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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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5 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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