Frequently Asked Questions
Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) Candidates
The ANG is a military organization primarily responsible for supporting various state missions (e.g., alert, disaster relief, etc.) while also occasionally deploying overseas as a reserve component of the active duty Air Force.
The ANG flies almost all of the same aircraft available in active duty (e.g., F-35, F-22, F-16, F-15, A-10, B-2, C-130, C-17, KC-135, KC-46, HH-60, and many more). Each state has at least one flying mission (e.g., the TN ANG flies the KC-135, the LA ANG flies the F-15, and the MN ANG flies both the F-16 and C-130–every state is unique). Aircrew will be either hired directly by a squadron to attend UPT or transition to the Guard/Reserve from active duty (any branch). They will attend the same exact training in the same classes as their active duty counterparts.
ANG aircrew are subject to the same commitment as the active duty Air Force (e.g., 10 years of service for pilots after completing Undergraduate Pilot Training); however you can fulfill that commitment as either a full-time or part-time member of that squadron.
The Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC)Â is a Major Command (MAJCOM) of the active duty Air Force, providing combat-ready forces to Fly, Fight and Win.
The AFRC currently performs about 20 percent of the work of the Air Force, including traditional flying missions and other more specialized missions, such as Weather Reconnaissance (Hurricane Hunters), Modular Aerial Fire Fighting (MAFFs), and Personnel Recovery (Pararescuemen).
Applicants applying for a pilot slot in the AFRC can be “sponsored” (hired by a specific squadron) or “unsponsored” (hired by the AFRC and assigned a squadron later). Upon completion of pilot training, members incur the same service commitment as active duty but have the option of serving in either a full-time or part-time status.
The Air Force is a full-time, federal organization primarily used to fight and support conflicts worldwide. Approximately every three years, you will move to a different location and potentially fly a different aircraft based on the needs of the Air Force.
The Air Force pilot training commitment requires 10 years of full-time service after completing Undergraduate Pilot Training.
Control.
Based on the needs of the Air Force at the time, the active duty will determine what you fly and where you will live until your Active Duty Service Commitment is fulfilled (approximately 12-year commitment: 1-2 years to complete UPT and then a 10-year service commitment after earning your wings).
Unlike the AF, the ANG allows you to apply directly to specific squadrons that fly specific aircraft in specific locations (use our Squadron Map function to determine which states fly which aircraft). If hired, you will attend training to fly that same type of aircraft so you can return to fly for the state that hired you. For example, if the SC ANG hires you, you would attend UPT and go on to fly the F-16 (because that’s what they fly in the SC ANG) and know that you will return to the Columbia, SC area following the completion of F-16 training.
Unlike active duty aircrew, ANG aircrew also have the flexibility to fulfill their service commitment in a full-time or part-time capacity once the initial training is complete.
1. Frequently check the BogiDope Job Board as well as any other sources to get the latest application deadlines and details
2. Take the AFOQT and TBAS
3. Create a great cover letter and resume (that’s where we can help)
4. Accumulate 3-5 Letters of Recommendation
5. Request copies of your college transcripts (if still in school, remember that GPA is often more important than degree type)
6. Complete your Private Pilot’s Certificate (not required but highly recommended)
7. If already in the military, copies of your last three OPRs/EPRs
You must be 33 years old or younger by the UPT Selection Board announcement message (generally two months after the hiring board convenes). Age waivers to approve a candidate beyond the maximum age are not uncommon.
Rated Military Pilots
We recommend submitting your application approximately two years before your active duty separation. Most squadrons conduct hiring boards once a year, so this strategy allows for two opportunities (if needed) to get hired at each squadron of interest before leaving active duty.
PALACE CHASE is an Air Force program that allows active duty members to convert part of their remaining active duty service commitment into a commitment in the Guard or Reserve.
According to DAFI 36-3211, PALACE CHASE program eligibility starts when you have completed two-thirds of your initial service commitment. However, the needs of the Air Force (e.g., the current Air Force pilot shortage) will determine how early a transfer to the Guard/Reserve will be permitted.
