-
Questions for you ask about the facility, squadron, or job.
I wanted to make a list of questions for myself and others who are starting to visit the squadron or facility they might want to work at. I am thinking of it like reverse interviewing, what does the squadron offer you other than just a slot to fly?
I’ll start with my list:
What is the mission of this squadron? How does this change in peace time (not mobilized) VS while mobilized? If you fly C-130 aerial firefighting missions stateside, do you fly combat drops overseas?
To build off of the first question, are there orders available to improve my skills at the stateside missions aside from my Mission Qualification Training?
What jobs do your typical DSG (drill status/M day guardsman) do for work when they are not flying with the unit? Are they civil servants like firefighters, police? Does this change for enlisted VS pilots? Can I realistically guard bum and make enough money to support myself this way on an LT salary?
What Tech/AGR jobs are available for pilots in this unit? What rank or experience do I need to be eligible for those jobs?
If you haven’t submitted your application yet: what recommendations do you have when I face the recruiting board? Do I need to report in/salute/say a certain phrase?
Does the facility offer accommodation to spend the night between drill days? If not, does the unit reimburse you for a hotel if I commute to drill?
What does my progression throughout my career at this unit look like? Will I have to select a pathway like maintenance test pilot, safety officer, or instructional pilot after I have become proficient at my job? (I am unfamiliar what Air Force requirements are, I am only moderately familiar with the Army’s helicopter progression level system where pilots must reach level 1 and then make pilot in command and then select a pathway over 3-5 years after returning from flight school)
What shops could I expect to work in when I get back from flight school?
What is your favorite part about this unit? About this city? What is a good and bad experience you’ve had at this unit?
What is the biggest surprise you had coming back from flight school to the unit?
Are there any local flying clubs or organizations that you recommend joining? (If you want to keep flying GA)
What is the mobilization schedule or rotation schedule like for this unit? Did you go on the last one, and could you tell me a little bit about it?
Does the unit support me working to get more ratings on my own time? Does the unit have any opinion on me wanting to become an airline pilot?
Does the facility have large amounts of a certain sports fan base? (If they’re in California, are they Chargers, 49ers, Raiders, or Rams Fans?)
Hopefully these questions can be used when you have your formal interview. You can crack a joke about the Ram’s quarterback and mention how you would be excited to do monthly TDY trips to Ramstein AFB, Germany and that you have plans to visit the local brewery a few miles from the facility after the interview.
-
2 Replies
-
Ryan,
Great thread! I think it’s important not to forget to be yourself when you start to rush units. While it’s natural to ask questions about mission, aircraft, etc. Don’t downplay the power of small talk. A simple convo about the local pro sports team, hobbies, family, etc., can go a long way in humanizing you and making you likable, which is ultimately what you are trying to do while visiting.
Cheers!
-CHAOS
-
Hey Ryan! Thanks for posting!
I agree with CHAOS on starting with simple conversation to let them know who you are before asking a little more complex questions about how the Squadron operates.
When I was at the Squadron level, we would get a lot of “interest” from people, but most of the time we wouldn’t really try to connect too much because we knew that most of them wouldn’t go to UPT.
The people who we seemed to connect to the most, however, we those we could find a connection with.
For example, most aircrew in my Unit talk about fishing, hunting, golf and going out on the town.
At the end of the day, we want someone who 1.) fits our culture and 2.) doesn’t bring a lot of drama.
Those are really good questions, but I would probably “ease” into that dialogue as you become more familiar with people in the unit.
My 2 cents.
Keep the questions coming!!!
D.J.
Log in to reply.