USMC V-22 pilot to AF or ANG Strike/Fighter Questions?

[SLAP]

Just about anything is “possible.” but your situation is pretty unique so it’s unlikely you’ll find too many black-and-white answers. If hired, the AF would do an evaluation of your flying background to determine which training pipeline you’d go down.

Here are a few challenges:
1. Did you fly T-45s prior to the V-22?

You’re a rated pilot, but your background may require you to attend certain parts of UPT still (e.g. T-38s & IFF if you never flew the T-45). Army pilots, as an example, have to apply to UPT boards because they have to attend all of UPT. Your current experience would likely make you a strong candidate among UPT applicants but a longshot in a rated board when competing against other fighter pilots who don’t require the time, money, and risk to train.

2. How old are you, and how much commissioned service do you already have?

Since rated boards may be too steep of a hill to climb, getting permission to apply to UPT boards (some squadrons will be ok with this, others won’t) may be your best bet. However, if you’re over 33 years old or have more than 8 years of commissioned service, you’d need a waiver for either/both. These waivers are easy to approve, but the squadron would have to be willing to do the extra paperwork (nobody likes paperwork!) when there is likely 100+ other strong candidates that don’t.

So, where does this leave you?

One of the greatest parts of the Guard/Reserve application process is that if you can make strong connections with a squadron and convince them that you’re the guy they should hire, they can move mountains on your behalf, especially in these unique one-off situations. The challenge, of course, is convincing a squadron you’re worth the effort. Having strong references/Letters of Rec and a clean flying record from the Marines, a strong cover letter and resume, and putting in the effort to meet squadrons in person will go a long way in selling the squadron on this idea.

Prepare for many “no’s” along the way, but it only takes one “yes” to get in. Good luck!

[Hollywood]

SLAP,

Really appreciate the reply.

I know my biggest challenge is the lack of IFF and T-45 time. I only received a few sims in the T-45 before being switched over to the V22 pipeline.

The other hurdle is exactly what you said. I’m currently 33 years old and coming up on 8 years of commissioned time. So I’m concerned I’m down too many cards in the playing field and like you said there are 100s of other applicants who are younger and don’t need waivers. Does it really come down to the squadron just “liking a guy enough” to give him a slot or will too many of these issues disqualify you?

Also, I’m awaiting board results within the USMC to transfer to the jet community. If selected I wouldn’t go back through primary, but would just go straight to T-45s and then follow on RAG/FRS. Is there an option to do that through the AF? As opposed to going through UPT start to finish? I feel like that would cost the squadron less time and money, but don’t know if the USAF has a work around like the Navy/USMC does. Also would it be better to apply for an inter service transfer to active or reserves?

Totally understand there is no black and white answer, that’s why I joined Bogidope, to see if anyone has experienced this same/similar situation. Additionally I’m trying to see if there’s a good possibility that this could happen or if its just time to retire the dream. I’ve been trying to get back into a pointy nose since I got my wings so I certainly don’t give up easy and am very persistent when I go for a goal. I think at the end of the day right now I understand there are waivers for everything, but I’m just trying to see if being older, no jet time, and being in the USMC for 8 years (10 by the time I get out), is going to kill my chances of getting a strike opportunity in the Air Force.

I’m in a weird place where the decision I make in the next two months will affect the outcome of the next 5 years, so tough love or sage advice on this very specific situation is welcomed with open arms. I appreciate everyones insight and advice.

[SLAP]

If selected, you would likely skip T-6s and go straight to T-38s.

Yes, technically, you just need a squadron to like you enough to submit all the waivers on your behalf, and you’re in. Unfortunately, as you pointed out, you have quite a few cards stacked against you, so you need them to like you A LOT!

It sounds like you’d be 35 at the earliest you can start AF pilot training (that’s assuming your age waiver, commissioned service waiver, and USMC flight records review go through quickly – not likely), which would put you 10+ years older than most applicants.

Again, not impossible, but if you don’t already have some connections at the squadrons you’re targeting, I would put your chances at <5%. That said, the only way to guarantee you never get selected is not to apply. Roll the dice and see what happens.

It sounds like your best bet will be to push for the USMC fighter slot. If you really want to switch to the Guard/Reserve, it may be worth opening your aperture to heavies.