CAGE
ANG Pilot
Forum Replies Created
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Stuti,
Thanks for your post! I see you’re already in the Army Guard so is your intent with going into the AFR to help align your goals with getting a pilot slot? I am assuming so.
First thing first, I always say joining shouldn’t solely be based on “it will get me a pilot slot” because that isn’t true. Going enlisted while trying to be picked up is a great opportunity to get to know the AF, gaining experience with different platforms, and getting to know the unit.
With that being said, enlisting doesn’t guarantee a pilot slot, not saying you said that, but there are pros and cons to it.
Pro’s of enlisting; most units do like to hire within as you are a known entity and have record there. It gives you the opportunity to show your work ethic, meet those who possibly run/are on the board more often then just a meet & greet. Gains you experience on what the unit does that you’ll be doing. Allows you to hopefully get recommended by people on base who carry a lot of weight.
Con’s of enlisting; I’ve seen folks take it for granted and assume because they are enlisted at the unit that they are owed something when it comes to a board. If you have bad work ethic or anything negative it will get to the folks running the board.
With all that being said, it depends on what you’re looking for. In my personal opinion, I would transfer from Army to AF if I had the opportunity and start getting experience with the opportunities they offer and pick a job I’m whole heartedly interested in. For me example, when I enlisted I wanted something hands on and something I could not do outside the military. So I chose maintenance.
Since you’re still in school I’m assuming you’re using the tuition assistance from the army? Not 100% sure if it would smoothly transfer but if you did enlist remember there is a cut off to submit your paperwork for tuition assistance. Last I knew it was some time early/mid summer. That’s a question for your unit for sure.
Best way to look at this is what you want to gain from it. You’re already in the military so the question of serving isn’t there. The pro’s as above outweigh the cons BUT you have to put in the effort. Also don’t forget most units allow you to apply without your bachelors, some up to 18 months early. Get a letter from your advisor saying you’re in fact on track to graduate in 2026, and start getting your tests done and all together!
Hopefully this helps point you in the right direction, cheers!
STK!
CAGE
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Times change through UPT so information from 10+ years ago may not be super relevant but still good information to have. Years ago there was a stigma about guard and reserve individuals and higher wash it rates due to a bias. A lot is changed but we still get questions on how to handle the situation.
Q: Should I go through and hide that I’m guard or reserve.
A: Again things have changed but here is from my experience and current understanding. I would not show up showcasing that you are guard and reserve and especially with a chip on your shoulder. The best way to show you’re in it to win it is to just be a member of your class. Your goal should be to work just as hard if not harder and not have someone look down on you because they feel you could “just do no work and go fly F-35s” because we all know that’s not true. Your class will obviously learn and the system your instructors use clearly says Guard or Reserve on your grade sheets. Remember this is pretty much a one time program and you’ve worked hard and spent countless hours and dollars to get there, put in your 112% and crush this thing!
STK!
CAGE
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Another aspect of UPT that people often omit is thinking about your class/class mates.
Q: How to effectively integrate into a class that is multi national and AD, who may not know what the guard it.
A: You will have the opportunity to get to know some amazing individuals during UPT and maybe not so amazing. With that being said your goal going into this is to work as hard as you possibly can. Yes you are guard/reserve so you don’t “fight” for your aircraft, you still must meet the AF qual, but you shouldn’t want to be the weak link or viewed as such.
I always recommend doing things together as much as a class as it will help build friendships and make working together easier. Yes you “are” competing but you have to work together as a class to succeed. One example is I lived in base, which was close to the dorms, and in my garage we put down tape to the shape of our patters and we had pattern parties. Drinking and grilling while testing each other.
It’s things like above that can help pull someone out of a slump. We also would do non-studying events as a class too. Find the time to include the family into the class and you’ll see your common enemy of UPT will bring you so close to these people and your family itself will feel a part of what it means to go through pilot training.
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At Sheppard pets are not allowed in the dorms they have you in on base. Typically guard and reserve can get off base housing or on base if you have a family. I recommend off base if possible if it is just you and your dogs.
My wife and I got a puppy day 1 of UPT there are times to run home quick to check/let them out if you’re close to base. It’s not a set time or all the time. This info is also from 2015 so who knows but I wouldn’t have expected it to change drastically.
Definitely have a plan for all courses of action like unable to take them, unable to live off base and what not. Also make sure your training office in charge of sending you is tracking that. Good luck, cheers!
STK!
