Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website. # Bogidope: BogiDope is a veteran-owned coaching, content, and community platform that helps aspiring and current military aviators earn pilot slots in the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve. Its coaches guide applicants through the entire process—AFOQT and PCSM preparation, UPT, Officer Training School, and the Guard/Reserve rated-board application—from first resume draft to a mock interview at their target squadron. ## Sitemaps [XML Sitemap](https://bogidope.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages. ## Posts - [Want to Land on Aircraft Carriers?](https://bogidope.com/introduction/): If you've considered becoming a pilot in the USN or USMC, you've surely wondered, "What does a Navy or Marine Corps pilot do?" An easier question to answer might be what a USN or USMC pilot doesn’t do, because, simply put, we do just about everything. This article will cover the broad brushstrokes of what these branches of Aviation do, where they do it and who they are. We will get down into the weeds on each topic later in our introductory series, but for now... - [So You Want to Fly Army?](https://bogidope.com/army-aviation/): If you’re a regular to the annals of BogiDope, odds are pretty high that you’re fully aware of the United States Air Force’s beginnings. You’re, no doubt, deeply educated about Billy Mitchell (WWI pilot – Army officer) pitching airpower to the United States War Department, stating that wars would become truly three-dimensional and that the team that controlled the air would win (then) future conflicts. Despite the very public dismantling of Mitchell’s career, WWII (and subsequent conflicts) proved him prophetic and he was subsequently rewarded with two stars posthumously by FDR. The war expanded the Army Air Corps (which became the Army Air Forces) rapidly and its implementation was utterly critical in the eventual victory of the Allies, just as Mitchell said it would be.  - [The Ultimate Military Pilot Career Path (Part 1)](https://bogidope.com/the-ultimate-military-pilot-career-path-part-1/): The most reliable way to become a military pilot is to earn a pilot slot with an Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve squadron, which hire applicants directly out of college and send them to military Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT). This guide walks that path start to finish and explains why it usually beats the traditional active-duty route for getting into the cockpit. - [The Ultimate Military Pilot Career Path (Part 2)](https://bogidope.com/the-ultimate-military-pilot-career-path-part-2/): Welcome back, future aviators! In Part 1 of this series we saw how getting hired by a Guard or Reserve unit right out of college is the Ultimate Military Pilot Career Path. The military pays for your flight training, you get to enjoy operating amazing military aircraft, and you can start your parallel career as an airline pilot (or anything else) years sooner than an Active Duty military pilot. I hope this sounds like a great deal to you because it is. Can you believe that there’s a way to make this deal even better? - [How to Become a Fighter Pilot](https://bogidope.com/how-can-i-become-a-fighter-pilot/): To become a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, you first commission as an officer, earn a pilot training slot (through Active Duty, the Air National Guard or Reserve, Air Force ROTC, Officer Training School, or the Air Force Academy), complete Undergraduate Pilot Training, and then track and train into a fighter aircraft. Competitive AFOQT and PCSM scores, a first-class flight physical, and a standout application are what separate selectees from everyone else. - [Ultimate OTS/TFOT Guide (Part 1)](https://bogidope.com/air-force-ots-tfot-guide/): Air Force Officer Training School (OTS), now called Total Force Officer Training (TFOT), is the multi-week commissioning course that turns civilians and enlisted members into Air Force officers. For most Guard, Reserve, and "off the street" pilot hires, it's the first step in training: military customs, leadership, academics, a physical fitness test, and field exercises, ending with your commission. - [Ultimate OTS/TFOT Guide (Part 2)](https://bogidope.com/air-force-ots-tfot-guide-part-2/): Welcome back BogiDope readers! This is Part 2 of our in-depth report on what OTS is like right now. We covered sections 1-3 last week, and will finish with sections 4-6 today. Enjoy! - [USAF Initial Flight Training (IFT)](https://bogidope.com/ift/): Initial Flight Training (IFT) is a short civilian-run flight-screening course that Air Force pilot candidates without a Private Pilot's License must complete before Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). Held in Pueblo, Colorado, it gives the Air Force an early read on your flying aptitude and gets you comfortable in the cockpit before you reach the UPT flight line. - [Surviving Wright Patterson and Your FC1 Physical](https://bogidope.com/surviving-wright-patterson-and-your-fc1-physical/): First of all, congratulations, you did it! Whether it was through ROTC, Active Duty, or the Guard/Reserves to fly fighters, heavies, or helos, you won the lottery and got selected during your board to attend Air Force Pilot Training. Inevitably, at some point after your well-earned celebration, you have the same thought that all of us have had at some point, “ohhh (insert favorite expletive), now I have to pass my medical.” If you’re like me and the select few others who have been lucky enough to have gotten orders to report to Building 840 at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, you’re feeling the same valid anxiety that all of us have felt at some point. I’d like to provide some assistance to help you navigate those unfamiliar waters, as well as give you some SA on what to expect to give you some extra confidence heading into this. - [Air Force Career Progression – Officer](https://bogidope.com/air-force-career-progression-officer/): Air Force officers follow a predictable promotion timeline: 2nd Lieutenant to 1st Lieutenant at about 2 years, to Captain at about 4 years, Major at about 10 to 11 years, Lieutenant Colonel at about 16 to 17 years, and Colonel at about 22 years. Actual timing varies with promotion boards, career field, and performance. - [Air Force Career Progression – Pilot](https://bogidope.com/air-force-career-progression-pilot/): An Air Force pilot's career advances through a ladder of flying qualifications and upgrades, not just rank. You start as a wingman, then earn Flight Lead, Instructor Pilot (IP), and Evaluator Pilot (EP) upgrades, and in crew aircraft you progress to Aircraft Commander. These upgrades define your growth as an aviator and shape the assignments and leadership roles you'll be offered. - [Military Pilot Pay and Benefits](https://bogidope.com/military-pilot-pay-and-benefits/): The military offers some fantastic career opportunities for pilots. It can also set you up for an enjoyable and lucrative civilian flying career later in life. One of the important parts of deciding whether to join the military or not is to understand the pay and benefits it offers. We'll cover that here today. - [Flying Class One](https://bogidope.com/first-class-flight-physical/): This article is intended to give a comprehensive recap of what your time may look like at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) while conducting your Flying Class One (FC1) wether that be with the Air National Guard (ANG), Air Force Reserves (AFRC), Active Duty (AD) or through a university commissioning source such as United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) or Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). This article is written and is current as of October of 2023. - [Decision Point](https://bogidope.com/decision-point/): If you’ve been keeping up with this article series, you’re now familiar with the basic mechanics of getting into Navy Flight School, working your way through the syllabus and what your first tour in the Fleet is going to look like. If I’m totally honest, few people pursuing this path give too much thought to what’s beyond getting to the Fleet and flying your platform operationally. And it’s certainly not a bad thing to keep focused on what’s right in front of you as you grind through the process, as it’s common that five-to-seven years will elapse between getting your commission and obtaining a tactical qualification that marks you as vaguely useful to the USN or USMC. That’s a long, hard stretch that’s best consumed in day-sized bites. - [Fleet Meat: What to Expect in the Fleet Replacement Squadron and Your First Fleet Tour](https://bogidope.com/what-to-expect/): Once you get those Wings of Gold after what can be two-to-three years of continuous training, it’s time to go do the nation’s business for real, right? Well….no. Wrong. You’ve got at least several months of formal schooling ahead, followed by another one-to-two years of informal school before you’re actually useful. Consider yourself warned: you need patience to get through this whole thing, and if you don’t do well putting on a humble ‘student’ face, you need to do some attitude adjustment before you dive into the pipeline. Your next set of orders after Flight School will be to take those shiny-new wings and head to the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) in the type of aircraft you’ve been assigned to "get your learn on." Again. As an administrative note: while this process is broadly similar across both the Navy and Marines, this article will be Navy-centric and the Marine differences will be highlighted later.  - [USN/USMC Flight School](https://bogidope.com/flight-school/): This article’s objective is to give you an overview of what Navy flight school looks like generally with an eye towards the attitudes and trends that may make a candidate successful while they’re there. I’ll assume you’ve been reading along week-to-week, and are all up to speed on the necessary steps to get to this point, so I won’t restate them. But for those of you inclined to skip ahead, I’d advise caution. The hardest part of Navy flight school, for many, is the plethora of steps required before they’ll let you show up in a VT (Navy training) squadron wearing a flight suit in the first place! - [Starting Flight School](https://bogidope.com/starting-flight-school/): All right, you’ve got your grand plans for commissioning and getting selected for aviation. You feel like you're set and ready for takeoff. But first, there are a few hurdles you'll need to clear. - [Getting In the Door: Commissioning Sources ](https://bogidope.com/commissioning-sources/): If you want to fly for the Navy or Marine Corps, your best bet is to get a commission. While non-commissioned (typically warrant officer) pilots are not unknown in the history of the USN or USMC, those programs have come and gone and never provided anything like the numbers of aircrew that officer commissions provide. Let’s get into where these commissions come from.   - [Navy Platforms & Places](https://bogidope.com/platforms-places/): In the spirit of this series, the function of this article is to leave the prospective Naval Aviator more informed about just what it is they’re considering getting themselves into. I’m going to go a little more into the platforms that we fly and the places that Naval Aviators live, though I will leave the ‘green’ (Marine Corps) details for a future chapter. We will, of course, talk the fun stuff (and there’s a lot of it), but honesty is also part of the deal here, in the spirit of education. So, first thing’s first, a couple of caveats:  - [Naval Aviation – Cultures, Attitudes and Career Path](https://bogidope.com/basics/): If you’re interested in figuring out if Naval Aviation seems like your cup of tea, you’ll be interested in what sort of folks do the job, as well as what kinds of attitudes and cultures prevail. This is a topic probably worthy of its own novel and has had more than a few written on it—shout out to CDR Ward Carroll and his excellent Punk’s War series of novels, which are a great view of the culture from someone that’s been there—as well as a few feature films. You may have heard of at least one or two… But let’s try to cut through the Hollywood and get to the real deal, shall we?  - [A Day in the Life](https://bogidope.com/a-day-in-the-life/): You know, many people consider "A Day in the Life" to be The Beatles greatest work? I, personally, struggle to agree with that... Don't get me wrong! It's got some GREAT moments. Some of the most vintage Beatles-moments ever put to record, frankly. But I think that the song, at times, can seem a bit scattered, sometimes overwhelming and even, occasionally, downright melancholy. But the combination of all of its elements has convinced a good many people - most of whom arguably understand music better than I - that it is truly "the Fab Four's" magnum opus. - [Reporting for Duty](https://bogidope.com/arrival-at-your-unit/): Hello again! - [Functional Tracks in Army Aviation: Part II](https://bogidope.com/functional-tracks-in-army-aviation-part-ii/): Welcome back. - [Functional Tracks in Army Aviation](https://bogidope.com/functional-tracks/): A few weeks ago, the “Flavors of Army Aviators” article briefly summarized the contents of this week’s. But the topic itself is broad enough - and important enough - to merit its very own, concentrated article. As a matter of fact, it’s broad enough and important enough in its implications for an aviator’s career that I’ll be splitting it into two articles. This way, hopefully, prospective pilots (or qualified-but-untracked pilots) are able to start charting their career-wish-lists with at least a decent foundation-of-knowledge to guide them. With this foundation should also come a relative understanding that enables one to do some self-study to find more information. - [Army Flight School: Part Deux](https://bogidope.com/army-flight-school-part-deux/): Welcome back. The wait for the past week to learn about the rest of the Army Flight School pipeline is wildly appropriate, as many flight students will go into a holding pattern while they wait to begin training in their advanced airframe. I mentioned it last week, but such "bubbles" are relatively common, and this portion of Flight School  is the most common time to experience one of potentially significant duration. - [Army Flight School](https://bogidope.com/army-flight-school/): So you did it. You decided whether you’d be a RLO or a WO, you decided which route to take to get there, you earned a flight slot and you moved yourself (and whatever loved ones you bring with you) down to Ft. Rucker in L.A. That’s Lower Alabama, in case you confused it with some other place... And now you "Learn to Fly," as The Foo Fighters so cordially invited you to do (feel free to take a moment and listen to that spectacular anthem, if you'd like. I'll wait...). But make no mistake, this is not anything CLOSE to the final destination, even if it feels like it’s the culmination of years of hard work. It is, in fact, quite the opposite: it’s just the beginning.  - [How to Become an Army Aviation Officer](https://bogidope.com/how-to-become-an-army-aviation-officer/): Well as I’ve said, the majority of pilots in the Army will be entering Army Aviation by one of the means covered last week. But there will be a significant portion of those reading this who will elect to become RLOs. Funnily enough, despite the fact that the majority of pilots are Warrants, there are twice as many routes to become a RLO (and, subsequently, a pilot) as there are for those following the Warrant path.  - [Where Do You Start?](https://bogidope.com/warrant-officer/): So now you know the different paths you can take to become an Army Aviator. And although figuring out how to join the club isn’t exactly as difficult as finding Narnia, the next logical thing you’d like to know more about is the different gateways to accomplish that goal. Luckily for you, Army Aviation is also not like Fight Club. Pilots absolutely LOVE talking about being pilots and will gladly tell you about the process of becoming a pilot. Having a mentor, as with everything else in life, will go a long way in preparing you for, and potentially getting you into, the cockpit. So do yourself a favor and get in touch with someone who has “been there and done that.” In fact, in order to simplify that process, there will shortly be a few mentors available right here on Bogidope.com. - [The Flavors of Army Aviators](https://bogidope.com/army-commissioning-pathways/): The Army is the only one of the Service Branches in the military of these United States that has pilots who are not O-Grade officers. In fact, the majority of pilots in the Army are not among the ranks of Regular Line Officers (RLOs). Most pilots are among the group of strange and mysterious creatures, seen so rarely elsewhere in the Army and the military as a whole, called Warrant Officers. They’ve got a commission just like the RLOs, but their purpose and job is completely different. Warrants' purpose as soldiers is to be THE experts in their craft. A Logistics Warrant is the master of supply, an Artillery Warrant is the best reference-point for all things “arty,” even Special Forces ODAs have Team Warrants who are the undisputed experts in warfare and second-in-command of their teams. In Army Aviation, the Warrants are the backbone and the knowledge-base of everything to do with flight. - [AFOQT Scores Explained 2021](https://bogidope.com/afoqt-scores-explained/): Your AFOQT results come back as a set of composite percentile scores rather than a single grade, and the Pilot composite carries the most weight for anyone chasing a pilot slot. This guide explains where to find your scores, how to gauge whether they are competitive, and how to retake the test if you want to raise them. - [How to Get into the Air Force Academy](https://bogidope.com/how-to-get-into-the-air-force-academy/): Few career paths can match the prestige and honor that come with being a military officer. For many achievement-oriented individuals, the chance to attend one of the elite U.S. Service Academies is a life-defining opportunity. Of course, harnessing such an opportunity requires an unwavering sense of responsibility, commitment, and dedication. - [Just In Case](https://bogidope.com/just-in-case/): Greetings fellow aviators, aspiring aviators, enthusiasts, and those simply passing through.  As a full-time airline pilot for a major US carrier and a part-time mobility pilot for the US Air Force, I am convinced of one thing: there is no other job (or pair of jobs) I’d rather have.  The fortuitous nature of my situation is not lost on me as few people can say the same for themselves.   Of course, there are downsides; time away from home being chief among them.  But there is another unfortunate fact that comes along with the wings we wear. It is likely that we know someone who has been killed while slipping the surly bonds.  If you are lucky enough to defy that assertion, just wait.  I have never met a professional pilot in the twilight of their career who has not lost a fellow aviator. - [Guard and Reserve Pay and Benefits](https://bogidope.com/guard-and-reserve-pay-and-benefits/): Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve pilots are paid on the same military pay scale as active duty, but only for the days they actually serve — drill weekends, annual tour, and any additional flying days or orders. Most fly part-time while holding a civilian or airline job, earning military pay on top of their civilian income and building toward a reserve retirement. This guide breaks down how Guard and Reserve pilot pay and benefits actually work. - [Understanding the Reserve Retirement System](https://bogidope.com/understanding-the-reserve-retirement-system/): The potential of receiving a pension is one of the many benefits of a career in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. Understanding the reserve retirement system and figuring out your final retirement pay can be a challenge. BogiDope is here to help with a quick 30,000 ft over-view of reserve retirement and how to calculate your reserve retirement pay. - [LinkedIn – Social Media for Professional Pilots](https://bogidope.com/linkedin/): Last week we covered some of the benefits and perils of social media for pilots who are trying to land a dream job at a Guard or Reserve unit, airline, or other flying operation. While a lot of social media platforms are at best neutral forces in your efforts, one of them has the potential to be very helpful. More than any other social media network, LinkedIn has the greatest potential to help you reach your goals - as long as you put in the work and attention required to set up your profile. - [Social Media – Blessing and Curse](https://bogidope.com/social-media/): Thanks to Social Media our world is connected like never before. It helps friends and family stay in touch more easily, holds businesses and governments more accountable than ever, produces an endless stream of cat memes to make us laugh, and has even helped overthrow tyrants. - [Networking – The Pilot Superpower](https://bogidope.com/networking/): When I got sent to Hurlburt Field, FL, in late 2007, I bought a house. Then the housing bubble popped and our house was worth far less than we owed on it. That house spent many years as a rental property after we moved away because we couldn’t afford to sell it. A couple years ago, I was busy working as an airline pilot and Reservist for the Air Force Academy when a hurricane popped up in the Gulf of Mexico and threatened to slam into the city of Navarre, FL. - [The Ultimate Guide to Earning a Pilot Slot in Air Force ROTC, Part 2](https://bogidope.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-earning-a-pilot-slot-in-air-force-rotc-part-2/): An Air Force ROTC pilot slot is a rated position awarded through AFROTC's national selection board, decided largely by your Order of Merit — your PCSM and AFOQT Pilot scores, GPA, Physical Fitness Assessment, and field training performance. This guide walks through the AFROTC active-duty pilot selection process, plus the lesser-known paths into the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. - [The Ultimate Guide to Earning a Pilot Slot in Air Force ROTC, Part 1](https://bogidope.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-earning-a-pilot-slot-in-air-force-rotc-part-1/): To earn a pilot slot through Air Force ROTC, you compete nationally on the rated selection board, where your Order of Merit — a weighted mix of your PCSM and AFOQT Pilot scores, GPA, Physical Fitness Assessment, and detachment commander ranking — decides who gets rated slots. This guide breaks down exactly how AFROTC picks its future pilots and what you can do to make yourself competitive. - [10 Year ADSC – End of the World?](https://bogidope.com/10-year-adsc-end-of-the-world/): Now that I’m older and wiser, one of my many side-hustles is working as an Admission Liaison Officer for the USAF Academy. In recent discussions with some USAFA cadets, I’ve encountered several who actually turned down pilot slots because of that 10-year ADSC. This mindset is far from universal, but it’s prevalent enough that the Academy actually had pilot slots go unfilled a few years ago! This used to be unheard of. And yet, there’s a certain logic to questioning that 10-year commitment. - [Mentoring For BogiDope Pilots (Part 2)](https://bogidope.com/mentoring-for-bogidope-pilots-part-2/): Last week we looked at mentoring from the perspective of the protege...the person receiving mentoring from someone more experienced. We identified some of the reasons that these relationships form, and we noted both good and bad ways to treat these relationships. - [Mentoring for BogiDope Pilots (Part 1)](https://bogidope.com/mentoring-for-bogidope-pilots-part-1/): As a pilot, you probably know everything. You’re probably the best at everything you’ve ever tried. You’re probably even excruciatingly humble about it. - [Lessons Learned from Remote Flight Instruction During the Pandemic](https://bogidope.com/lessons-learned-from-remote-flight-instruction-during-the-pandemic/): When the pandemic struck and the lockdowns began, flight instruction seemed like one of the riskiest activities you could undertake. Imagine trapping yourself inside the cockpit of a small aircraft, sometimes for hours on end, with a relative stranger. - [VA Disability – Part 4](https://bogidope.com/va-disability-part-4/): Now that we have all of these basic pieces in place, it’s time to formulate a strategy for you to use throughout your military career. If you do this right, it will be quick and easy to get the VA Disability Rating guaranteed by your contract after you leave full-time military service. If not, you’ll essentially be taking food from your kids’ mouths. That would make you a bad parent, but we don’t want to be bad parents, so we’re going to choose to do better. Here’s how: - [VA Disability – Part 3](https://bogidope.com/va-disability-part-3/): Filing a VA disability claim is a structured process: you gather your service and medical records, identify each service-connected condition, submit your claim through VA.gov (or with help from an accredited VSO), attend any required C&P exams, and receive a rating decision — which you can appeal if it comes back lower than you deserve. This part walks through exactly how to apply for a VA disability rating step by step so nothing falls through the cracks. - [VA Disability – Part 2](https://bogidope.com/va-disability-2/): Your VA disability rating and your FAA flight medical are separate systems, but they interact: some conditions that earn VA compensation — such as sleep apnea, PTSD, hearing loss, or certain medications — must also be disclosed to the FAA and can require added documentation or a Special Issuance to keep flying. Filing a VA claim does not automatically cost you your medical, but how and when you file matters. This part explains how VA disability ratings and the FAA medical interact, and how pilots can protect both. - [Guide to US Air Force Academy Sports and Cadet Clubs](https://bogidope.com/guide-to-us-air-force-academy-sports-and-cadet-clubs/): At the US Air Force Academy, sports are a staple of student life. Cadets are required to pass PE classes and fitness tests every year, but they're also required to play on a sports team. Luckily, cadets have plenty of options to choose from between the academy's NCAA Division I teams, intramural teams, and club sports.  - [Where is the Air Force Academy Located?](https://bogidope.com/where-is-the-air-force-academy-located/): The US Air Force Academy, located in Colorado Springs, is one of the nation's most prestigious universities. Graduates have gone on from the school to climb the Air Force ranks, as well as become influential leaders in civilian fields. - [VA Disability – Part 1](https://bogidope.com/va-disability-1/): When you separate from the military, you can file a VA disability claim for service-connected conditions, and the rating you receive affects both your benefits and, potentially, your civilian FAA flight medical. This series explains how the VA disability system works for pilots: filing your claim, how ratings and compensation are determined, how conditions interact with your FAA medical, and how to appeal a decision. - [Deployed Fighter Pilot Diaries](https://bogidope.com/deployed-fighter-pilot-diaries/): This article is intended as a follow-up to my previous discussion of deployments for Guard/Reserve pilots.  While not every pilot has the same experience deployed, my intent is to paint a picture of deployed fighter pilot life.  For those who wish to pursue fighter aviation, I hope to offer a glimpse into what you may experience should you deploy with several snapshots of different times in a deployment.  For some context, I have been deployed to Southwest Asia three times for a combined 20 months of my life.  I’ve flown out of four different locations and been to many more.  Hopefully, I can capture some of those experiences for you, the reader. ## Pages - [Coach Grade](https://bogidope.com/coach-grade/): Applicant Coach Score Please log in — this form is reserved for the BogiDope coaching team. - [BogiDope Pricing Popup](https://bogidope.com/bogidope-pricing-popup/): Unlimited applications and the full consolidated job board — without the courses or coaching. - [MilRecruiter Hiring Boards](https://bogidope.com/milrecruiter-pro/): Pulled live from MilRecruiter the moment you loaded this page. These three are just the front of the line. - [Other Military — Interview Debrief](https://bogidope.com/add-new-other-military-debrief/) - [MilRecruiter Pro](https://bogidope.com/milrecruiter-pro-old/): You've been scouting squadrons and hiring boards on MilRecruiter — so you already know where you want to fly. BogiDope Pro is how you turn that intel into a slot. - [Questionnaire: Test Prep](https://bogidope.com/onboarding-questionnaire/questionnaire-test-prep/): Test Prep https://vimeo.com/1183059041/d53aa8412f?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci MY DASHBOARD - [AFOQT Wingman](https://bogidope.com/afoqt-wingman/): BogiDope members get free access to the smartest AFOQT prep platform ($65/mo value) out there. Better scores. Less guesswork. More confidence on test day. - [Unlock the Winning Application Archive](https://bogidope.com/application-archive-preview/): See the actual resumes, cover letters, and application packages that earned pilot slots — shared by BogiDope members who made it. Compare formats, borrow structure, and build your own package from proven examples. - [1-on-1 Coaching](https://bogidope.com/coaching/): Three simple steps — purchase first, then schedule your coach. - [Pricing](https://bogidope.com/pricing/): Start free, upgrade when you're ready to compete. Cancel anytime. - [BogiDope Academy](https://bogidope.com/bogidope-academy/): Pilot slots are limited. The applicants who get selected aren't just talented — they're prepared. The Academy gives you the same tools and strategies that successful applicants used to stand out. - [Bootcamp](https://bogidope.com/bootcamp/): A structured, results-driven Bootcamp designed to help aspiring Guard & Reserve pilots build a competitive edge and land their dream job. - [Homepage](https://bogidope.com/): Exclusive Content, Coaching & Community Dedicated to Earning the Most Coveted Pilot Slots in Military Aviation - [Job Bounty](https://bogidope.com/job-bounty/): Submit a verifiable Guard/Reserve pilot job (from an official public source) that isn’t already listed on MilRecruiter or BogiDope before the deadline to earn a bounty. Submissions are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. - [Community](https://bogidope.com/bogidope-community/): Connect with thousands of applicants, selected pilots, and coaches who get it. - [Pilot Career Pathway | BogiDope](https://bogidope.com/pathway/): Pilot Career Pathway - [Military Test Prep](https://bogidope.com/video-vault-library/military-test-prep/): Back to Video Library Military Test Prep Search Videos Apply filter AFOQT Webinar - Factoring Deep Dive Office Hours AFOQT Math techniques - Factoring & Percentage... AFOQT - Area, Perimeter, Volume IV AFOQT Recent Questions Word Knowledge, Verbal Analogies, & Paragraph ... Area, Perimeter, & Volume Problems Math Story and Percentages Problems Core Math Subjects - Exponents, Conversions, Perce... Helo Questions Test Prep Office Hours - September 2024 Area, Perimeter, & Volume II Recent Changes to the AFOQT Fractions, Conversions, and Systems of Equations June Office Hours AFOQT Math Techniques 2 Word Knowledge, Verbal Analogies, and Paragraph Co... May 2024 Office Hours AFOQT - Helo Questions AFOQT Math Techniques - [Application Prep](https://bogidope.com/video-vault-library/application-prep/): Back to Video Library Application Prep Search Videos Apply filter AFOQT Webinar - Factoring Deep Dive How to Handle Blunders on Your Record Optimizing Guard, Reserve, & AD Options Standing Out From a Crowded Field of Qualified App... 