It is recommended to start the PALACE CHASE process at least 120 days before your desired active duty separation.
PALACE FRONT is a program that allows an active duty member who serves all of their active duty service commitment (i.e., non-PALACE CHASE) to transition to the Guard or Reserve the day after separation from active duty. PALACE FRONT ensures there is no break in service during the Guard/Reserve transition.
The process can start up to 180 days before separation. Notably, there are often bonuses available for those who PALACE FRONT.
If you are on 30 days or more of continuous military orders, your pay and benefits will be exactly the same as they would be on active duty.
If you are a part-time ANG pilot, you will be paid for each individual day you show up to work. There are several different types of orders with unique benefits, but as a basic formula to determine how much each day is worth, add your base pay and fly pay together and divide that number by 30 (days in the month). That amount is considered one period (1/2 day of work). Unless you’re intentionally only working a half-day, you will be paid for two periods each time you work at the squadron.
For example, using the 2026 pay charts, a Major with over 12 years of military service and over six years of aviation service has a base pay of $8,285 and $1,000 of flight pay per month. $8,285 + $1,000 = $9,285/30 days = $310 per period. Typically, you’ll work a full day (i.e., two periods), so $310 x 2 = $620 per day. If you average 3-6 days in the squadron per month, your annual salary will be between $22,000 and $45,000 without including any TDYs or deployments.
Memberships & Coaching
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Elite = All of Pro, plus an assigned personal coach to guide you through the entire process. Monthly small group masterminds. Quarterly 1-on-1 strategy calls with assigned coach. 40% off all coaching.
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Think of all the hard work you’ve already put in throughout your journey to get to this point. Regardless of being an experienced military pilot or applying for UPT, the college exams, AFOQT, flight time, upgrades, deployments, resumes, cover letters, networking, etc., add up to a lot of time, effort and money. This application and interview are the final hurdles standing between you and a life-altering multi-million-dollar career change, family stability, and/or that dream aircraft or location. No pressure, right? With so much to gain, is this really the time to wing it? Of course not, yet many still try – and fail. This will likely be the only hiring board that particular squadron has this year. You can’t afford to squander your chances by a lack of preparation.
Our team of Coaches has decades of experience in active duty, ANG, AFRC, fighters, heavies, airlines, UPT/rated hiring boards, etc. Being able to work directly with someone who has navigated the process themselves and helped dozens of others will save you time and money trying to figure it out on your own.
All BogiDope coaches are current or former military pilots who have sat on real hiring boards (About Us). They know exactly what units look for because they’ve been the ones making the selections. You’re not getting advice from someone who read about the process — you’re getting it from someone who’s lived it.
Seven kinds of 1-on-1 coaching, all live on Google Meet: General Strategy (big-picture planning), Application Review (resume, cover letter and package), Interview Prep (a mock interview with real board questions), Graded Mock Interview (a scored board rehearsal with the recording), Interview Prep + Graded Mock bundle, AFOQT Tutoring, and Medical Consultation (flight physicals and waivers). You can also have a coach grade your resume or cover letter in writing. See Coaching for details and prices.
Pro members get 25% off every coaching session and every coaching credit. Elite members get 40% off, plus a deeper level of support: an assigned personal coach who knows your story, quarterly strategy calls, and monthly small-group masterminds with other serious applicants. If you want ongoing accountability and a coach in your corner, Elite is the move.
Buy a session (or coaching credits), then open My Coaching and pick your coach, date and time. You get a confirmation with your Google Meet link, plus reminders the day before and an hour before. Already have credits? Skip the checkout and book straight from My Coaching.
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Upload them on your session page in My Coaching after you book (PDF, Word, PNG or JPG). Your coach can read them before the call. For a Medical Consultation, please do not upload medical records; email them to your consultant using the button on your session page.
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