-CAGE
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Caleb,
I know a great place to start for those type of jobs would be a site called usajobs.gov. They would be a place that posts pipeline or survey pilots. Jump would most likely be from just calling specific jump places. USA jobs also does have flying jobs for boarder patrol, at least down south. Maybe not so much in the Canada side ha!
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Next on the list is…
The F-15C Eagle!
- The Eagle is an all weather air-to-air fighter for air superiority!
- Pilots are known as “Eagle Drivers or C model drivers” (C model is different from the Strike Eagle)
- This is a single seat platform with a two seater variant. The 2 seater is similar as the F-16 as it is for training and not a WSO.
- It has been around since the 70s and still holds major records and milestones for the aviation community!
- The C model is a BFM machine and has a gun built for it!
- Flown by several nations across the globe and is still flying today until the F-15EX comes to full operational capability
- Has an eye popping 2.45M speed cape and a ceiling of 65k!
- Has a helmet cuing system and can fly with the new IRST pod.
- Wild for the time but the only aircraft to shoot an anti-satellite missile! This was done in the mid 80’s!
Unfortunately limited places to fly this but if you happen to get a chance at applying for UPT so your research as always, cheers!
STK!
-CAGE
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Agreed DJ, the fact that normal citizens aren’t in an uproar about this is mind boggling. Maybe it is just not all over the mainstream media to cause a stir. I wouldn’t set foot on an airline that was solely single pilot. Yes I know AF aircraft are “single” pilot but flying as elements offsets that. There have been accidents where both pilots had no idea and some saved by the other pilot. Can’t imagine being over the Atlantic on a 350 solo with all the passengers. CRM is a big factor for that!
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Next up the F-22!
- Single seat air superiority fighter, meaning total control of the airspace!
- Known as the raptor
- Hard to believe it was manufactured in 1996 by Skunkworks at Lockheed Martin
- Driven by two Pratt & Whitney F119 motors with a Mach 2 super cruise and above 50k foot ceiling
- Super cruise means the aircraft can cruise at super sonic speeds while in mil power; meaning no AB use. This is a massive fuel saving capability.
- Only USAF aircraft with thrust vectoring which allows high AOA maneuvers
- Was strictly designed for air to air engagements but in recent years has dropped JDAM weapons, block 20 capabilities onward.
- Still flying block 20,30,35
- Newer lots have the upgraded APG-77 AESA radar giving it new capes
- Currently pilots have no helmet mounted displays
- Pilots are now able to wear the upgraded ATAGS gsuit from what they formally had.
The raptor is a beast in the skies and a BFM machine! If you’re interviewing or looking to at a Raptor unit, deep dive and do your research!
STK!
-CAGE
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Hi Aaron!
Lots of great questions! First off one of the most important things when looking to apply at units and get picked up is to have dedication. You have to look at this a you’re investing in yourself because it’s going to take a lot, but with hard work and dedication you can absolutely make it happen just like others before you!
First thing I would start with is taking your AFOQT and TBAS as soon as you are able to and ready. Like was stated before you don’t need 99’s across the board to get hired. Do you due diligence and use resources to study then take the tests.
Without getting in depth here about the medical I would recommend talking with someone who is an expert on USAF medical regulations just to make sure your injury won’t disqualify you. FAA Medicals are in line with USAF but there are other things that the air force looks at too.
Most units only require a PPL and your PCSM score stops taking into account flight hours above 200. Yes flight hours help to boost your score but it is not the end all be all. I absolutely would complete your PPL when you are able to as again that’s usually a requirement for UPT boards.
Each unit is different but it’s not a straight line in the sand that being enlisted is a gold star. One of the major perks is getting experience in the military life and also being around the aircraft and pilots to get to know them on a personal level.
Your degree isn’t required to be in aviation, just the fact that you have one. Now what can boost your app above others is your type of degree. A STEM degree we all know is typically more difficult than a marketing degree, no offense to anyone who has a marketing degree at all. So if you have a high GPA in say engineering that will help boost. Again obtaining a high GPA in any degree is great too!
Other things that will help boost and make good application is your life experiences and your ability to rush the unit. Volunteering, unique job experiences, unique life experiences give you opportunities to break the ice easier at units while rushing.
I say if this is something you want to do dedicate 112% of yourself! Work hard, just like it sounds like you are, and that hard work will pay off. Best of luck and keep kicking butt at school, cheers!
STK!
-CAGE
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Hi Paige! Typically if you ever find it difficult to find a good POC for the pilot side or an org email a good place to start is the units recruiting office. You can contact them and inform them of what you are looking for on the UPT side of the house and they will usually have info the pilots give them to pass along. Here is the link to the recruiters at the 302. Best of luck!
https://www.302aw.afrc.af.mil/Additional-Information/Recruiter-Contacts/
STK!
