind of performer is to excite you , to wipe away your worries at the moment, and to just live in the moment. COME ON now why should we NOT have them . With the war and many stresses in being a servicemen or family member, I believe having Tops in Blue would be a great form of destressing. I just want to let Tops in Blue Know I have the utmost respect for them and just wait because Artesha Dunning is coming for you!

Artesha,

I am so glad that Tops In Blue helped you in your decision. Every year the AF has the Worldwide Talent Competition and I work it every year, so I will look forward to seeing you. Tops In Blue has an unofficial website that helps priors and their family members keep in touch, but it is also a forum to ask questions if you should have any about the program and how to join. www.tibpriors.org. Check it out.

Please, for those of you who do not agree with this program, do not go to this website to cause trouble. This website is not formatted for that. Out of respect for our brothers and sisters in arms please respect their 'space'...remember, these members are cops, crew chiefs and every other career available in the military. Thank you...

My family and I LOVE TIB, especially since our son performed with the 2007 tour. He has been deployed and has been on the other side, and throughly enjoyed being on the entertaining side. TIB is the best thing that has come along, because it brought us closer to home when they came to town many years ago when we were stationed overseas. We are very proud of our son and the rest of the TIB 2007 tour group. Love ya'll Mama R.

Wow!....I dont even know where to start...I have to say I am just...shocked...I am a cop, have been deployed to the desert, and was a member of TIB 2007. To say that TIB is not an uplifting morale booster is ludicrous...and No I dont mean the Rapper...How dense does one have to be to see that? I never really understood what Tops In Blue meant...until I was in a remote deployed location in the Middle East, and wanted SOOO badly to see the '06' (would have been my first one) show...But I couldn't because I was on shift. However, I did get to meet the 2006 team after my shift and after their performance and helped them tear down and get to know them. That single-handedly was enough to boost my morale to finish my tour in the AOR and enough information to know, that I WAS GOING TO AUDITION AND MAKE the 2007 tour. Learn about the program and what it TRUELY stands for Before EVEN ONE....of you is audacious enough to ridicule this program...GO and help them tear down or set up? Or is that to above you to help another human being? Maybe then will you have just an inkling of what you are talking about as opposed to this outlandish slander! We talk about how disconnected we are as a "WHOLE," (meaning human life as we know it,) I grew to know my fellow teammates, my new family so well, and I would die for anyone of them. And its sad to say, but I dont know if I would be willing to do the same for some of my fellow cops....But its because of asinined people who have no clue what they say, and how hurtful things that they say can affect another. ALSO...being apart of a Cop squadron, suprisingly enough, almost ALL of them came and supported myself along with the rest of the 2007 cast when our show came to my base. And Riblett, libby, Mama R. I love you guys....TRUE BLUE through and through...

Nic

Nic Mama R and I love you as well....I would die for u too You are my Brother forever... Kill them out there and show this world what TIB is in the 08 season, I wish I could be out there beside u!
Love Riblett

Alot of hate and misunderstanding of what TIB does. They lift spirits, and provide a break for troops. They help morale, and go everywhere to do it. Some dont like it, thats fine dont go to the show.
Calling the TIB a place to serve openly gay..... Man are you for real? That may be the most ignorant statement I have heard in a long time. So I suppose that if you sing to your favorite song, you are homosexual, or all the bands on the radio or do concerts are homosexual? Wake up bro, its airman sharing a gift they have to help you fell a tad better about your deployment or life on base.

They have sponsors that pay for most of their equipment, and Volunteers at the bases that feed them and sometimes help. They are an integral part of the total force in the USAF.

I appreciate what you all have done for me and all the other fortunate people that have been able to "get away" for the time you perform.

Hey Mike, glad to see ya on here... how ya been. I see you got married, glad to see the tour didnt turn u gay, lol j/k ok i know cheap shot...but this site has ticked me off for acouple years now

I am a former TIB, and have to add my support to my fellow members and supporters of a great deal as TIB. I was an AF Firefighter and served 2 tours with TIB. Definitely the most uplifting and rewarding time of my career. Most troops enjoy the chance to gain stress relief from music and entertainment. There always has to be morons who truly do not understand what civilian sponsorship is, and how little AF funds are tapped for the TIB org.
Unlike the non educated folks, I thank each and EVERY military member for what they do in the service....sorry for the ones that cannot overlook money issues and the true meaning of "service"
Greg

As a recent member of Tops in Blue, I can honestly say that it is not needed. Most of the members are openly gay!? These are active duty military mind you! It was ridiculous! I personally see alot of people resent TIB and very few shows had a packed venue, in fact most of them were quite empty, including a show in NJ where we had a total of 15 members in the audience!? Nobody but really old people, kids, and commanders who you can tell dont want to be there are at the shows. They spend so much money taking us all around the world and it's cool to see the world but it is definately not needed in these times of war and recession. Did I mention the civilian leadership condones the open gay members of the team because they are mostly the featured soloists. There is no military structure and these people claim to be ambassadors for the U.S. and the Air Force. It's crazy and shouldn't be around anymore. Take it from a recent member...

