Few aircraft so prominently define their eras as the McDonell F-4 Phantom II does the 1960s and the Vietnam conflict. Initially imagined as a fighter and later an interceptor, the Phantom II eventually entered service as a fighter-bomber that set numerous speed and altitude records, was responsible for much of the bombing and air-to-air kills over Vietnam, and was later used extensively in SEADSuppression of Enemy Air Defenses and reconnaissance roles. The F-4 was a truly versatile—and effective—aircraft.

On this episode, former US Navy F-4 Phantom pilot Rear Admiral John “Tiger” Kerr and RIORadar Intercept Officer. An NFO who crewed the backseat of an F-4 Phantom or F-14 Tomcat. Captain Jack “Fingers” Ensch, both since retired, join us to answer our standard ‘aircraft series’ questions on this iconic aircraft and what it was like to fly and fight it. They return on the next episode to continue the stimulating discussion.

This week, hosts Jell-O and Sunshine catch up on phoned-in listener questions offering advice for getting the most out of the ROTCReserve Officer Training Corps. An officer commissioning program that allows students to attend non-service academies (i.e. public and private universities and colleges) where students pursue a bachelor’s degree while preparing for service as a commissioned officer in the military. program, answering when we will feature certain aircraft on the show, opining on career paths for TOPGUNaka Navy Fighter Weapons School. A US Navy institution that develops and provides graduate-level strike-fighter tactics. graduates, and discussing what happens when military aircraft crash into civilian infrastructure.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. Episode artwork by Janek Krause.