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EDITORIAL

by

R.S. Gilbert

Among all the things that I have pursued or accomplished in this life, I think flying and martial arts are two things I really developed a passion for. I studied both extensively. When I first took up flying I did so because I felt not only did I need the sense of accomplishment that taking up and succeeding in a technical field would bring, but also I wanted to experience the thrill and freedom of being in touch with the elements of wind, air, and weather. A lot of my training came from a wily old world war two flying veteran George Justmen, who had been through it all, including flying "the hump" in Burma. He really instilled in me a sense of responsibility to myself and others. He often spoke the old adage, "There are old pilots and bold pilots but no old bold pilots" in other words don't take foolish chances. I took this matter to heart and I tried to instill the same in others.

I think the martial arts are a lot like flying at least in some aspects, The more you train and study, the more confident you become and the less fear you have. I was fortunate enough to have studied under the creator of the S.C.A.R.S. (special combat aggressive reactionary systems) system , Jerry Peterson. It was a no nonsense application of fighting techniques derived from china (kung fu san soo) mixed with modern combat tested hand to hand fighting. These techniques were to taught to the navy seals for many years in their "buds" training. I can remember some unforgettable moments when I would be sparring with members of the seal team who would come to the small dojo Jerry was running on the side, and wreak havoc on Mr. Peterson's civilian students. This training instilled in me a need to be focused and fearless and took me to a high level of confidence.

Brining us back to the present time. The events that have taken place on and since Sept 11, 2001 have convinced me of the need for my fellow airmen and women to be more confident in their ability to use offensive tactics for control of terrorists or any aggressor be it on the plane or otherwise. To be more blunt its time to "kick ass and take names". Needless to say every pilot has been trained about the importance of keeping his pax save but who would have thought that it would come to hand to hand combat? For now that looks like the agenda. In todays world even if you don't fly, survival arts are a must. and so maybe the old adage that my flight instructor spoke will have to changed to, "there are old pilots and there are old bold pilots" with a new interpretation of the meaning of bold to fearless instead of foolish. My thoughts and supplications are with you all.