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Future of IPT, UPT, IFF, and More Inside the Pilot Pipeline UPT T-38 Webinar State of UPT From a T-6 IP at ENJJPT The AF Pilot Training Pipeline Interview with Recent UPT Selectees OTS Road to Wings Medical Flight Standards The Future of UPT What Makes a Great UPT Candidate Webinar Recordings See All NEW Free Webinar Series: Demystifying the UPT Hiring Interview Medical Clearance - MEPS/FC1/Waiver Recruiting: A Peek Behind the Curtain_June 2026 Recruiting: A Peek Behind the Curtain_Dec 25 Deploying for War - On a Moment's Notice Cover Letter: The Opening Paragraph Early Career Expectations Managing Two Careers: Military and Airlines Why now is the best time to become a pilot Large Force Exercises (Red Flag) Inside the F-16 B-Course with Smack & Husky Understanding the Difference Between TDYs vs Formal Training Schools vs Deployments How to Optimize the First 10 Years of Your AF Pilot Career How to Handle Blunders on Your Record Optimizing Guard, Reserve, & AD Options Recent Changes to the AFOQT Your First Ops Squadron Rushing a Squadron 9-Line MEDEVAC Request Test Pilot & Weapons School Lifestyle Within Different USAF Communities See All Test Pilot & Weapons School Spec Ops & RPAs Tankers (KC-46, KC-135, KC-10) Airlift (C-130, C-5, C-17) Multi-Role (F-35, F-16, F-15E) Air Dominance (F-22, F-15C) Bombers (B-1, B-2, B-52) Lifestyle Within Different Army Communities See All Army Aviation Active Duty Bases Army Aviation Maintenance V-280 Valor The Future of Army Aviation Army Aviation Risk Management and Loss Army Aviation: Warrant Officer vs. Officer Active Duty, Reserve or Guard? - Army Army Aviation: Fixed Wing Webinar Army Aviation: Medivac Mission Army UH-60 CAPES Brief Webinar Army Flight School Interview Phase 2 Army Flight School Interview Phase 1 160th SOAR Brief UH-60 CAPES Brief LUH-72 CAPES Brief Intro to Army Aviation II Intro to Army Aviation Application Prep See All Cover Letter: The Opening Paragraph Resumes - Annual Training Plan 2026 How to Handle Blunders on Your Record Optimizing Guard, Reserve, & AD Options Standing Out From a Crowded Field of Qualified Applicants USAF vs ANG vs AFRC Application Process Resume 2 Air Force: Resume 2 Air Force: Resume 1 Cover Letter 1 Cover Letter 2 Resume 1 Air Force: Cover Letter 101 What Makes a Great UPT Candidate Interview Prep See All NEW Free Webinar Series: Demystifying the UPT Hiring Interview Mock Interview Prep w/ SIC How to Handle Blunders on Your Record Air Force Mock Interview I Air Force Interview Prep II Air Force Interview Prep Army Flight School Interview Phase 2 Army Flight School Interview Phase 1 Mock Interview 1 Interview Prep 2 Interview Prep 1 Military Test Prep See All NEW AFOQT Tutoring: Math Techniques - Factoring, Fractions, DRT Optimizing Your AFOQT Wingman App AFOQT Office Hours - April 2026 Introducing the AFOQT Wingman App AFOQT Webinar - Factoring Deep Dive AR Math Story and Ratio Problems AFOQT Math techniques - Factoring & Percentages AFOQT - Area, Perimeter, Volume IV AFOQT Recent Questions Word Knowledge, Verbal Analogies, & Paragraph Comprehension Techniques Area, Perimeter, & Volume Problems Math Story and Percentages Problems Core Math Subjects - Exponents, Conversions, Percentages, and Fractions Area, Perimeter, & Volume II Recent Changes to the AFOQT Fractions, Conversions, and Systems of Equations AFOQT Math Techniques 2 Word Knowledge, Verbal Analogies, and Paragraph Comprehension Techniques AFOQT Math Techniques March Office Hours - AFOQT Overview & Areas of Focus - [Squadrons](https://bogidope.com/squadrons/): Do you have questions, concerns, or a request for a custom squadron feature? Book a call so can figure out how to help your squadron find the best talent in the most efficient way possible. - [Roadmap](https://bogidope.com/roadmap/): BogiDope Roadmap Submit new feature requests, comment/vote on existing ideas, and find out what's coming next ## - [Navy & Marine Corps](https://bogidope.com/?p=365486) - [Military Test Prep](https://bogidope.com/?p=364699): This group is for anyone preparing for the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB-E)/Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR), or the Selection Instrument for Flight Training (SIFT) tests. Please post your questions, tip, tricks, and helpful methods. - [ROTC](https://bogidope.com/?p=364692) - [Air Force Pilot Training (IFT, UPT, IFF, & FTU)](https://bogidope.com/?p=363926): For those interested in Initial Flight Training (IFT), Undergraduate Flight Training (UPT), Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF), and/or Formal Training Unit (FTU aka B-Course). - [Vintage Aviation Enthusiasts](https://bogidope.com/?p=354137): A group for those passionate about classic aircraft and keeping them in the skies for future generations to enjoy! - [General Discussion](https://bogidope.com/?p=309958) - [Army](https://bogidope.com/?p=309933) - [Air Force](https://bogidope.com/?p=293939) ## - [Wisconsin UPT Board – Pulse Check](https://bogidope.com/?p=416949): Apps were due about a week ago, has anyone heard anything regarding interviews? - [AFRC/ANG Units](https://bogidope.com/?p=416486): Hi! - [HIANG UPT Board – Pulse Check](https://bogidope.com/?p=416433): Posting here to see if anyone has heard back from the Hawaii ANG for their 2025 UPT board. - [New Hampshire Pilot Hiring](https://bogidope.com/?p=416386): Hey all, was just curious if anyone has heard back from the 133rd? I had rushed the unit and loved it up there.. I know they mentioned interviews are in October so I was just wondering if anyone has heard any news. Thanks! - [What are my chances? (ANG UPT Boards)](https://bogidope.com/?p=416262): Hi all, - [Tulsa UPT Board – Pulse Check](https://bogidope.com/?p=415909): Good afternoon, everyone. Has anyone heard from Tulsa yet regarding rush activities? I’m guessing it’ll take a while to sift through apps, but the October UTA is rapidly approaching. I hope to see y’all there! - [How “well rounded” to make ANG resume?](https://bogidope.com/?p=414869): I have a feeling the answer to the title is "as well rounded as can be" but I'm wondering specifically about including certain info that I see no need to include on my civilian resume. I.e. college extracurriculars that aren't immediately pertinent to the job I'm applying for, and moderately impressive accomplishments from high school that aren't really relevant any longer (valedictorian, state champion in my chosen sport). Similarly I have some hobbies that may show a degree of work ethic or applicable skills but ultimately are just hobbies (marathon running, extreme sports). I get the idea that the ANG is looking for more of a "whole person" concept than a civilian job, but I also don't want the impression to be that I'm trying to list out every possible thing I've done. Basically, I'm not sure how to assess if my resume is filled with info a board may find extraneous, but I also don't want to be leaving out useful information that could be a point in my favor. Any tips on striking the balance between what is "relevant" and what isn't? - [Whats my chance (ANG, Reserve)?](https://bogidope.com/?p=414158): Thank you! - [Alternative Options For Flying](https://bogidope.com/?p=413572): Hello everybody, - [USAR (Reserve) Rotary Wing Disbanded](https://bogidope.com/?p=412341): Less of a discussion and more informational... All rotary wing U.S. Army Reserve Units are being disbanded. Thus, for rotary wing Army Aviation, only guard and active duty are options. I am still waiting on a full confirmation regarding USAR fix wing units but as of now, I believe they are still operational. - [Crohn’s Disease – the dream’s dead right?](https://bogidope.com/?p=410856): Hello members of this esteemed community. - [VTANG UPT 2025 – Pulse Check](https://bogidope.com/?p=410559): Hey Folks, - [Test Prep Gotta Haves](https://bogidope.com/?p=410277): Reigniting this forum. - [Last Shot – Would Appreciate Fighter Board Members Advice](https://bogidope.com/?p=409136): Good evening everyone, - [Top Secret Clearance Employment History](https://bogidope.com/?p=409120): For those of you who have filled out a sf-86. - [Will IPT replacing IFT change Guard/Reserve hiring?](https://bogidope.com/?p=407151): I've read a few articles and other forums regarding the new Initial Pilot Training (IPT) program that is replacing Initial Flight Training in Pueblo, CO. I'm curious if this may change how some Guard/Reserve units hire since everyone is, at least for now, required to attend IPT whether they have a PPL or not. I know this will be largely unit dependent, just curious if units are talking about this when considering applicants. I assume most units won't be upset about a candidate having a PPL, but will the competitive advantage of having a PPL slip at all? - [AFOQT Contacts and Scheduling Trouble in San Diego](https://bogidope.com/?p=406900): Hey everyone, - [33, Active Duty, No Scores Yet. Mailing Every UPT Unit?](https://bogidope.com/?p=406348): Hey everyone, - [AFOQT Table Reading](https://bogidope.com/?p=405381): To those who have taken the AFOQT, - [93rd Fighter Squadron – Homestead ARB; UPT Boards?](https://bogidope.com/?p=404703): Hi everyone, - [Trouble Scheduling the AFOQT](https://bogidope.com/?p=403769): Hi everyone. I live in the Louisville, KY area, and I have been struggling to get the AFOQT scheduled. The first recruiter I worked with said that he would not schedule me until I went through MEPS, which seemed super weird. Another recruiter (AFR Officer Recruiter) that I spoke with wanted me to sign a boatload of paperwork that had many commitments and then said something about doing MEPS as well? I looked at trying to get a test scheduled through the Education Center at Scott AFB, but I do not have a way to get on base without sponsorship. Any suggestions or tips on how you got your AFOQT scheduled would be greatly appreciated! - [AFOQT Prep- blocks](https://bogidope.com/?p=403708): Hey all, - [BogiDope Unavailable on IOS](https://bogidope.com/?p=403481): For some reason, I cannot open the BogiDope app on my IOS devices anymore. - [Military letters of recommendation](https://bogidope.com/?p=402159): I'm an active-duty enlisted airman currently in the process of assembling my application package for reserve squadrons. My squadron CC, a Lt Col, is fully behind me in this process and will be writing and signing one of my letters of recommendation. Are there particular things for a military letter of rec that hiring boards will want to see? Right now I'm pulling stats on job performance, bullets from award and promotion packages, etc., but I'd appreciate insight on if there's particular structure, form or content that hiring boards look for specifically when reading letters from an applicant's current squadron leadership. - [Part Time vs Full Time Pilot at ANG](https://bogidope.com/?p=401639): Hi all, - [Online Degree?](https://bogidope.com/?p=401628): Hi everyone, - [IFC at Wright Patterson](https://bogidope.com/?p=401051): Finally headed to Wright Patterson for my pilot physical after getting picked up for UPT last October. I’m overall a healthy guy and my current medical history isn’t anything crazy worth worrying about besides a couple broken bones, that don’t have any lasting effects. - [123rd FS Application date question](https://bogidope.com/?p=400371): Howdy, - [Roll call](https://bogidope.com/?p=399798): So I’m a civilian and I just got my PCSM score back and put my application together for the most part… I talked to someone at a unit that I’m very interested in and they are allowing me to go down there on the next drill weekend because the board isn’t open yet and I want to get my name and face down there. - [What Are My Chances of Getting an Interview? Seeking Advice](https://bogidope.com/?p=398975): Here are my current stats: - [TBAS Logbook Format](https://bogidope.com/?p=398588): Hi all, I got my PCSM score back but my flight hours have gone down to zero when I last checked--I reached out to ask what happened and apparently my totals in my logbook were done incorrectly. For anyone who did get their flight hours added to their PCSM, did you fill out literally every column, including bringing forward your total number of landings/PIC time? Appreciate any help! - [AFOQT Sections](https://bogidope.com/?p=396442): <font face="inherit">Hi all,</font> - [IFC Funds](https://bogidope.com/?p=395918): Sooooo I was scheduled for my IFC last week but had to cancel because of a lack of TDY funds.. Of course my piloting future comes down to a lack of funding from big blue. I was wondering if anyone knows alternatives to procuring funding to attending IFC or if anyone knows if I can attend IFC on my own dime while not on a status (MPA, AT, ADOS, etc) as a current member of the AF Reserve.. - [Scheduling the AFOQT](https://bogidope.com/?p=394810): Anybody in the SoCal area (Or anywhere). Im trying to schedule the AFOQT, but the local Air Force Reserve Officer recruiter is not responding to my messages. Any help would be nice! - [How can I make my application more competitive](https://bogidope.com/?p=394494): From what I've heard it's important to have your cover letter, transcripts, test scores, fitness info, previous military service, LORs, a resume with: extracurriculars, volunteer service, degree info, but what else would a hiring board like to see on applications?? - [When can I start rushing?](https://bogidope.com/?p=394493): For context I'm an enlisted member in the COANG going for a fighter slot and I've been looking at a couple units but I know that for a lot of them you have to have 90 credit hours completed in your degree but I was curious to see if anyone knows if I can still put my name in the hat for applications to start building connections. - [Naval Aviation Department Head Retention](https://bogidope.com/?p=393863): Hey BD warfighters, - [Foreign Degree](https://bogidope.com/?p=393851): Greetings ! - [The Squadron Shelf](https://bogidope.com/?p=392803): BogiDope team,A group like this is always on the hunt for new knowledge and expanded horizons. I would be willing to bet there are a lot of readers in the group. This discussion thread can serve as the "squadron shelf" where you can leave your aviation/military book recommendations or stop by for your next read. Title/author works great; if you can give a one-sentence summary even better. - [The Small (UAS) Problem](https://bogidope.com/?p=392323): Question for the group, do you feel that SUAS belongs in the Air Force and should be it be flown by USAF pilots? - [Trouble Scheduling TBAS](https://bogidope.com/?p=392113): I'm trying to take the TBAS a second time at Denver MEPS, and am running into blocks--the ANG recruiter says I have to sign up through the reserve or active recruiter, the reserve recruiter is the one who helped me some the first time and then told me he wouldn't do anything else (and wouldn't have done anything at all if the guy before him hadn't started my paperwork), and the active duty recruiter said he can't help unless I'm going active duty. I was told I could sign up through the test center directly but I've contacted every center and ROTC program in the state and they all say I have to sign up through a recruiter. Does anyone have any ideas or advice for how I can get this done? - [Buckley UPT Hiring Canceled?](https://bogidope.com/?p=391502): I was planning to apply to the 120th at Buckley but I just saw that they’ve canceled their 2025 UPT hiring window, does anyone have any insight on that or know if they’ll do any UPT hiring next year? Thanks! - [FC1 Waiver Process](https://bogidope.com/?p=390898): Good morning all! - [466th Fighter Squadron UPT Timeline](https://bogidope.com/?p=390331): Hi all, looking for any info on a UPT board for the 466th FS out of Hill. At one point they had plans for a Spring 2025 Board. Has that board passed or did they decide to move it to another date? TIA for the help. - [Any insight on 144th FW (Fresno) UPT board timeline?](https://bogidope.com/?p=389832): Hey all, - [Joining Air Force Reserves – enlited vs officer](https://bogidope.com/?p=389795): Hello everyone, - [IPT INFORMATION](https://bogidope.com/?p=388681): Hey everyone, - [How much has your score improved after prepping for a second test of the AFOQT?](https://bogidope.com/?p=388668): I am just curious to know how much people's scores have improved after prepping for a second test of the AFOQT? - [Picking up a Guard or Reserve UPT Slot out of ROTC](https://bogidope.com/?p=388667): I apologize if this is a repeat question, but has any one, or does anyone, have information about how ROTC Cadets can earn a Guard or Reserve UPT slot after they complete ROTC? I have worked with a couple of clients who were looking into this, but I wasn't sure if there was a specific program that allows you to do this? - [B-course (FTU) Questions](https://bogidope.com/?p=386949): Hey everyone, ## - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=416971): I have not. They probably have a lot of applications to go through, so I'm assuming sometime this month they'll contact about interviews. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=416903): Hey Kevin, I'm glad you asked! I'll answer to the best of my knowledge and I'll be leaning heavily on my experience, I might sound a little bitter in my response. I also had a VERY hard time in contacting a recruiter. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=416893): Having the ticket is ideal, but having hours towards the goal will be enough for some units to take a look. I think solo is probably the minimum table stakes. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=416487): My buddy just interviewed with them on the 29th of September, with more the following day. My only connections are to the 199th, so the other HIANG squadrons might do it differently in terms of visiting. The only “Invite rush” they do is for the 10 people they sponsor to the larger hiring board right before interviews. If you get in touch with a pilot then you can just ask to visit any drill weekend. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=416461): Curious where you heard that? They’re definitely still inviting people out for rushes. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=416460): Copy that. Thanks for the heads up! Back to the grind! - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=416452): Interviews already happened. Too many applicants so I wouldn’t expect a response - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=416442): I haven't heard anything so far - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=416427): Good afternoon, I just received the news on Wednesday morning. Maybe give them a few more days to get back to you before reaching out. Good luck! - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=416394): Oh wow, when did you hear back from them? I didn't receive any notice. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=416391): Hi Longshot, Yes, I heard back from the unit. I had rushed the unit and unfortunately was not selected for an interview. This was a dissapointment for me because my home is up that way and I love the area as well... - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=416385): Hi Randy, - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=416275): Thank you, sir! Great information! - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=416265): Hey Luke, welcome to BogiDope! This is definitely the right place to post any an all questions and get to meet other individuals in the chase! - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=415817): Sounds awesome! Does anyone have any feedback? - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=415816): I second this! - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=415425): Has anyone tried the free trial? If so, what are the pros and cons? - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=415025): To "pile on" to everyone else here, Letters of Recommendation should normally speak about the "character, judgement and morals" of the person being recommended. Its almost a way to "verify" what you are saying in your Cover Letter and Resume. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=415024): Include it all, Troy! We are looking for patterns of organized, goal-oriented, hard-working future Airmen that do more than the minimum. Valedictorian, Captain of the Football Team, Student Government, Volunteer work that you have done anytime during your life have prepared you for UPT! - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=415007): Troy, - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=414932): Troy, Yes, well-rounded individuals are always in high demand. For a UPT board specifically, you are looking to accomplish a few things from your resume.1.) Show that you are organized, show attention to detail, and can put together a professional product2.) Establish your basic credentials to qualify for the board. Examples include flying times, qualifications, degrees, and AFOQT/TBAS scores.3.) Establish that you have good officership potetntial. You can lead people, work within ambiguity, and learn from mistakes.4.) Establish that you can complete difficult things (mental or physical).5.) Sprinkle in the things that set you apart/make you memorable at a later date. "Oh yea, troy is the guy that.....insert cool thing from resume here". - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=414825): Hailemicael and Randy, - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=414665): My buddy got an interview invite recently so I think interviews have been given out. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=414611): I know they said they are planning interviews in person end of September, has anyone heard anything from them yet? - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=414601): Another entry for the shelf: A Dawn Like Thunder. These dudes truly had guts. Flew underpowered airplanes laden with a torpedo on wave-top attacks against Japanese battleships. A great memoir of how to prepare to deal with horrendous combat losses. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=414532): If you haven't watch this podcast yet, its pretty insightful in what a board is looking for especially if you are looking at fighters. From what I gathered from the podcast, if you are not a nepo baby or a USAFA graduate. Getting into a guard unit as a civilian is going to be very hard, almost impossible. They mentioned in the podcast they prefer hiring rated applicants over off the street applicants, for obvious reasons. Basically I would relate this to joining a fraternity/sorority (or even dating); very subjective unfortunately. In the podcast, they mentioned going either Active Duty or enlisting with the unit you are interested in to help boost your odds. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=414124): Hey Randy, - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=414122): Wow, ok thank you for the info bro! - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=413637): Randy, - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=413611): Hey Randy, I want to say don’t downplay yourself! I understand you want to be realistic but I’ve heard from many pilots that if they were realistic or listened to every person who told them no, they wouldn’t be where they are today. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=413573): Were you able to get an answer to your question? - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=413171): The 134th FS rush event was last week. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=412866): I agree with SMAX's perspective. The Air Force is no different than any other major civilian flying training operation (Part 121 Airlines being the biggest). - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=412530): Hey! Been watching this post for a while. Just curious if you heard anything yet ? - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=412473): @kaitlin-palm If you're around military aviation long enough, especially the training side of the house, you'll find that one of the few constants is change. The Air Force is always looking at new ways to safely fill cockpits as quickly as possible. The IPT program is just another way to accomplish this objective, outsource some of the initial skills required so that they can shorten the T-6 syllabus and generate winged pilots. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=412351): Cherub, on the fixed-wing side you are correct - they are still operational. However, any new accessions (non-USAR rotary aviators) require an exception to policy from the Commanding General of Army Reserve Aviation Command and are not likely to be approved. The plan is to man the Theater Fixed-Wing Battalions over-strength and transition as many Reserve rotary-wing aviators to fixed-wing as possible. Even active duty fixed-wing guys with thousands of hours of fixed-wing time are being told to look elsewhere for Guard/Reserve opportunities, when just a few months back you could walk on to any unit you wanted with that experience level. Dynamic times for Army Aviation... - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=412339): Thank you for your answer Jordan! Not that it matters much but I confirm this as well. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=412002): Thanks for the reply Nico, and well said! Rushing can definitely be cumbersome, and your first time at the squadron can certainly be intimidating and awkward. The biggest thing is don't try to hard and don't try to little. Ultimately, being yourself, having a few meaningful conversations, and being likable are the keys to success. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=411999): Something I wasn’t prepared for and what I think can be a good discussion point is just how awkward and out of place you can feel while rushing. It makes sense: you’re walking around a tight-knit squadron filled with experienced professionals in their field, and you’re essentially the nobody that doesn’t know much of anything yet. I’ve had a good experience with the POC’s being very accommodating, but drill weekends are fluid, and sometimes you can be left on your own while people are in and out of meetings. During those times, I’ve found it’s a difficult balance between making the most of your time and establishing a good presence, but also being considerate of everyone’s time, especially when things are busy. As far as lessons learned, I find it’s very easy to act in way that is outside of yourself because of the discomfort you may feel and the nature of the atmosphere you find yourself in. What has helped me is honestly just continuing to rush and getting in more reps. I wish I had a magic step by step formula, but for me it has just taken time as I've come to understand the process further. All said, it hammers in the importance of reading the room and being yourself. Hope this is helpful to someone! - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=411826): I know there's been a couple of rush events and interview weekends recently, so I wanted to reinvigorate this thread. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=411825): Thanks for the additions! Test scores are so important in the game these days. I encourage everyone to drop items into this thread if they find a tool that really gave them an edge. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=410953): Just curious if anyone on this thread attended the Webinar with SIC & Tyler regarding current trends with UPT? - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=410826): New AFOQT Table Reading tool worth checking out... - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=410823): I feel the exact same way as Lauren. I relied on the notification function of the app and once the app became unavailable, I have visited the site less often. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=410816): it was an invite to rush at the end of the month - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=410810): Thanks for the reply! What was the nature of it? - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=410807): I just got an email from them a few hours ago - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=410804): The best bet is to grab some tutoring time with me! For the WK and VA, the Magoosh GRE Vocab app works well. For MK and AR: most of the practice books out there have questions a little harder than the actual test. Definitely practice factoring! For the TR section: https://table-reading.com/ is a little harder than that actual test, but give you some great practice. For the IC section: https://afoqtpracticetest.com/instrument-comprehension/ , although it doesn't feature the A-10 like on the test, is a good start. For the TBAS: https://tbastestprep.com/ gets you the most prepared for that test. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=410429): I'd like to see the app stay. I usually do my work on a laptop and I think the notifications and ability to quickly check the feed were great reminders to log in, browse more, and get things done. I never used the mobile site on my phone until the app was gone and I've definitely checked the site less since then. - [](https://bogidope.com/?p=410348): For me, using the mobile site was better than using the app because it was faster and has the same functionality as the desktop version. I think it would better to focus time and resources on something else since the app isn't really needed. ## Jobs ## Products - [1-on-1 Premium Coaching Session — Your Choice](https://bogidope.com/product/1-on-1-premium-coaching-session-your-choice/): One 60-minute 1-on-1 video session with a BogiDope coach — choose AFOQT tutoring, application review, interview prep, or a medical consult (45 min) when you schedule. - [1-on-1 Coaching — 3-Session Pack](https://bogidope.com/product/1-on-1-coaching-3-session-pack/): Three private 1-on-1 sessions with BogiDope coaches — mix and match AFOQT tutoring, application review, interview prep, or a medical consult. Sessions are 60-minute video calls (medical consults 45 min) and never expire. - [Elite Price Lock](https://bogidope.com/product/elite-price-lock/) - [Job Board Only](https://bogidope.com/product/job-board-only/): ✔ Access Bogidope Job Listings ✔ Track Guard / Reserve Opportunities ✔ See Application Deadlines - [BogiDope Membership](https://bogidope.com/product/pro/) - [Free Membership](https://bogidope.com/product/free/) - [Membership](https://bogidope.com/product/milpilot/) - [1 HOUR APP REVIEW or INTERVIEW PREP](https://bogidope.com/product/coaching/): 1 Hour of 1-on-1 App Review or Interview Prep via Video Call **Membership discount auto-applied at checkout** Pro Members = $50 Off Elite Members = $80 Off - [BOOTCAMP](https://bogidope.com/product/bootcamp/) - [1-on-1 Military Test Prep](https://bogidope.com/product/test_prep/): Two 60-minute 1-on-1 tutoring sessions Access to AFOQT Test Prep eCourse AFOQT, ASTB-E/OAR, SIFT practice questions **Membership discount auto-applied at checkout** Pro Members = $50 Off Elite Members = $80 Off - [1 HOUR INTERVIEW PREP](https://bogidope.com/product/1-hour-interview-prep/): 1 Hour of 1-on-1 Interview Prep via Video Call **Membership discount auto-applied at checkout** Pro Members = $50 Off Elite Members = $80 Off - [1 HOUR APP REVIEW](https://bogidope.com/product/extra-1-on-1/): 1 Hour of 1-on-1 Application Review via Video Call **Membership discount auto-applied at checkout** Pro Members = $50 Off Elite Members = $80 Off - [Military/FAA Medical Consultation](https://bogidope.com/product/medical/): Includes: 45 min Video Call Get Answers to Your Medical Questions and Concerns Ensure There Are No Problematic Medical Issues Prior to Taking a Military/FAA Flight Physical Tailored Strategy for How to Handle the Medical Waiver Process **Membership discount auto-applied at checkout** Pro Members = $50 Off Elite Members = $80 Off - [45-Min General Strategy Session](https://bogidope.com/product/general_strategy/): Includes: 45 min Video Call Get Answers to General Questions Set a Tailored Strategy to Achieve Your Career Goals **Membership discount auto-applied at checkout** Pro Members = $50 Off Elite Members = $80 Off ## Thank You Pages ## - [Welcome!](https://bogidope.com/?p=346368) - [Air Force vs Guard/Reserve](https://bogidope.com/?p=346218) - [Intro to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) & the B-Course](https://bogidope.com/?p=343187) - [SERE & Water Survival](https://bogidope.com/?p=342916) - [“Rushing” a Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=342865) - [What Makes a Great UPT Candidate?](https://bogidope.com/?p=342833) - [Street to Seat](https://bogidope.com/?p=334113): In this course, we will cover the fundamentals of how to be best prepared when embarking on, or executing, the Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) or "Street to Seat" application process as well as covering specific scenarios that an applicant or "candidate" may experience. No frills - our goal is to provide the most concise information to best prepare you in your decision-making and application process for your future. Street to Seat is the most direct path to entering the cockpit as an Army Aviator for a lifelong career as a technical and tactical expert in aviation. - [The TBAS & PCSM](https://bogidope.com/?p=333019) - [Understanding Your Options & Benefits](https://bogidope.com/?p=333007) - [Leaving Active Duty](https://bogidope.com/?p=332981) - [Your First Ops Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=332938) - [Initial Flight Training (IFT)](https://bogidope.com/?p=332923) - [Interview Prep Webinars](https://bogidope.com/?p=332906) - [Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT)](https://bogidope.com/?p=332445) - [Benefits](https://bogidope.com/?p=332538) - [AF Pilot Progression](https://bogidope.com/?p=332518) - [Total Force Officer Training (TFOT)](https://bogidope.com/?p=332389) - [Medical Screening](https://bogidope.com/?p=332368) - [AF Officer Progression](https://bogidope.com/?p=330962) - [Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)](https://bogidope.com/?p=330415) - [Rated Pilot Application](https://bogidope.com/?p=329899): Pilot slots are extremely competitive, and your application directly affects your chances of getting an interview. Without an interview, you’ll never be hired, so you need to stand out from the pack – but in a good way.  