I retired from the USAF in 1986. I couldn't do 20 years in todays armed forces.

Sure you could. But, then again, probably the reason I didn't make E8 lol

I was surprised to make E8 because I didn't complete the Senior NCO Academy course via correspondence because of the constant travel and laziness on my part.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but this linked article proves why I couldn't spend 20 years in today's Air Force. What a shame. A crying shame. Fortunately our adversaries aren't in much better shape than we are.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/1...end-message-to-north-korea-come-up-short.html

Who in the hell is in charge of making sure the planes get the proper maintenance?

The short answer is the Administration & Congress. The linked article shows what happens when the necessary funds aren't provided to recruit, train, and retain maintenance personnel and buy the necessary spare parts. It isn't going to get any better anytime soon.

Those bombers cost hundreds of million each. That's like buying a Ferrari and never changing the oil.