And the comments from the member Nic are ridiculous. First all his own sexuality is in question along with him sexually harassing several members on the team women and men. The desert audiences were some of the smallest audiences and I hope they take it out of the military. It is a safe haven for open homosexuals in the military, as a former member as well, I agree with the above post in all of its craziness and I hope they take it out of the air force.

I have to agree with Cadet. TIB is a waste of money. If deployed and TIB was on base, I'd prefer to (a) sleep, (b) work out, or (c) go back to work.

Where to even start? TIB serves its purpose, and it has lovers and haters on both sides. Maybe it's not fair for people who haven't been involved with the program to be so judgmental. Maybe the people who have been involved are overly biased.

The gay thing? Yes, there's lots of gays in TIB. Guess what? There's lots of gays in the AF period. Nic and Riblett are gay/bi. The performance director of TIB is gay/bi (though civilian, he was AD and toured with TIB as well), so what? It's going to happen. You probably have gays working in your office and don't even know it. It's a non-issue.

What is an issue is the way TIB is run. They waste money. Gobs and gobs of money. They justify it by spouting drivel about the cost of an F-22 wing not comparing and so on. It doesn't matter. FW&A abound in TIB. Disregard for AFI's abound, despite the TIB mantra of following all AFI's & AFMAN's to the letter. I guess it only applies to the team members, not the civilian leadership.

They disregard the health of their cast members and threaten "perform or get sent home". For the members who have worked so hard in some cases, sacrificed a great deal to make the team, they choose to go on injured rather than going home. They just want to finish the tour; you have no idea how hard it is to just give it up after working so hard. They've had people perform with broken feet (a story they love to spout to injured cast members), broken backs, 101+ degree temps, and the list goes on.

They let adulterous relationships abound until it's made public enough to have to take action, in other words, once it will hurt the TIB leadership...then it's handled, but the leadership knows far in advance. Why not take care of it on the spot? Because it would hurt the show. The Show > UCMJ, AFI's, AFMAN's. No integrity.

Lastly, and for the sake of the team members past and present I hate to say it, the shows aren't that good. Maybe they were, once upon a time, but after seeing several shows, and this years is the worst thus far (by no fault of the cast) I have to say it's just sad that a certain someone doesn't throw in the towel and let a younger, more contemporary mind take the program over. The way the show is built is the very definition of inefficiency. Can you imagine putting a play on Broadway and changing the script on opening night? That's how the shows are built, which leads to poor quality shows. The poor techs haven't a clue what they're doing, so the sound is bad. The show changes so much from week to week that the lighting is usually bad. The costumes...well, at least the sequin companies are happy. The arrangements are nice, but are sped up so fast they lose their appeal. The choreographer knows what he's doing, but all the good stuff gets thrown out and the antiquated mickey mouse stuff is kept (also, it wouldn't hurt if they at least tried to keep the men's dance moves somewhat masculine). All of this boils down to a poorly planned show. TIB could be so much more.

As someone who has toured, I salute all the priors and the currents. I know how hard it is. I salute the leadership and thank you for what you've done for all these years. I also know all the ugly details, and just think there's a better way to do it.

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Well, as someone that tried out earlier this year in January for the 2009 TIB team, I sure am happy that i didn't get selected because I was disappointed when I saw their show a couple of months ago. I def think TIB i starting to lose it's streak and they need to get some updated music, not perform those old 70s and 80s music. Not that there's anything wrong with the music, it's just that if you're going to sing to young audiences, you need to get fresh music, like Pink, Mario, Omarion, Chris Brown, Mary J Blige, and so forth. You're only putting your audience to sleep (except the old people).

Another problem TIB has is putting the same members back onthe team year after year. This year alone 5-8 priors are back on the TIB team once again!!! What the hell is the purpose of me trying out if you're just gonna choose somebody that was on the team 2 years ago. That's so stupid and the director is stupid for choosing same people!

Subject is a great work. But there are missing information.