Too often, applicants stand out for all the wrong reasons; incomplete paperwork, spelling/grammar errors, incoherent cover letters, and unorganized resumes.  The one thing that all of these ill-fated applicants have in common is the belief that their applications were perfect when they were submitted. - [Rated Pilot Interview Prep](https://bogidope.com/?p=329898): Think of all the hard work you’ve already put in throughout your journey to land your dream interview.  Regardless of if you are applying to UPT or a rated board, the college exams, AFOQT, flight time, upgrades, deployments, resumes, cover letters, networking, etc. add up to a lot of time, effort, and money.  This interview is the final hurdle standing between you and a life-altering multi-million-dollar career change, family stability, and/or that dream aircraft or location.  No pressure, right? - [Application Prep Webinars](https://bogidope.com/?p=327161) - [Question Bank & Answer Examples](https://bogidope.com/?p=327181) - [MilRecruiter](https://bogidope.com/?p=326730) - [AFOQT Tips & Tricks](https://bogidope.com/?p=325374): This course will cover the tips and tricks to get the best score possible on the AFOQT. - [How to Get the Most Out of BogiDope](https://bogidope.com/?p=325355) - [Air Force 101](https://bogidope.com/?p=325334) - [UPT Application Optimization](https://bogidope.com/?p=325330): Pilot slots are extremely competitive, and your application directly affects your chances of getting an interview. Without an interview, you’ll never be hired, so you need to stand out from the pack – but in a good way.  Too often, applicants stand out for all the wrong reasons; incomplete paperwork, spelling/grammar errors, incoherent cover letters, and unorganized resumes.  The one thing that all of these ill-fated applicants have in common is the belief that their applications were perfect when they were submitted. - [Pilot Interview Prep](https://bogidope.com/?p=325325): Think of all the hard work you’ve already put in throughout your journey to land your dream interview.  Regardless of whether you are applying to UPT or a rated board, the college exams, AFOQT, flight time, upgrades, deployments, resumes, cover letters, networking, etc., add up to a lot of time, effort, and money.  This interview is the final hurdle standing between you and a life-altering multi-million-dollar career change, family stability, and/or that dream aircraft or location.  No pressure, right? - [Different Paths to Wings](https://bogidope.com/?p=325224): All you need to know about earning your wings in each branch of service, including the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines. This course should give you a snapshot of the different pathways and help you decide which is right for you. - [Affordable Paths for Launching Your Aviation Career](https://bogidope.com/?p=10353): Who is this for: Are you newly interested in aviation and/or currently enlisted in the military and hoping to become a pilot? If so, you are probably aware that a private pilot certificate is the first step and is an unwritten requirement for submitting a competitive application to a military pilot-training board. Which brings up the two most popular questions asked of BogiDope coaches: "Where do I begin?" and "How can I afford it?" - [How to Land an MQ-9 Reaper Job](https://bogidope.com/?p=14606): Want to know more about one of the most sought-after and effective combat-aircraft in modern warfare and how to get a job flying it? The MQ-9 has been a cornerstone in modern warfare with capabilities that will be applicable to combat operations well into the future. Over the past decade, no combat aircraft has proven itself more capable, versatile, and efficient in supporting ground forces throughout world. - [An Introduction to U.S. Army Aviation](https://bogidope.com/?p=14621): For the layman considering military aircraft in the service of these United States, it's easy to naturally default to the Air Force. Why wouldn't you? The name literally implies that this branch does all of the "sky-stuff." But those taking this eCourse are probably not laymen. You're likely well-aware that the Army has almost as many active aircraft as the Air Force (or more, depending on where you get your information). The same exact thing can be said about pilots. But in the event you weren't aware of that... - [How to Get Accepted into the US Air Force Academy](https://bogidope.com/?p=6813): Who is it for: This course is optimized for a Junior in High School but is designed to help a student as early as they realize they want to attend the Air Force Academy (starting earlier is actually more ideal). This is because applying to the Academy is unlike any other college application (i.e., the kind where you can throw something together your senior year). If you wait until then for the Academy application, you are going to be too late. - [Guard/Reserve – Pilot Application Prep eCourse](https://bogidope.com/?p=3258): Pilot slots are extremely competitive, and your application directly affects your chances of getting an interview. Without an interview, you’ll never be hired, so you need to stand out from the pack – but in a good way.  Too often, applicants stand out for all the wrong reasons; incomplete paperwork, spelling/grammar errors, incoherent cover letters, and unorganized resumes.  The one thing that all of these ill-fated applicants have in common is the belief that their applications were perfect when they were submitted. - [Guard/Reserve – Pilot Interview Prep eCourse](https://bogidope.com/?p=3147): Think of all the hard work you’ve already put in throughout your journey to land your dream interview.  Regardless of if you are applying to UPT or a rated board, the college exams, AFOQT, flight time, upgrades, deployments, resumes, cover letters, networking, etc. add up to a lot of time, effort, and money.  This interview is the final hurdle standing between you and a life-altering multi-million-dollar career change, family stability, and/or that dream aircraft or location.  No pressure, right? ## - [test lwds lesson 1](https://bogidope.com/?p=418603): test content lwds 1 - [Where Do You Stack Up Against the Competition?](https://bogidope.com/?p=348895): https://vimeo.com/925045237/caf4cb3945?share=copy - [Interview Debrief](https://bogidope.com/?p=348888): https://vimeo.com/925944823/e658f69ba3?share=copy - [Application Archive](https://bogidope.com/?p=348886): https://vimeo.com/925941181/7eca25c0f3?share=copy - [First Step – Setting Up Your Profile](https://bogidope.com/?p=346373): Setting up your profile is the first step in engaging with the rest of the BogiDope community. It not only helps personalize your experience, but it also allows others to connect with you who are in similar phases of this journey. - [Welcome!](https://bogidope.com/?p=346371): Welcome to the BogiDope Pilot Pathway Program! - [What’s Next?](https://bogidope.com/?p=346363): You have completed Block 2 of training. Congrats! - [How to Become a Fighter Pilot](https://bogidope.com/?p=346344): Have you seen Top Gun or any of the (objectively terrible) Iron Eagle movies more times than you’re willing to admit? Do you daydream of flying twice the speed of sound, pulling 9Gs, and dominating the airspace over any country on the planet at will? Perhaps you’re motivated by the idea of protecting troops on the ground through close air support or just being a part of an elite aviation fraternity (for both guys and gals) full of rich history and tradition. If any of this sounds like you, serving your country as a fighter pilot may be the perfect career (and calling) you're looking for. - [The Secret Ingredient — Control](https://bogidope.com/?p=346317): Based on the needs of the Air Force at the time, the active duty will determine what you fly and where you will live until your Active Duty Service Commitment is fulfilled (approximately 12-year commitment: 1-2 years to complete UPT and then a 10-year service commitment after earning your wings). - [What is the Air Force Reserve?](https://bogidope.com/?p=346235): The Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) is a Major Command (MAJCOM) of the active duty Air Force, providing combat-ready forces to Fly, Fight and Win. - [What is the Air National Guard?](https://bogidope.com/?p=346233): The ANG is a military organization primarily responsible for supporting various state missions (e.g., alert, disaster relief, etc.) while also occasionally deploying overseas as a reserve component of the active duty Air Force. - [UPT Application Process – Guard/Reserve](https://bogidope.com/?p=346228): There are approximately 100 flying squadrons within the Air National Guard (ANG) and 65 in the Air Force Reserve (AFR). Currently, each squadron handles the hiring process independently.   - [Initial Aircraft/Location Assignment](https://bogidope.com/?p=346225): I can still remember my first day of pilot training.  Most of the officers in my 30-person class were recent graduates of the Air Force Academy, while only a few of us represented the Air National Guard (ANG).  If I’m being completely honest, I was a little intimidated by how confident those guys seemed. - [UPT Application Process – Active Duty](https://bogidope.com/?p=346223): Although the prerequisites for attending Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) are virtually identical, the process of attaining a pilot training slot is one of the biggest differences between the active duty Air Force and Air National Guard (ANG) / Air Force Reserve (AFR). - [What Makes a Great UPT Candidate?](https://bogidope.com/?p=346205): Your UPT application must be unambiguously compelling and precise to get noticed by a squadron and warrant an in-person interview. The video above outlines several ways to set yourself apart in the UPT application pool. - [Day-to-Day Terms](https://bogidope.com/?p=344109): Having looked at some specific categories of Air Force terminology, we’re going to cover some items that just seem to pop up in daily conversation. We’ll cover a lot here, but it only scratches the surface. - [Aircraft](https://bogidope.com/?p=344107): The things we’ve discussed so far are important, but let’s get to what we really care about. We’re pilots, which means we love aircraft. - [Organizational Structure](https://bogidope.com/?p=344105): The fundamental unit of the Air Force is a Squadron. Each squadron flies one type of aircraft or fills one function. You wear your squadron’s patch on your shoulder, and it’s the place you talk about when you say you’re “going to work.” - [Rank](https://bogidope.com/?p=344103): The concept of rank is fundamental to any military’s ability to function. In an extreme case, there could be a situation in which one person has to order another to take an action that will result in death. As long as that order is lawful and it’s truly necessary for the survival of the United States of America, the lower-ranking person is obligated to follow that order. In practice, this is a one-in-a-million situation, but you’ll still have to follow plenty of less significant orders as a military member. - [Drill Weekend Explained](https://bogidope.com/?p=343633): One thing is for sure—whether you are coming to the Guard from Active Duty or “off the street” as a newly hired Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) student, you probably want to know what drill weekend is. While drill weekends in the Guard are different everywhere, as each Wing or Group has the leeway to execute drill how they see fit, this lesson will shed light on some of the common ways Air Wings will utilize drill weekends.  - [Part-Time Considerations](https://bogidope.com/?p=343631) - [USERRA for Pilots](https://bogidope.com/?p=343618): In many ways, Guard and Reserve military service seems like a dream come true. However, there’s one problem with this type of service: by definition, the Guard and Reserves are part-time jobs. This means that a Guard or Reserve pilot needs a second, full-time job that he or she leaves anytime the military comes calling. Can you see how this might cause trouble at your day job? Thankfully a federal law called the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects your ability to take military leave from a full-time job without suffering any negative consequences. - [Air Reserve Technician (ART) Explained](https://bogidope.com/?p=343611): The Guard and Reserve offer a myriad of job choices for the military aviator.  Of the full-time positions available, one of the options is the Air Reserve Technician, or ART.  The ARC (Air Reserve Component--an easy abbreviation for Guard/Reserve) created ART positions to capture technical expertise and operational experience within ARC units to ensure combat readiness.   - [Understand the Different Flavors of ANG Orders](https://bogidope.com/?p=343606): Anyone who is new to the Air National Guard (ANG) can attest to this simple fact, understanding who you work for on any given day is extremely confusing.  Heck, it can be confusing for those who have been in the Guard for several years.  In order to clear up some of that confusion, let's take a look at how different laws affect a Guard member’s duty status, pay, and who they ultimately work for while performing their military duty. - [Time to Show Your Cards](https://bogidope.com/?p=343599): Keep your cards close.  Don’t show your hand.  Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.  These are a few colloquialisms that we have all heard, reflecting a bit of the reality of Active Duty (AD) service.  For those of us considering leaving AD for the Guard or Reserves, those words take on a whole new practical meaning:  how do we know when the right time is to spill the beans about our future career plans?  How much information about our hopes for our career beyond AD do we really have to share?  Those are the questions that this article will help you to answer.   - [Active Duty to Guard/Reserve Transition](https://bogidope.com/?p=343594): Leaving active duty (AD) and transferring to the Guard or Reserves can be a scary time in your life.  There is not a lot of information available to pilots preparing for this transition, which makes it easy to find frustrating pitfalls and speed bumps along the way.  Just like flying a mission, intelligence and preparation are the keys to success.  