ROTC Reserve Board Selection

[Kyle]

Hi Kate,

I recently got picked up for the ROTC reserve board as a pilot in the fall so I can relate. It’s going to be tough finding a unit that will sponsor you 3 years out from commissioning, though it never hurts to apply/rush their unit. Most of us (if not all) got selected for this board unsponsored so after selection at the national level, that’s when we look to get sponsored.

Since you’re still far out from graduation, Here are my 3 big takeaways: Study for the AFOQT and get as high of a score you can in the pilot section and take the TBAS early in case you need to retake it down the line to get the highest PCSM you can. During one of the summers or even winter/spring breaks, train to get your PPL. Many units will not consider you if you don’t have this.

Hopefully this helps. Best of luck!

[Kate]

Hi Kyle,

Thank you for your response. So you guys will start applying for a sponsorship now, after being selected, and what happens if you don’t get sponsored? Will you still go to UPT knowing what you’re flying and where you’re going?

[pwaterman]

To this question specifically – yes if you can’t find a sponsoring unit you will be assigned one but not until after completing T-6’s.

• This reply was modified 2 weeks ago by  pwaterman.

[pwaterman]

Hey Kate, I recently graduated from UPT and was a member of this board. Truth is nobody is going to hire you until you are a senior. The AFRES board will take place during your junior year so every member is likely going to be unsponsored. You can always rush units and show your face as much as possible but I wouldn’t get your hopes up about getting hired this early. Visiting local units always helps, as well as visiting units frequently. Just realize you are in no rush here and there’s nothing to worry about. Just keep building a strong resume. Feel free to ask me any questions about anything you might have.

[Kate]

Hello!

Thank you for the information…there’s just a lot of information online about the boards favoring sponsored cadets, but in your opinion did you feel heavy competition to get the slot? My cadre also advised that I look at just talking to squadrons I might be interested in going to, but at the moment I honestly don’t know how to go about that.

[pwaterman]

Yeah, I thought that was interesting how it mentioned that too but as mentioned earlier it’s not really going to work out until you’re a senior. When it comes to the board just build the strongest application packet you can and get some good references. That’s about all you can do, there’s no interview or mention of how many other people apply. If you are interested in visiting units just look at BogiDope job listings and find reserve units you might like. Then just explain your situation and mention that you just want to come out and visit. I still wouldn’t even worry about visiting units until your junior/senior year. Save your money.

• This reply was modified 1 week, 6 days ago by  pwaterman.