Questions about the unsponsored, Reserves UFT Route

[A_Foster]

First off, congrats on the slot! That’s huge!

I was also recently selected by reserves for an unsponsored UFT pilot slot (through the board for AFROTC cadets). I am not sure who is saying “heavies only” but my guess is they may be saying this because the number of reserve fighter squadrons is super limited and it can be hard to get hired by the limited ones that are there. I have friends in the AFROTC program who are dead set on flying fighters and are wanting to prove themselves at pilot training and don’t/didn’t want to go through the interview process that’s needed for reserves. Speaking from limited knowledge it appears their thinking behind this is they also don’t want to risk NOT getting a fighter by going the reserve route because getting sponsored by a unit is not only competitive but requires some luck/timing. i.e. Are the limited number of reserve fighter squadrons even hiring? Do you fit the “well rounded” person they are looking for?

I suggest researching which reserve units are out there and if there are any hiring (hint: moody just closed their board and Fort Worth just opened theirs)

For me, going reserves is more than just the fighter slot. It is also the control that comes with it compared to going active, etc. So anyone else reading this, keep in mind that this line of thinking is purely “what path will give me the best chance at a fighter?”, without thinking about other factors. The answer really depends, but I hope my info gives some situational awareness to the factors you could be thinking about.

Feel free to DM and again, congrats on the slot!

[Khaleesa]

Love the depth of this answer. Thank you for sharing!