In order to help you navigate this transition, we’ve compiled a short list of steps you should take to ensure that you are successful. - [After Staff](https://bogidope.com/?p=343440): Once your staff tour is done, you have some decisions to make. If you’re highly competitive for command, you’ll follow a track that we’ll discuss in the next section. If you’re only somewhat competitive, or not competitive at all, you’ll probably have the option of staying on staff or going back to a Wing. - [Staff](https://bogidope.com/?p=343438): Having completed Air Command and Staff College, the Air Force prefers you to spend your next assignment serving on a staff. - [Master’s Degrees](https://bogidope.com/?p=343436): Before we get on to post-IDE assignments, we need to take a moment to discuss graduate school. Like it or not, a long-term Air Force officer must earn a Master’s Degree. It used to be that this was a prerequisite for making Major. Thankfully, the pilot shortage has helped kill that requirement. It may be possible to make Lt Col without a Master’s, but I wouldn’t risk it. You won’t make Colonel without one. - [PME for Field Grade Officers (FGOs)](https://bogidope.com/?p=343434): As a Field Grade Officer (FGO – ranks Major through Colonel) you’re expected to complete the next level of PME, called Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). Like SOS, ACSC can be completed in person or by correspondence. The difference is that not everyone gets to attend in-residence, so it becomes a competition. - [Leaving the Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=343432): Once you’ve been a Shop Chief and/or Flight Commander, you’ve just about topped-out on useful career progression within your squadron. The Squadron DO has a few assistants (ADOs), usually a job for Majors or Lt Cols. This is a good move up from Shop Chief or Flt/CC, but not mandatory. - [Professional Military Education (PME)](https://bogidope.com/?p=343430): The Air Force places a great deal of emphasis on Professional Military Education, or PME. As a Captain, you need to complete Squadron Officer School (SOS). The in-residence version of this course is held at Maxwell AFB, AL, and it lasts 5-8 weeks, depending on who’s in charge and how they’ve tried to adjust the syllabus lately. - [Company Grade Officer (CGO) Leadership Opportunities](https://bogidope.com/?p=343428): Your first real leadership opportunity as a Company Grade Officer (CGO – ranks Second Lieutenant through Captain) will be as a Shop Chief for one of these departments. Some of the other military branches give the Air Force a hard time about not giving its officers’ leadership opportunities early enough in their careers. Those people simply don’t understand how the Air Force works. Shop Chief is absolutely a leadership position, and you’re vulnerable for the position as a 1Lt. - [First Jobs](https://bogidope.com/?p=343426): If you look in the regulations for your aircraft (the “11-2” series pubs) you will find a paragraph that states something to the effect of: “It is forbidden for new pilots to have any job, other than being a pilot, for the first 6 (or 12) months in a new aircraft.” This is absolutely a great sentiment and the USAF would be better if this happened. Unfortunately, every squadron commander I ever worked for knowingly violated this regulation. His or her justification was always that the squadron wasn’t even staffed at full strength and in order to keep the circus running, even 2Lts had to help. - [Specialty Training](https://bogidope.com/?p=343424): On the day you graduate from college or TFOT you will be the most useless person in the entire US military. Sure, you’ll have some fancy degree, but you will have zero skills usable in employing Air Power against America’s enemies. You’ll need to go to some type of training, which means UPT for most BogiDope readers. - [Officer Accessions](https://bogidope.com/?p=343422): A military pilot’s career starts at a commissioning source. For many, this is the USAF Academy or ROTC. For pilots smart enough to go directly to the Guard or Reserve, this will mean OTS (now called TFOT). The honest truth is that it doesn’t matter which source you come from. From here on out, all that matters is how good of a person and a pilot you are. - [Command](https://bogidope.com/?p=343420): Speaking of command, this is where the Air Force wants officers to end up after IDE and staff. The “ideal” career path involves spending some time as an Operations Officer (DO). This is a good way to get back into your aircraft, get a refresher on life in a squadron after the staff, and studying how to be a commander. If there aren’t enough DO jobs available at your base, the Wing Chief of Safety position is usually considered an equally competitive stepping stone. - [Guard and Reserve Differences](https://bogidope.com/?p=343418): We’ve just covered the basics of officer progression for an Active Duty Air Force pilot. Most of this applies to the Guard and Reserve, to varying degrees. The main difference is that the timelines can get extended. - [Discussing Your Goals With Your Commander](https://bogidope.com/?p=343416): No matter what your career goals may be, it’s important to make sure your commander knows about them! - [Wrap Up](https://bogidope.com/?p=343398): I like discussing the pilot side of career development because I feel like this is the whole point of being a pilot in the military. Sure, pilots need to also develop themselves as officers and leaders behind a desk. However, there are thousands of officers in the military. We are the only ones capable of employing Air Power against America’s enemies. In my mind, that is by far the most important skill for us to develop. This influences your ability to do your job well now and plays into your future assignments. - [How to Ask For Upgrades](https://bogidope.com/?p=343396): Most squadrons do a good job of knowing who is ready for an upgrade and getting each person into the pipeline as soon as possible. In my opinion, if you feel compelled to ask for an upgrade, that’s frequently a sign that you’re not ready for it…and oblivious to that fact. - [Upgrades and Your Future](https://bogidope.com/?p=343394): I feel like many pilots try to maximize their progress because we tend toward Type A personalities who want to excel no matter what we do. However, it’s important to understand the short- and long-term career impacts of your ability to progress as a pilot. - [Maximizing Your Progress](https://bogidope.com/?p=343392): Unlike many civilian careers, and even non-flying military ones, aviation does not allow you to get ahead by faking it or taking credit for the work of others. Your successful career progression as a pilot will be directly proportional to what you put into it. - [Other Certifications](https://bogidope.com/?p=343390): These are the primary steps in an Air Force pilot’s career. Almost every community has upgrades through these positions, and as a pilot, you should always be working to earn the right to take that next step. - [Evaluator Pilot](https://bogidope.com/?p=343388): Some IPs will get selected for upgrade to Evaluator Pilot/Flight Examiner (EP or FE). Up until this point, the Squadron Operations Officer (DO) “owns” all of the upgrade programs. Decisions on upgrades are always a collaborative process between the Commander, DO, and other senior pilots, but the DO has a lot of say. EP upgrade is different. This program is owned entirely by the Squadron Commander. A squadron can always use more IPs, but it only needs a few EPs. Don’t be surprised or disappointed if you don’t get picked for this job. If you do, it’s because your commander identified you, specifically, as a pilot with great judgment. - [Instructor Pilot](https://bogidope.com/?p=343386): An experienced Aircraft Commander or 4-ship Flight Lead may eventually get selected for upgrade to Instructor Pilot. The Air Force regards IP as a serious responsibility. Unless you fly fighters, this upgrade is more likely to necessitate a TDY back to the schoolhouse. IPs teach upgrades, help pilots reset currency items they haven’t done in a while, train pilots on new aircraft upgrades, and much more. It’s a busy job. - [Flight Lead/Aircraft Commander](https://bogidope.com/?p=343383): Once you’ve gained some experience and demonstrated the ability to do your job as a Wingman/Copilot, you’ll be selected for upgrade to Flight Lead (fighters) or Aircraft Commander (crewed aircraft). In some communities, this means a TDY back to the schoolhouse for a few weeks. Most fighter squadrons, and many other types of units, do Flight Lead or Aircraft Commander upgrades “in-house.” - [Mission Qualification Training (MQT)](https://bogidope.com/?p=343381) - [Pilot Training Overview](https://bogidope.com/?p=343376): A military pilot’s career starts at a commissioning source. For many, this is the USAF Academy or ROTC. For pilots smart enough to go directly to the Guard or Reserve, this will mean OTS (now called TFOT). The honest truth is that it doesn’t matter how you earn your commission. From here on out, all that matters is how good of a person and a pilot you are. - [Active Duty Deployments: A Comparison](https://bogidope.com/?p=343331): One interesting point to consider when discussing ARC deployments is their comparison to an Active Duty unit’s deployment.  Having participated in both types, I can offer the following: ## - [Place holder for summary video](https://bogidope.com/?p=319249) - [Place holder for summary slide](https://bogidope.com/?p=319247) - [Place holder for Intro Video](https://bogidope.com/?p=319242) - [Place holder for Intro Slide](https://bogidope.com/?p=319240) - [Topic](https://bogidope.com/?p=273451) - [Social Media](https://bogidope.com/?p=21135): When applying for scholarships, be mindful that some scholarship committees will elect to remove any identifying information of applicants from the scholarship application while others will not.  Typically, the Committee Chairman or another member of the scholarship committee will sort through the applications and remove the names of the applicants before passing them along to the review team for scoring. This is done in order to guard against unintentional bias. However, some scholarship committees elect to leave the names of the applicant on the application where it is visible to the scholarship committee review team. - [Additional Information](https://bogidope.com/?p=20485): If a scholarship requests additional information, they will typically outline the information that they want detailed in the additional information document. The most important thing for this section is to present the information that is requested in a logical, organized format and in chronological order. This helps the interview team to view the requested information in a timely and efficient manner without having to unnecessarily search for it. Following these rules of thumb ensures that you get the maximum points for this section. Remember: presentation and organizational skills reflect on who you are and the pride that you take in your profession. - [Letters of Recommendation](https://bogidope.com/?p=13715): Letters of recommendation should be used to supplement your application. Think of them as a way to tell the scholarship committee something about yourself that they might not learn from your resume or essay/media submission. - [Resume](https://bogidope.com/?p=13706): Not all scholarship applications require a resume. But if they do, a nice resume is crucial for success. Other than your essay or media submission, resumes are the number one way a scholarship committee gets to know YOU! - [Video Content](https://bogidope.com/?p=13704): Recently, scholarship committees have branched out and started accepting media and art submissions in lieu of essays. This is an excellent move that is being made to help push scholarships into the current age. Let\'s face it- not everyone is a writer. Having the ability to select which form of submission best fits your skills is a huge improvement, and a way to create more inclusivity and increase diversity in the industry. - [Essay](https://bogidope.com/?p=13702): The essay is the star of the show unless you are required to do a media submission in lieu of an essay (refer to the Media Submission subsection). - [Certificates](https://bogidope.com/?p=13700): Most aviation scholarships require the applicant to submit a copy of their certificates. Typically, this consists of your student-pilot certificate/3rd class medical. To obtain a student pilot certificate and medical, you will need to contact a flight instructor and an FAA-designated aviation medical examiner. A local flight school should be able to point you in the right direction. If you have additional certificates and are competing for scholarships beyond the private-pilot certificate, then you will need to include all certificates that you currently hold and a valid medical certificate. Some scholarships also require a driver's license, valid passport, and FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operators Permit. Be certain to check the requirements and submit all required documents. If you don't have one of the required documents, go get it. Don't apply without ALL required documents. - [Logbooks](https://bogidope.com/?p=13697): Most - if not all - aviation scholarships require flight logbook pages. ## - [711th Special Operations Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=411284) - [711st Special Operations Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=410548) - [777th Flying Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=408763) - [Alaska ANG](https://bogidope.com/?p=397035) - [931st Air Refueling Wing](https://bogidope.com/?p=393671) - [703rd Helicopter Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=390210) - [370th Flight Test Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=350385) - [171st Air Refueling Wing](https://bogidope.com/?p=319312) - [415th Flight Test Flight](https://bogidope.com/?p=232914) - [144th Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=179378) - [ANG/AFR Command Test Center (AATC)](https://bogidope.com/?p=27538) - [97th Flying Training Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27536) - [97th Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27535) - [970th Airborne Air Control Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27533) - [96th Flying Training Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27531) - [93rd Bomb Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27528) - [91st Attack Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27527) - [89th Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27526) - [815th Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27525) - [79th Air Refueling Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27523) - [77th Air Refueling Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27520) - [758th Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27517) - [757th Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27516) - [756th Air Refueling Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27515) - [74th Air Refueling Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27514) - [73rd Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27512) - [732nd Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27511) - [731st Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27509) - [72nd Air Refueling Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27508) - [729th Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27507) - [728th Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27506) - [70th Air Refueling Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27504) - [706th Fighter Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27501) - [701st Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27500) - [700th Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27499) - [69th Fighter Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27497) - [5th Flying Training Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27494) - [53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27493) - [63rd Air Refueling Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=379) - [52nd Fighter Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27491) - [47th Fighter Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27489) - [43rd Flying Training Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27484) - [39th Flying Training Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27482) - [343rd Bomb Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27479) - [337th Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27477) - [336th Air Refueling Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27476) - [317th Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27475) - [314th Air