austin-w
ANG Pilot
Forum Replies Created
@mussels, I know this thread is a bit dated but thought for anyone wanting up to date info this is what I’m seeing:
- Typical wait time post-oath to UPT commencement? 12-18 months
Most candidates lately are looking at 2-4 months to take their oath, another 2-3 to get to FC1 medical, and start OTS 12 months from date of hire. UPT and formal training are quick to follow and normally all sequenced together.
-Wayland
Jack,
As a rotor-only pilot you’ll need to compete for a UPT slot and attend fixed-wing training. However, if a squadron is hosting a “rated” board I would strongly encourage you to make contact over the phone or email and thoroughly explain your situtation. If your rank, experience, and background fits what they are looking for then they may invite you to apply to their rated board knowing they would need to send you to UPT rather than just the fixed wing schoolhouse of that unit’s airframe.
-Wayland
Alec,
As far as structure of the letter, however the individual writing the letter wants to write it is fine. The hiring board won’t hold you accountable for their choice of formatting.
For content, the people who know your character traits best will probably do an amazing job of bringing those qualities out in the letter. However, I find it respectful to email the individual your resume, some very strong bullet points about yourself that they may want to incorporate into the letter, and maybe even an old letter or two someone else has written about you. This way you’re setting the recommender up with plenty of ammunition to put in your letter.
It’s 100% doable. While it’s certainly an obstacle to overcome, just continue to rush and apply to your top units and show that you’re aware of the waiver process and are not giving up on your dream. The unit that wants to hire you will work the waiver process after they hire you. I would recommend to be prepared to have strong answers to things like “why should we submit a waiver for you?” in the interview, etc. Message me with any other questions!
Hey guys,
My guard unit had one individual recently go straight from ROTC to guard pilot slot. A lot of the legwork there is on the individual it seemed like as far as coordinating with their ROTC school and big Air Force to allow that to happen. From our guard hiring perspective, it was just like any off the street applicant and worked out smoothly.
Rowan,
I would recommend business casual for everything except the interview.
Regarding reaching out, yes I think shooting your resume over with a brief intro works fine. If you can get ahold of anyone on the phone, that’s often times a great way to make a more personal connection and express interest in visiting. Keep knocking on the door until something good happens.
-Wayland
Based on your goals of flying, I would strongly recommend the “pilot or bust” route (only pursue commissioning as an officer with a pilot contract). I recommend this option because you have the leverage of not signing up until you’ve been selected for flight school. While you might have to target other locations across the country, it still allows you to have a focused path towards your dream career.
I would recommend putting as much info as you can to sell yourself in the best possible light. Like you mentioned, certain things are either too detailed to merit real estate on your resume.
When you are improving on your resume, I would recommend approaching it from the mindset of “what’s going to set me apart from the competition or showcase that I’m as qualified, or more qualified, than the other applicants?”
I think sports help out a ton, as most units see the similarity between sports and life in a squadron.
If you haven’t review the resume tips in the bogidope app prep lecture series. That will provide some strong guidance, along with other articles online you may come across.
I would recommend, when rushing in person and at your interview, that your resumes are printed on cardstock, or some other nice paper that stands out from your standard printer paper. The little details matter.
-Austin Wayland
Lauren,
I’ll second what most others here have said. I know many units that allow potential candidates to rush anytime. I don’t think it’s ever too early to start building these connections. However, definitely meter your unit visits with their hints as to how much or little meets the mark. If you’re going to drill every month for a year it might come off as a little much. See what that individual unit recommends.
The big takeaway is to make those professional connections when you are doing those early rushes. Start to pick up on what they value most in a candidate, etc. Do they really like candidates with their commercial/CFI/etc?
Wayland
CJ,
I have to agree with you that the Mustang is the best looking and most capable ww2 warbird!
