Last week we had the unique opportunity to get a tour of an F-16. Dr Campbell had a patient who graciously accepted to show us the ropes. He walked us around the "air ship" and pointed out every detail. From the weapons system to the ejection seat - very cool. I was especially slack-jawed thinking about all the math and physics involved in making one of these babies fly and fight. As the pilot drove us back (he was our full time escort) he told us about some of his current frustrations. The whole idea now in that area is to support the Iraqi police. So when something is observed from the air - it's up to the pilot to call it in, hoping the Iraq police will do something, only sometimes they don't.
He told a story about how two days prior to our tour, he saw a bad guy setting up a mortar. Way up above, the pilot followed the insurgent home. He radioed in the house location and ID'ed the guy. Nothing was done. A day later we were under mortar attack. The pilot is convinced that it was this bad guy who “slipped” through the Iraqi Police system. Sure.

The 'stache salute. Only for special occasions.