Where do I start?
Hello Friends,
I’m new to this whole process and site, and I’m lost as to how to start my career as a pilot in the Air National Guard. I’ve read the blog post “The Ultimate Military Pilot Career Path” by emet, and I greatly desire to fly for the National Guard to have my college paid for and to get started on being a pilot without the huge debt.
Here is where I am right now:
– Age: 21
– Education: about a 3.5 GPA in high school
– Flight experience: 30-minute unrecorded test flight (the real reason why I want to fly)
– ASVAB: I scored around the mid-70s on the practice test
I’ve talked with a recruiter about joining the Guard but didn’t ask the right questions to receive answers to these questions. Where do I start? Do I get my college paid for as soon as I join the National Guard? What is the application process for joining college with the National Guard? How do I guarantee a spot flying my desired aircraft? What do I need to do right now?
Any help or pointers would be greatly appreciative!
- 2 Replies
Cameron,
Enlisting in the Air National Guard is a great path and one that will serve you well, I commend you for considering it. When it comes to paying for college, a lot of it depends on the state you live in. For me being in Colorado, the state offers tuition assistance for members of the Air National Guard. Factor in the GI Bill Ch 1606 and you’re looking at most of if not all your college being covered.
I would highly suggest considering a job that will offer you exposure and facetime with the pilots and aircrew such as Crew Chiefs, AFE (Aircrew Flight Equipment), or Avionics as this can help you when it’s time to apply for pilot slots.
I will mention that from the moment you sign the dotted line to when you are ready to start college could take some time depending on how quickly your unit can send you to BMT and tech school. If I were you, I would set up a meeting with your recruiter, find out what your state offers in education assistance, go see the different shops for the jobs you might want, and what the timeline would look like for your training.
Before you graduate college I would also highly encourage you to get your PPL as it will look better when you apply, and raise your PCSM score which will be required in your package.
In short, get in touch with your recruiter and find a job that suits you, study for the ASVAB, work hard in your new job once you complete tech school, get your PPL, get good grades/scores on the AFOQT and college GPA, and most importantly, be a good dude. Best of luck in your future endeavors!
Cameron,
Welcome to BogiDope and starting the process of getting into the cockpit! @dws_2004 threw a ton of great information out there, here are a few pile ons to keep you on the right path. College degree doesn’t necessarily matter but grades do! Yes units look and see if your GPA is a 3.3 but you’re in mechanical engineering vs. a 4.0 in communications, no offense to anyone. So pick a degree you have an interest in and also one that you can complete preferably in less than 4 years with you being currently 21.
Totally up to you if you enlist but there are great benefits such as the college tuition you know about but some AFSCs (jobs) offer enlistment bonuses too! I would agree with picking something that gets you hands on the jet which equals face time with those on the board.
Not all units require a PPL but it is highly recommended to obtain one to apply. This does not need to be from a part 141 school and can be done at a local FBO. You do not need this until you’re ready to submit your application so don’t go bankrupt or let your grades drop trying to get it done in 6 months, unless you wait until the end.
While in school work hard, get good grades, join clubs, play sports, and gain life experience. Units want a well rounded fun individual they can spend years with.
About 2 years to graduation is when you need to start studying and taking the AFOQT and TBAS. Gives you time to take them again and some units allow you to apply up to 18 months prior to graduation.
I would recommend trying to rush any place you can to get you face and name out there. 28 is a soft cutoff for some fighter units and once you hit 30 it’s more difficult to get selected, not impossible. 33 is the cutoff for pilot training so shave off time where you can to start applying.
If you want an even more personalized attack plan I’d recommend booking a 1-on-1 general Strategy coaching session with a coach you think represents what you’re looking for from their bio. Reach out with any questions, cheers!
STK!
CAGE
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