Refueling Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27474) - [313th Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27473) - [307th Fighter Squadron](https://bogidope.com/?p=27470) ## - [Charlie “Smack” Meier](https://bogidope.com/?p=381229): Hailing from a non-military background but determined to fly fighters, Smack chose to pursue a USAF commission through the US Air Force Academy. He graduated in 2012 and attended UPT at Columbus AFB before tracking to the F-16. Smack then spent the next 12 years of active duty flying the mighty Viper across Europe and the Pacific. In 2024, he transitioned to the Air National Guard and continues to fly as an F-16 instructor. He and his wife stay busy chasing their 5 kids around the mountains. - [Travis “CAGE” Dancer](https://bogidope.com/?p=370950): In 2008, Travis enlisted in the Air National Guard two weeks before graduating from high school. He joined as an F-16 jet engine mechanic, hoping this would help in the career path of one day sitting in the cockpit instead of turning wrenches. During his six-and-a-half-year enlistment, Travis went to Kent State University, where he majored in Aeronautical Studies with a minor in Flight Technology while also getting his CCAF Associate degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. Upon graduating from Kent with his BS and a commercial instrument rating, Travis took a full-time job on base as a contracted maintenance professional while starting his master’s degree and applying to Guard units nationwide. - [Tim “CHAOS” Mundschenk](https://bogidope.com/?p=321843): Tim graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2013 with a BS in BusinessAdministration. While in college, Tim enlisted as a part-time Air Crew Flight Equipmentreservist with the 303rd Fighter Squadron flying A-10s out of Whiteman AFB in Missouri.During that time, he also obtained roughly 100 hours of civilian flight time, received his PrivatePilot License, and pursued his Instrument rating. Upon graduating college, Tim set out on theUPT rushee circuit, submitting 20+ UPT applications while exerting a massive amount of timeand effort traveling around the country for interviews. Tim was finally selected for an AirNational Guard F-15C pilot training slot in 2014 with the Louisiana ANG. He graduated fromSUPT in 2016 from Vance AFB, OK, completed F-15C training in 2017, and became a CombatMission Ready Eagle Driver for the 159th Fighter Wing shortly thereafter. Most recently, Timtransferred back home to St. Louis and became a member of the Missouri ANG, where he iscurrently the Chief of Current Ops for a Combat Operations Squadron. He is full-time Guard andis qualified as a Senior Air Defense Officer for the 613th Air Operations Center at Hickam AFB,HI. - [Kyle “Husky” Martin](https://bogidope.com/?p=321841): With no money for college but dreams of flying fast jets Kyle joined the Air Force in 2001 by way of the Air Force Academy and has been flying ever since. He attended ENJJPT, selected F-16s and flew that mighty war machine all over the world during a 12 year active duty career. In 2017 Kyle became a Citizen-Airman as a pilot for a major airline and a member of the Air Reserve Component. Along the way Kyle has flown as a MEII, CFIG and a regional airline pilot. He continues to fly the F-16 and serves alongside his active duty wife. - [Brett “Cherub” Kroll](https://bogidope.com/?p=317647): Serving full-time in the Army National Guard, Brett is a current Pilot and Warrant Officer with over 10 years of flying experience in rotary and fixed wing aircraft. Brett graduated from West Point in 2013 and earned his wings becoming a UH-60L/M pilot in early 2015. In 2021, then CPT Kroll left Active Duty and became CW2 Kroll in the Michigan National Guard. In late 2021, Brett entered a the full-time MI Counter Drug Task Force, where he currently serves, flying the Airbus UH-72A. - [Jeff “Gunboss” Negus](https://bogidope.com/?p=314642): Jeff is the expert military test tutor for BogiDope. His twenty-year Naval Officer career included an elitenuclear-powered submarine tour on USS Parche (SSN 683), numerous submarine support staffassignments, graduation from Air Command and Staff College, and three years on the Admiral’s staff onUSS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Founder and CEO of In An Instant®, LLC, he taught college math for threeyears and has tutored for nine years.Jeff is an AFOQT/OAR/ASTB/SIFT/ASVAB guru. His test-taking techniques and test-day prep methodshave helped numerous men and women successfully enter the military and pilot training. His tutoringapproach is based on a coaching leadership style and emphasizes continuous improvement and subjectmatter mastery. He is qualified for command of submarines, is a nuclear engineer, and holds a PrivatePilot’s License.Jeff’s wide range of expertise regarding military tests helps Bogi-Dope provide the best possiblepreparation for your aviation testing needs. - [Chris “Sharky” Mazzei](https://bogidope.com/?p=315864): Chris graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and commissioned through the ROTC program in 2001.  Following UPT graduation from Laughlin AFB, TX he was assigned to fly the C-17.  During his 16-year Active Duty career, he conducted operations all over the globe while being assigned to bases in Washington, New Jersey, Germany, and Oklahoma. In 2018, Chris made the jump to the USAF Reserves to assist a unit transitioning from the C-130H to the C-17, serving as the unit’s Squadron Commander. In this role, Chris led numerous hiring boards as the board chairman, giving him unique insights into the UPT/Rated interview process. - [Rick “Humpty” Gallup](https://bogidope.com/?p=293579): Rick started his military career in the United States Marine Corps in 2005. He flew the F/A-18 for 14 years, graduated from the Marine Corps Weapon School, and also served as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller. In 2019, Rick joined Delta Air Lines and the Air National Guard. He flew F-15C’s for 3 years, and is currently flying the F-35A. He is extremely motivated about watching others achieve their dreams of flying military aircraft, and has a tenacity for enabling others to attain success! - [Nick “Coma” Kanakis](https://bogidope.com/?p=178751): After attending Northwestern Preparatory School and completing a year of Air Force ROTC, Nick eventually graduated from the US Military Academy in 2009. Shortly after, he graduated from Army Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) Training and the UH-60 Black Hawk Qualification Courses at Fort Rucker, AL. He spent the next 9 years flying Air Assault and MEDEVAC missions stateside, deployed to Afghanistan and throughout Central America. In addition to being a fully qualified Black Hawk Pilot-in-Command and Unit Trainer, Nick led at the Platoon and Company level before becoming the Operations Officer for the Claremont McKenna College Army ROTC Battalion. In 2019, after completing a grueling inter-service transfer, he attended UPT at Columbus AFB, MS and KC-135 training at Altus AFB, OK. Nick is currently full-time as an ART with his squadron. - [Wyatt “SMAX” Cheek](https://bogidope.com/?p=178732): Wyatt spent his 20-year Air Force career flying the F-15C Eagle and F-22 Raptor in the Active Duty Air Force (USAF) and Air National Guard (ANG).  After gaining his commission through ROTC, his journey included 12 years of USAF service before transitioning to the ANG in 2017.  Wyatt and his family enjoyed assignments to Virginia, Alaska, and Florida, amassing over 2000 fighter hours as an instructor, evaluator pilot, and Squadron Commander.  His Air Force experiences include flying fighters around the world in support of multiple theater security packages and combat deployments.  In early 2022, he made the transition to a part-time Drill Status Guardsman to begin a civilian career with Delta Air Lines.  Wyatt has served on multiple ANG hiring boards, bringing credibility to his role as your coach and mentor, assisting your journey through the rewarding process of becoming an Air Force officer and pilot. - [Frances “Tigger” Burress](https://bogidope.com/?p=178729): Frances has been an ANG Aerospace Medicine Physician Assistant since 2018 and has over 20+ years of Military experience with the Army, Air Force, and Marines.  She has vast experience in Deployment Medicine, Medical Readiness, Primary Care, Medical Evaluation Boards, and Aerospace Medicine.  She has written more than 300 Narrative Summaries and more than 150 Waivers. - [Stephen “Hollywood” Baffic](https://bogidope.com/?p=178728): Stephen has been ANG Aeromedical Physician Assistant since 2012 and has over 36yrs of Military Medical experience. He is well versed in military medical standards and has written well over 100 medical waivers. - [Dr. Jeffrey “GAS” Althoff](https://bogidope.com/?p=178727): Dr. Jeffrey “GAS” Althoff has been a USAF Flight Surgeon since 2013 and is board certified in Emergency Medicine as well as Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine. He also serves as an FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) and has conducted more than 300 FAA medical evaluations. - [Russ “Beav” Klawitter](https://bogidope.com/?p=178726): Beav has over 20 years of experience as an Active Duty F-15E Instructor WSO. He was Active Dutyhis entire military service and has significant application/interview experience both in the military andas a civilian as a corporate recruiter. - [David “DJ” Spisso](https://bogidope.com/?p=178724): D.J. has over 20 years of experience as an Air National Guard C-130 Instructor Pilot.  He is a “Guard Baby” with significant application/interview experience both in the military and civilian aviation industry.  D.J. has Part 135 experience flying a Beechjet 400 as well as Part 121 as a 737 pilot for a major airline.  He enjoys taking out his boat in the numerous rivers surrounding his community and the lively social aspects of living on the coast. - [Nick “SIC” Krygowski](https://bogidope.com/?p=178723): Nick graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelors's in Aviation Operations. He spent a few years as a civilian flight instructor and drop zone pilot before deciding to join the Air Force. Countless Guard/Reserve applications and several interviews later, Nick was selected by the US Air Force Reserve for Undergraduate Pilot Training. Nick graduated from Euro-Nato Joint Jet Pilot Training in 2015 and from the A-10C B-Course in Tucson, AZ shortly thereafter. He spent the next 5 years flying A-10Cs as a full-time reservist all over the world including a combat deployment to Afghanistan and most recently a volunteer assignment to Korea. - [Alex “Biggs” Biegalski](https://bogidope.com/?p=178720): Alex graduated from Virginia Tech and attended pilot training at Laughlin AFB, TX flying the T-6A and T-38C. Alex was selected for the U-28A out of pilot training and flew worldwide special operations missions for over 10 years while stationed at Hurlburt Field, FL. Over his career, Alex was an instructor, evaluator pilot, and weapons school graduate.  Alex deployed 10 times to combat theaters gaining over 2,200 combat hours, with his most recent deployment training Afghan special operations aviators to fly the PC-12 and the Mi-17 for a year. After 11 years on active duty, Alex transitioned to the Air National Guard to fly the MQ-9. Alex has extensive experience with the application and interview process for both the ANG and Reserves and is a great asset to the BogiDope team. - [John “SLAP” McFarlin](https://bogidope.com/?p=178716): John graduated from the University of North Dakota’s aviation program in 2006.  After a year of civilian flight instructing, countless UPT applications, and hundreds of dollars spent traveling around the country to UPT interviews, John was selected for an Air National Guard F-15C pilot training slot.  He graduated from Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training in 2009, completed F-15C training in 2010, and transitioned to a part-time Guard status after being hired by American Airlines in early 2016. - [Brad O’Donnell](https://bogidope.com/?p=178712): Brad is the technical guru of BogiDope. He's been doing web design and development since 2009 and has been in charge of designing and developing websites and web/mobile applications for some extremely large companies. Before becoming a web designer, Brad proudly served in the US Army for 9 years, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. Brad brings a unique perspective to BogiDope, not only through his technical experience but also through his tactical experience. As a US Army Paratrooper, Brad was closely involved in the receiving end of a lot of fighter and cargo missions, including tactical air strikes, close air support, heavy drops, and even jumping out of a few planes. ## Badges ## - [FREE MilPilot Academy for LIFE](https://bogidope.com/?p=351913) - [FREE Medical Session](https://bogidope.com/?p=351899) - [FREE Military Test Prep Tutoring](https://bogidope.com/?p=351897) - [FREE Application or Interview Prep](https://bogidope.com/?p=351895) - [FREE General Strategy Session](https://bogidope.com/?p=351893) - [FREE Month of MilPilot Academy or 50% OFF MilPilot Academy Annual](https://bogidope.com/?p=351803) - [FREE Month of MilPilot Academy or 25% OFF MilPilot Academy Annual](https://bogidope.com/?p=351801) - [FREE Month of MilPilot Academy or 10% OFF MilPilot Academy Annual](https://bogidope.com/?p=351799) - [FREE Month of MilPilot Membership or 50% Off Annual MilPilot Membership](https://bogidope.com/?p=351793) - [FREE Month of MilPilot Membership or 25% Off Annual MilPilot Membership](https://bogidope.com/?p=351789) - 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[Content Access: Video Vault](https://bogidope.com/?p=330603) - [Course Access: How to Get Accepted into the US Air Force Academy](https://bogidope.com/?p=330593) - [Course Access: Guard/Reserve – Pilot Interview Prep](https://bogidope.com/?p=330592) - [Course Access: Guard/Reserve – Pilot Application Prep](https://bogidope.com/?p=330591) - [Course Access: Affordable Paths for Launching Your Aviation Career](https://bogidope.com/?p=330584) - [25% discount on Military Test Prep Tutoring](https://bogidope.com/?p=330646): Use this coupon code: miltest25 - [25% discount on Application or Interview Prep](https://bogidope.com/?p=330645): Use this coupon code: ip25off - [25% discount on Medical Session](https://bogidope.com/?p=330644): Use this coupon code: medses25 - [25% discount on General Strategy Session](https://bogidope.com/?p=330643): Use this Coupon code: genstra25 - [10% discount on Military Test Prep Tutoring](https://bogidope.com/?p=330642): Use this coupon code: MILITARYTESTDISCOUNT - 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[Level 18](https://bogidope.com/?p=326071) - [Level 17](https://bogidope.com/?p=326070) - [Level 16](https://bogidope.com/?p=326069) - [Level 15](https://bogidope.com/?p=326068) - [Level 14](https://bogidope.com/?p=326067) - [Level 13](https://bogidope.com/?p=326066) - [Level 12](https://bogidope.com/?p=326065) - [Level 11](https://bogidope.com/?p=326064) - [Level 10](https://bogidope.com/?p=326063) - [Level 9](https://bogidope.com/?p=326062) - [Level 8](https://bogidope.com/?p=326061) - [Level 7](https://bogidope.com/?p=326060) - [Level 6](https://bogidope.com/?p=326059) - [Level 5](https://bogidope.com/?p=326058) - [Level 4](https://bogidope.com/?p=326057) - [Level 3](https://bogidope.com/?p=326056) - [Level 2](https://bogidope.com/?p=326055) - [Level 1](https://bogidope.com/?p=326054) ## - [Bootcamp 25-2 Kickoff Meeting](https://bogidope.com/?p=414072): **Bootcamp 25-2 Students Only** - [Live Lab 3- Resumes](https://bogidope.com/?p=414039): **Bootcamp Members Only** - [Live Lab 2- Strategy: Competitive Advantage](https://bogidope.com/?p=414038): **Bootcamp Members Only** - [Live Lab 1- Coaches Roundtable](https://bogidope.com/?p=414036): **Bootcamp Members Only** - [Managing Two Careers: Military + Airlines](https://bogidope.com/?p=410153): Join BogiDope coach Kyle “Husky” Martin for an inside look at the pros, cons, and realities of balancing two pilot careers in the military and airlines.  Things like pay, schedule, burnout, benefits, and a whole lot more will be discussed.  Over 90% of military pilots will eventually go to the airlines so this is a great way to look into the crystal ball for what to expect if you're considering this path.  