-CAGE
302aw.afrc.af.mil
Peterson Space Force Base Air Force Reserve Recruiters
Peterson Space Force Base Air Force Reserve Recruiters
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Cody,
As far as age goes, it’s just a number. You can get hired at a unit at 24 or you can get hired at 31. I’ve seen and been a part of boards hiring people. Most important thing is to be all in because you have such a shorter window than most. You’ll have to sell yourself to units why your age isn’t a factor they need to think about. As I tell most, don’t expect age waivers in the guard/reserve. It’s not impossible but when you have 200+ applicants it’s hard for a unit to try to push one through. Again nothing is impossible but if you really want it go for it! Good luck!
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Hi Edward,
Based off of everything in the current climate it is never too early to apply. I would highly recommend applying when and where you can for what MDS/career you want. One way to help out, and some units require it, if you don’t have a degree yet get a memo written and have your college advisor or dean sign it saying you have intent to graduate with your bachelors. Having that letter on hand is good if units request it. Good luck!
STK!
-CAGE
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Next up on the fighter list is the;
F-15E Strike Eagle
- Known as the “Strike” or “Dark Grey”
- This is a two seat aircraft with the pilot in the front seat and WSO or a weapon system operator in the back. Both are officers
- The strike is flown by several other NATO non-nato countries.
- This aircraft is also a multi role capability with both A-A and A-G. One thing that sets itself apart is that this aircraft is simultaneously able to perform both functions at once. The pilot can fly and shoot A-A while the WSO can target A-G.
- Radar upgrades a changed the original APG-70 mech scan radar with the AESA APG-82 radar giving greater range capes.
- This MWS is capable of dropping almost every weapon in the USAF inventory.
- Most if not all E models are powered by the Pratt & Whitney 229
- Top speed of Mach 2.5+ and max altitude of 60,000ft
- They use a targeting pod like the F-16 and also have helmet mounted weapon cueing systems
As always do your research specifically to the unit rushing but here is a great place to start, cheers!
STK!
-CAGE
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Next up on the fighter list…
F-35 Lightning
- Known as Panther or Puma to pilots and is 5th Gen
- These are prevalent in the USAF/Navy/Marines and will one day replace all F-16
- F-35A is the USAF variant
- F-35B is the Marine VTOL variant
- F-35C is the Navy & Marine variant for carrier use
- There are no 2seat F-35
- “TR” is similar to the “Block” system of the F-16 but is more so software driven.
- Each variant above has different capabilities based on the physical aircraft as well so it is good info to know
- The jets are capable of Air-to-Air(A-A) and Air-to-Ground(A-G) with multiple different missions including SEAD. Do your research!
- 4th Gen aircraft are incorporated with the F-35 using what’s called FI or Force Integration.
- F-35 carries weapons in internal weapons bays but have hard points for external carriage.
- Pratt & Whitney are the primary engine manufacturer but GE is in the process of testing
- AESA radar, has an internal “targeting pod”, is considered a stealth fighter
As before there is so much more on the F-35 so do some reading! BogiDope coaches or Panther pilots pile on with any other basic in, cheers!
STK!
-CAGE
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Hello! Current information is that the TBAS also super scores so it’ll take the best from both attempts. Cheers!
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Just to clarify as well, you can join any unit as an enlisted and also rush other units to get a pilot slot. Joining doesn’t hubcap you to that one location.
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This reply was modified 6 days, 11 hours ago by CAGE.
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This reply was modified 6 days, 11 hours ago by
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Hunter,
Thanks for reaching out and hopefully I can help answer some of your questions. Age is a very difficult item when it comes to military aviation. I’ll answer your questions then try to expand as well.
1) For the age specifically the USAF for pilots is 33. I believe it was you must be “foot in the door at UPT” by 33 but believe there has been some slight change in that. Biggest piece with this issue right now is the pipeline itself. We’re seeing delays of 1-2+ years from selection to going to UPT. If that is still the case that could put you at 35 or worse. Depending on when you turn 33 you might be already in the realm where pretty much you’ll need to have a unit already accepting the fact you’ll need an age waiver. It is up to the unit if they will support that however just because a unit does support a waiver doesn’t mean it will go through at state. Bad news is I’ve not heard of a lot of age waivers being used for quite some time just due to demand. That being said as above there is opportunity to still make it happen and even in the active duty.
