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Lost UPT slot for eye issue, looking for answers
Hello all, I recently commissioned from the Academy this past June. I was originally slated to go to UPT at Vance, but in April I was disqualified due to being diagnosed with Keratoconus. Now, I am currently a MX Officer, but my dreams of flying have not ended. I had Collagen Cross Linking done, and I should be able to get a waiver here in a year or two that will bring me back up to the flight med standards. However, now that I am in this position I have learned about many new opportunities for flying in the Guard and Reserve that I did not know about before. And to be frank, both are slightly more appealing than AD due to my new family situation. This situation has led me to a multitude of questions as now I wish to join the Guard more than anything, but any kind of flying would be great. First, is it possible/likely that I can palace chase into a Guard or Reserve unit after I have completed 3 years and 4 months AD? Second, should I try to update my PCSM score? It currently sits at a 76 with an 89 pilot score and 56 flight hours. This is based off the old scoring system. I suspect that under the new scoring system it might be higher? Additionally, if it is not, can I retake the TBAS now that I am a 2d Lt? Can I make the Guard or Reserves a reality? Or should I just keep trying in AD? If Guard or Reserves is truly on the table for me, how can I become more competitive to join one of their squadrons? Thanks anyone who may be able to assist me!
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4 Replies
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Hello there Sir,
I can’t speak for some of your stuff but with your scores, it may depend on what you want. 89 is great on a pilot score, I’m sure no one would question your ability; if you want to go fighters then a lot of units are saying you have to have at least 90 to be competitive. I think it’s just a thing of the times with so many applicants going to the Guard. But that’s just fighters; heavies often don’t have that requirement. That may be good as I’ve heard heavies are more ‘stable’ for families but that’s just a passing scuttlebutt I’ve heard so I could be totally wrong.
The nice thing about PCSM is it can go up just by building flight hours; you could probably max it out easily if you start flying as regularly as you reasonably can. If you don’t have your PPL yet, that is usually also an important thing that squadrons like. If you work towards that you could be getting two birds with one stone; either way I’d say some civilian flight time is a good hobby to pick up, can’t go wrong with it.
Mind you this is all from the current system, I have no knowledge of the old one. Wish I could give you more info but I hope this helped you in some way.
-Cameron
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what’s up Cornfed!
In regards to your first question, since you’re an officer, you need to complete 2/3rds of your contract to palace chase from AD – air guard.
like Cameron said, getting your flight hours up will help your PCSM; but after 60 hours of flying, anything more will not contribute to maximizing your PSCM.
yes, you can retake the tests, but its up to you if you want to try and increase your scores. with an 89 pilot, you can test the waters and see if you can get interviews. if you have no luck, getting 90+ will make you more competitive.
its hard to say what your chances are because I don’t know your information like GPA, major, leadership experiences, extracurriculars, age, etc. but I believe anyone can make it a reality.
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Let’s talk! 1-on-1 General Strategy Session will be WELL worth your investment. So much to discuss here. Either way, I wish you the best in achieving your dreams.
Cheers,
Snip
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