Hope to see you all there! - [Future of UPT: Insider Q&A with a Columbus AFB IP](https://bogidope.com/?p=406672): **ALL BogiDope Members Welcome** - [Small Group Breakout 3](https://bogidope.com/?p=406671): **Bootcamp Members Only** - [Small Group Breakout 2](https://bogidope.com/?p=406670): **Bootcamp Members Only** - [Live Lab 8-Mock Hiring Board](https://bogidope.com/?p=406669): **Bootcamp Members Only** - [Live Lab 7 – Advanced Interview Tactics](https://bogidope.com/?p=406668): **Bootcamp Members Only** - [Live Lab 6 – Interview Fundamentals](https://bogidope.com/?p=406667): **Bootcamp Members Only** - [Live Lab 5 – Rushing, Networking & Letters of Rec](https://bogidope.com/?p=406666): **Bootcamp Members Only** - [Live Lab 4 – Cover Letters](https://bogidope.com/?p=406665): **Bootcamp Members Only** - [Why Now May Be the Best Time to Become a Military Pilot](https://bogidope.com/?p=400019): Join "Husky" as he breaks down the pros/cons of being a military pilot, an outlook on the future of military aviation, and why right now may be a particularly good time to join. - [Life as a Pilot During a Large Force Exercise (e.g. Red Flag)](https://bogidope.com/?p=396036): Join "Smack" as he gives an insider look at what life was like at a recent Red Flag and other "Large Force Exercises." - [Guard/Reserve Mock Interview Prep](https://bogidope.com/?p=395548): Hit a "bucket of balls" (interview questions) to hone your skills for any upcoming squadron rush events, phone screenings, or in-person interviews. - [Test Prep Night – Recently Asked Questions – AI Focused](https://bogidope.com/?p=395404): Jeff "Gunboss" Negus will be addressing recently asked questions. - [Florida International Air Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=391484): Florida International Air Show - [Stuart Air Show 2025](https://bogidope.com/?p=391481): Stuart Air Show 2025 - [NAS Pensacola Open House – Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=391479): NAS Pensacola Open House - Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show - [Thunder Over the Sound: Keesler & Biloxi Air & Space Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=391477): Thunder Over the Sound: Keesler & Biloxi Air & Space Show - [Jacksonville Sea & Sky Airshow](https://bogidope.com/?p=391151): Jacksonville Sea & Sky Airshow - [Central Florida Air & Space Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=391149): Central Florida Air & Space Show - [Wings Over Houston Air Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=391148): Wings Over Houston Air Show - [Amigo Airsho](https://bogidope.com/?p=391146): Amigo Airsho - [Central Coast AirFest](https://bogidope.com/?p=391145): Central Coast AirFest - [Atlanta Air Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=391144): Atlanta Air Show - [San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=391143): San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show - [Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow](https://bogidope.com/?p=391140): Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow - [California International Airshow](https://bogidope.com/?p=391138): California International Airshow - [Pacific Airshow](https://bogidope.com/?p=391133): Pacific Airshow - [Pueblo Wings of Pride Air Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=391131): Pueblo Wings of Pride Air Show - [MCAS Miramar Air Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=391129): MCAS Miramar Air Show - [Oregon International Air Show – McMinnville](https://bogidope.com/?p=391128): Oregon International Air Show - McMinnville - [NAS Oceana Air Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=391127): NAS Oceana Air Show - [The Great Colorado Air Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=391125): The Great Colorado Air Show - [JB Andrews Air Show & Open House](https://bogidope.com/?p=391123): JB Andrews Air Show & Open House - [Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=391121): Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show - [Northern Illinois Airshow](https://bogidope.com/?p=391119): Northern Illinois Airshow - [Volaria Festival Aéronautique](https://bogidope.com/?p=391117): Volaria Festival Aéronautique - [Airshow London 2025 – SkyDrive](https://bogidope.com/?p=391114): Airshow London 2025 - SkyDrive - [Cleveland National Air Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=391113): Cleveland National Air Show - [Canadian International Air Show (CIAS 25)](https://bogidope.com/?p=391112): Canadian International Air Show (CIAS 25) - [Branson Wings of Pride Air Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=391111): Branson Wings of Pride Air Show - [Cleveland National Air Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=390238): Cleveland National Air Show - [Canadian International Air Show (CIAS 25)](https://bogidope.com/?p=390235): Canadian International Air Show (CIAS 25) - [Branson Wings of Pride Air Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=390233): Branson Wings of Pride Air Show - [Wings Over Batavia Air Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=390231): Wings Over Batavia Air Show - [Unpacking the Air Force’s New Introduction to Pilot Training (IPT) Model](https://bogidope.com/?p=389986): Join "Husky" & "SIC" as they try to unpack everything we know about IPT and the new T-38 syllabus. - [Quad City Air Show](https://bogidope.com/?p=389633): Quad City Air Show ## Listing Items/Components ## Our Coaches - [Wyatt “Smax” Cheek](https://bogidope.com/our-coaches/wyatt-smax-cheek/): USAF/ANG F-22 & F-15 PilotFighter Sqd CommanderMajor Airline Pilot - [Chris “Sharky” Mazzei](https://bogidope.com/our-coaches/chris-sharky-mazzei/): USAF & USAFR C-17 PilotAirlift Sqd CommanderMajor Airline Pilot - [Rick “Humpty” Gallup](https://bogidope.com/our-coaches/rick-humpty-gallup/): USMC F/A-18 PilotANG F-15 & F-35 PilotMajor Airline Pilot - [Charlie “Smack” Meier](https://bogidope.com/our-coaches/charlie-smack-meier/): Air Force Academy GradUSAF & ANG F-16 PilotFormer F-16 FTU IP - [Nick “SIC” Krygowski](https://bogidope.com/our-coaches/usafr-upt-selecteeusafr-a-10-pilotmajor-airline-pilot/): USAFR UPT SelecteeUSAFR A-10 PilotMajor Airline Pilot - [Tim “CHAOS” Mundschenk](https://bogidope.com/our-coaches/tim-chaos-mundschenk/): ANG UPT SelecteeTFOT GraduateANG F-15 Pilot - [Travis “CAGE” Dancer](https://bogidope.com/our-coaches/travis-cage-dancer/): ANG Enlisted MechanicANG UPT SelecteeANG F-16 Pilot - [Alex “Biggs” Biegalski](https://bogidope.com/our-coaches/alex-biggs-biegalski/): AFROTC GradUSAF U-28 PilotANG MQ-9 Pilot - [Nick “Coma” Kanakis](https://bogidope.com/our-coaches/nick-coma-kanakis/): West Point GradArmy UH-60 PilotUSAFR KC-135 Pilot - [Kyle “Husky” Martin](https://bogidope.com/our-coaches/name-6/): Air Force Academy GradUSAF & ANG F-16 PilotMajor Airline Pilot - [Dr. Jeffrey “GAS” Althoff](https://bogidope.com/our-coaches/name-5/): Air Force Flight SurgeonFAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)300+ FAA & FC1 Physicals Given - [Jeff “Gunboss” Negus](https://bogidope.com/our-coaches/name-4/): Tutored 1000+ StudentsQual'd for Submarine CommandPrivate Pilot's License - [Brett “Cherub” Kroll](https://bogidope.com/our-coaches/brett-cherub-kroll/): West Point GradArmy UH-60 & UH-72 PilotCo-Founded Brotallion - [Frances “Tigger” Burress](https://bogidope.com/our-coaches/name-3/): ANG Aeromedical Physician AssistantAF Flying Class 1 & 2 Medical SpecialistVA & Army Medical Specialist - [David “DJ” Spisso](https://bogidope.com/our-coaches/name-2/): ANG UPT SelecteeANG C-130 PIlotMajor Airline Pilot - [Russ “Beav” Klawitter](https://bogidope.com/our-coaches/name-1/): Active Duty Recruiter (ret)Officer Training School GradF-15E & F/A-18F WSO ## Bootcamp Short Clips ## Podcast ## Application Archive - [[Cover Letter][Air Force Pilot Training] Career Vault — Civilian to UPT Cover Letter](https://bogidope.com/application-archive/cover-letterair-force-pilot-training-career-vault-civilian-to-upt-cover-letter/) - [[Resume][Air Force Pilot Training] Career Vault — Civilian to UPT Resume](https://bogidope.com/application-archive/resumeair-force-pilot-training-career-vault-civilian-to-upt-resume/) - [[Cover Letter][Air Force Pilot Training] Career Vault — Regional Pilot to UPT Cover Letter](https://bogidope.com/application-archive/cover-letterair-force-pilot-training-career-vault-regional-pilot-to-upt-cover-letter/) - [[Resume][Air Force Pilot Training] Career Vault — Regional Pilot to UPT Resume](https://bogidope.com/application-archive/resumeair-force-pilot-training-career-vault-regional-pilot-to-upt-resume/) - [[Cover Letter][Air Force Pilot Training] Career Vault — Engineer to UPT Cover Letter](https://bogidope.com/application-archive/cover-letterair-force-pilot-training-career-vault-engineer-to-upt-cover-letter/) - [[Resume][Air Force Pilot Training] Career Vault — Engineer to UPT Resume](https://bogidope.com/application-archive/resumeair-force-pilot-training-career-vault-engineer-to-upt-resume/) - [[Cover Letter][Air Force Pilot Training] Career Vault — Enlisted to UPT Cover Letter](https://bogidope.com/application-archive/cover-letterair-force-pilot-training-career-vault-enlisted-to-upt-cover-letter/) - [[Resume][Air Force Pilot Training] Career Vault — Enlisted to UPT](https://bogidope.com/application-archive/resumeair-force-pilot-training-career-vault-enlisted-to-upt/) - [[Cover Letter]114th Fighter Squadron](https://bogidope.com/application-archive/cover-letter114th-fighter-squadron/) - [[Resume]114th Fighter Squadron](https://bogidope.com/application-archive/resume114th-fighter-squadron/) - [[Resume][Air Force Pilot Training] Career Vault — 112th FS UPT Resume](https://bogidope.com/application-archive/resumeair-force-pilot-training-career-vault-112th-fs-upt-resume/) - [[Resume][Air Force Pilot Training] Career Vault — USAF Officer / UPT Resume](https://bogidope.com/application-archive/resumeair-force-pilot-training-career-vault-usaf-officer-upt-resume/) - [[Cover Letter][Air Force Pilot Training] Career Vault — UPT Cover Letter](https://bogidope.com/application-archive/cover-letterair-force-pilot-training-career-vault-upt-cover-letter/) - [[Resume][Air Force Pilot Training] Career Vault — Greive Resume](https://bogidope.com/application-archive/resumeair-force-pilot-training-career-vault-greive-resume/) - [[Cover Letter] [Air Force Pilot Training] Cover Letter – Memo Format](https://bogidope.com/application-archive/cover-letterair-force-pilot-training-career-vault-cover-letter-memo-format/) - [[Resume][Active Duty to Air Guard/Reserve] Career Vault — USAF Pilot](https://bogidope.com/application-archive/resumeactive-duty-to-air-guard-reserve-career-vault-usaf-pilot/) ## Events List ## Video Vault ## Trip Report Logs - [Trip Report by 0 – 08/07/2026](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-0-08-07-2026/) - [Trip Report by 17305 – 08/07/2026](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-17305-08-07-2026/) - [Trip Report – 72nd Air Reserve Squadron](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-72nd-air-reserve-squadron/): I sent an email to the hiring POC outlining my "seduction line" elements. I waited 30 days, and the hiring POC just called me out of the blue. - [Trip Report – AFRC – Unsponsored](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-afrc-unsponsored/): No, it was pretty straightforward. The only surprise was that most of the people on the call kept their cameras off and never asked any questions; they just listened. Only a small minority of the participants interacted with me. - [Trip Report – 300th Airlift Squadron](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-300th-airlift-squadron/) - [Trip Report – 122nd FS](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-122nd-fs/): No, it was a very brief interview with very expected questions. nothing out of the blue. My interview group already rushed 2 times, so they had a good idea of who we were. - [Trip Report – 108th Air Refueling Squadron](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-108th-air-refueling-squadron/): It was a lot more relaxed than I was expecting - [Trip Report – 131FS – MA](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-131fs-ma/): No, very straightforward. No "gotchas". - [Trip Report – 345th Bomb Squadron](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-345th-bomb-squadron/): I found it to be one of the more relaxed interviews I've had, joking around, talking about random things. I was surprised by how many people they decided to have on the board, definitely the largest board I've seen. Overall pretty standard - [Trip Report by 1549 – 07/12/2026](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-1549-07-12-2026/) - [Trip Report by 2099 – 07/04/2026](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-2099-07-04-2026/) - [Trip Report by 4475 – 06/22/2026](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-4475-06-22-2026/) - [Trip Report by 2261 – 06/08/2026](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-2261-06-08-2026/) - [Trip Report by 965 – 06/06/2026](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-965-06-06-2026/) - [Trip Report by 965 – 05/30/2026](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-965-05-30-2026/) - [Trip Report by 9 – 05/12/2026](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-9-05-12-2026/) - [Trip Report by 997 – 10/03/2025](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-997-10-03-2025/) - [Trip Report by 0 – 09/21/2025](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-0-09-21-2025/) - [Trip Report by 14884 – 08/25/2025](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-14884-08-25-2025/) - [Trip Report by 14712 – 08/04/2025](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-14712-08-04-2025/) - [Trip Report by 7787 – 06/02/2025](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-7787-06-02-2025/) - [Trip Report by 8868 – 05/12/2025](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-8868-05-12-2025/) - [Trip Report by 8734 – 03/03/2025](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-8734-03-03-2025/) - [Trip Report by 1549 – 02/13/2025](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-1549-02-13-2025/) - [Trip Report by 961 – 12/18/2024](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-961-12-18-2024/) - [Trip Report by 548 – 07/30/2024](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-548-07-30-2024/) - [Trip Report by 759 – 07/23/2024](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-759-07-23-2024/) - [Trip Report by 7734 – 07/08/2024](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-7734-07-08-2024/) - [Trip Report by 2607 – 06/05/2024](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-2607-06-05-2024/) - [Trip Report by 1904 – 04/25/2024](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-1904-04-25-2024/) - [Trip Report by 9 – 03/14/2024](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-9-03-14-2024/) - [Trip Report by 0 – 02/06/2024](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-0-02-06-2024/) - [Trip Report by 31 – 12/17/2023](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-31-12-17-2023/) - [Trip Report by 31 – 12/03/2023](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-31-12-03-2023-6/) - [Trip Report by 31 – 12/03/2023](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-31-12-03-2023-5/) - [Trip Report by 31 – 12/03/2023](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-31-12-03-2023-4/) - [Trip Report by 31 – 12/03/2023](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-31-12-03-2023-3/) - [Trip Report by 31 – 12/03/2023](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-31-12-03-2023-2/) - [Trip Report by 31 – 12/03/2023](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-31-12-03-2023/) - [Trip Report by 0 – 11/29/2023](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-0-11-29-2023-2/) - [Trip Report by 0 – 11/29/2023](https://bogidope.com/trip-report-logs/trip-report-by-0-11-29-2023/) ## - [Monthly Leaderboard](https://bogidope.com/?p=350038) - [All-Time Leaderboard](https://bogidope.com/?p=350002) - [Annual Leaderboard](https://bogidope.com/?p=350000) - [Last Month](https://bogidope.com/?p=340609) ## Checkout ## Offers