2)With the age it’s really not the fact of your physical fitness now or your scores, you incur a 10 year commitment when you put on your wings so the USAF and DOD is looking at it of useful out put longevity. Some folks bodies and handle flying at 47 some can’t, but also the leadership aspect. 10 years would put you roughly around a Maj or possibly right on edge of LT Col. They are also looking at capacity after the 10 years and what they could possibly get out of you.
All in all it’s a very tough spot and best practice is to be upfront with a unit and ask them or the POC directly what their policy is on age waivers. Does that help answer your questions?
STK!
CAGE
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Hi Jeremy!
Actually having discussed this last night with a UPT bro I can hopefully field this question for you. As always anyone else with information please pile on.
The T1 is no longer flying at Del Rio but is still at a few others with a quick out on the sunset of it fully. Right now those that do not get above the cut line for fighters will go straight to their follow on RTU base while those wanting fighters do the T38 track. I am not 100% sure when you put in a dream sheet but I believe it is early in so they have an idea what the class wants. After getting your wings at the completion of T6s if your non-T38 you’ll get your drop. If you are onto T38s it is my understanding that you’ll continue on the syllabus then at the end will find out what follow on assignment you have. Keep in mind a lot of this is ever changing as well with all the different syllabus adjustments but that is a ballpark of what you could expect. Cheers!
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Hit my smoke!
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Best I could do from a Viper side of the house! If you have any good add ons please chime in!!
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Dirk,
Welcome to the BogiDope community! You’re in the right place to get the best answers and genuine information on all things military flying.
To start off, it’s great to have a family in an aviation background! Sounds like you and your brother are following in the family footsteps!
First things first, keep up the good grades until August and do your upmost best to have these last classes before graduation to be your best! Your hours ,flying wise, are in a good spot for UPT boards so no issues there! Your next step right now is to get the AFOQT scheduled and study for it. I have been seeing recently that it has become more of a challenge to get it scheduled and can take time so I would absolutely start trying to get it on the books now.
BogiDope has amazing tools to be able to prepare yourself for the test. Remember you can only take it twice, with a 3rd being wavered; but good news is it is super scored now. That means it takes the best scores either time you take it. Once the AFOQT is complete you can schedule the TBAS which is also difficult to get done so push hard to make it happen.
After you get the completed then you can start to rush and apply to units across the country. This is a competitive process so it’s best to start one step at a time. As we in the AF community say, “near rocks, far rocks”
Bogidope has a lot of information on lifestyles of different airframes that you can review, among other things, to help guide you! If you have anymore questions and really want to dive deep into your goals specifically I recommend a 1-on-1 general strategy session to kickstart your path.
STK!
-CAGE
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Aaron,
There are a few options you can take with this. Again none of this is required but the worst thing would be getting selected then DQ’d.
Easiest and fastest would be to use the BogiDope resource. BogiDope offers a medical consultation where you can ask any and all questions with no repercussions.
Next would be if you can get ahold of a local units medical section and see if you can just talk to a flight surgeon. Either on the phone or email.
Lastly here is the medical offices website at Wright Patterson AFB where they do the FC1 Medicals. There is contact info there and you can reach out and see what information they can give.
Best of luck, cheers!
STK!
-CAGE
afrl.af.mil
USAFSAM - FCI - Medical Flight Screening
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE SCHOOL OF AEROSPACE MEDICINEAeromedical Consult ServiceMedical Flight Standards BranchWright Patterson AFB, OHMedical Flight ScreeningThis page pertains only to those
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As above, yes, a unit can help you through the waiver process but it doesn’t mean it’ll get approved. It will still go through the respective state flight surgeon. If I could give any recommendations from experience in the guard, I would talk to that respective units flight doc about the issue and see their thoughts on the possibility and the capability of the unit backing you up. Also if you have the capability as well see a non-military specialist in relation to the medical issue and get their opinion and possibly a letter. I’m not saying that any of this is the silver bullet but getting all the ammunition you are able to can possibly help. I definitely would be upfront about it with the units UPT boards POC before going so they know the details. Them getting caught if guard and then trying to help is less likely than if you come with a ton of info and are upfront and they hire you.
Again all the above is my personal opinion from what I know and have experienced through my unit. Good luck and hopefully the waiver is in your favor, cheers!
STK!
-CAGE
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DJ, I have not heard/seen of units having anything like that while rushing. Doesn’t mean it isn’t impossible, if you’re rushing a rated position I would see if anyone in the squadron is the POC and if they have any of those details.