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kid just trying to achieve dreams
Hey bogidope members and aviators. I created this discussion because I was looking for any advice/information that could possibly help me improve my chance of attaining a coveted fighter slot.
i’m a freshman at WCC majoring in psychology, and ive wanted to fly for my home f-22 unit in Hawaii since I was a junior in high school. I am in the enlistment process (had to get a waiver at MEPS and waiting for it to be approved so I can be sent to basic) hoping to work as an AFE or crew chief to get closer to the pilots. In regards to school, i’m putting a lot of focus on my grades, and wanted to wait until graduation to finish the AFOQT, TBAS and PPL. (hopefully after working in the guard for four years, I will be able to afford a PPL and maybe the will help pay?)
some extracurriculars: since I will have free time in the summers, aside from working in the unit, I want to participate in whatever community service my unit is engaged in – join some type of mental toughness and leadership program – and I have been working out for a couple years and don’t plan to stop (never skip leg day????).
in regards to the LOR’s im hoping that will be arranged once my unit gets to know me. I also have some family mutual connections with some high ranked personnel and pilots.
some unimportant additional things: I stay very active on forums like flyingsquadron.com, and I enjoy reading books written by fighter pilots ( I want to absorb as much information as possible).
Another reason I posted this was because of my doubts. I pretty much commit my life to this goal, not hanging with friends too often, not drinking or smoking, keeping a clean record, and my days can be slightly arduous. Although, somedays i do get free time because I have no homework and have already worked out and read, and it almost feels as though im not working to my full potential. I have all these goals that I cannot work on just quite yet and it makes me feel like I could always be doing more. Is there anything else I can do, or am I being too self-critical?
sorry for the long rant. I hope I don’t seem pretentious or boastful; I just want to do the best I can do. it would be my dream for the hiring board to say “it would be stupid not to hire this kid” lol.
I would appreciate any feedback. hope you guys are having a good weekend! 🙂
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9 Replies
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Wikz,
You are on the right track. This can be a long and arduous path – don’t miss opportunities to blow off a little steam along the way. Think about the following priorities in your life:
1. GPA, GPA and GPA…
2. Leadership opportunities in college (clubs, classes, social groups, jobs)
3. Choose hobbies/activities that you’re passionate about and develop them further (this helps grow the interesting / standout aspects of you)
4. Find and establish relationships with mentors along the way.
5. Have fun!
Good luck.
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Hey @Snip
Thank you for the reply. I don’t have much leadership experience other than kind of (long story) team captain on my high school soccer varsity team – I was given an award before graduation for “best in the class” dedication and leadership wise – but other than that, I don’t have any hard evidence of leadership experiences.
I was hoping community service for the unit and joining a leadership program during college would meet the requirements, but I now see that the more the merrier. I will look into clubs and possibly tutoring positions.
In regards to leadership opportunities for work; if and when I work as an AFE or crew chief, will there be any?
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Any opportunities that you can pursue that can help grow your leadership experience will help you. Your ANG enlisted time will offer some leadership experiences but, in that role, you’ll probably be more focused on job performance and dedication/commitment to the unit.
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appreciate it snip!
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Possibly hit up the ANG recruiter in Hawaii and see if there are any volunteer opportunities for you at that base. It will be like an extended interview of your work
if you know what I mean.
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Got my ticket punched to attend BMT, but before I can leave, I need to choose my job for the next few years. With the goal in mind to be an f-22 pilot for my unit, I am looking to work in a field that will give me exposure to the pilots.
Unfortunately, I was one point off the mechanical section to qualify for crew chief (I can always retest) which leaves me with these options:
I am leaning towards AFE and have a meeting with the squadron on the 20th. Anecdotally, Ive heard of some ATC and AFE guys get picked up, but I am looking to get some insight of which job you guys feel would give me the best shot at a UPT interview in the upcoming years.
I appreciate any advice, thank you and happy Hollidays! :)????
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This reply was modified 11 months, 1 week ago by wikz.
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So, I’m biased towards the crew chief role. It’s the most “role up your sleeves and get the mission accomplished” job out there. You’ll also have opportunities to interact w/ the squadron’s pilots as well. Just remember, and this is IMPORTANT. The most critical thing is to be a respected and appreciated contributor in your current job first. No one cares that you wanna fly if you can’t prove your worth in your current role. Hit the ground running w/ flying as your internal motivation but keep that within until you’ve established your own credibility and supervision starts asking about your long term goals.
If you can’t test into Crew Chief, then I’d probably go Intel or AFE. Intel is a longer tech training pipeline but you’ll refine your communication skills and be a better public speaker plus learn a ton about the actual mission. AFE = shorter school and lots of viz in Ops but you won’t be learning as much in your day job at the overall mission as you would in Intel.
Congrats and thanks for your service. BTW, distinguished graduate at BMT and tech school should be your first goal!
Cheers,
Snip
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This reply was modified 11 months, 1 week ago by
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gotcha. thanks snip!
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This reply was modified 11 months, 1 week ago by wikz.
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This reply was modified 11 months, 1 week ago by
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Hello Wikz,
I am only 17 but I would recommend you to join the Civil Air Patrol. I have been a Cadet since 2018 and am now a 1st Lt. We are the Auxiliary of the Air Force, perform AF assigned missions, and are also a voluntary organization so no obligation. However, once you earn your PPL you can become a CAP pilot and fly for FREE !! Also, you have the opportunity to become a CAP (Civil Air Patrol) Mission Pilot and earn mission time. I am not experienced with recruiting for the Guard but I believe having this on your Résumé and getting extra flight time while you are enlisted would help tremendously.
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