[D.J.]

Like everyone else has said here, do most of the “admin” leg work for the person writing the recommendation. Having the information sent to you in an editable format is very important.

At the end of the day, making things as easy as possible for those supporting you so that you can use the information as needed or for multiple applications.

D.J.

[D.J.]

I agree with Smack. I would say to always err on the side of caution if there is ever a question. Additionally, when conducting a “Zoom” meeting, be mindful of your background and other distractions such as dogs barking, loud noises, etc.

[D.J.]

I agree with all the above responses, but overall, if you’re the right “fit” for the unit, then they will make the extra effort to hire you. It can be very difficult to find good candidates to be pilots in a Guard & Reserve Unit because each Unit has a unique culture.

I tell my clients to make a list of things that are important to them, such as location of the unit, airframe, 5-10 and 20 year goals and what you like to do other than flying. This usually makes it easier to “sell” who they are to the unit they are applying to.

At the end of the day, Guard & Reserve Units will hire the right “fit” even if they are at the back end of the age restrictions.

[D.J.]

Military Pilot Logbook Conversion | BogiDope

Here is another earlier Blog Post from Bogidope that also discusses this topic.

Enjoy!

D.J.

bogidope.com

Military Pilot Logbook Conversion | BogiDope

As a military pilot who is also involved heavily in General Aviation, a lot of people ask me how to translate their military flight hours…

[D.J.]

Laughlin says goodbye to last T-1 as Jayhawk retirement continues

[D.J.]

Never to early to apply, edward! Getting your name and intent out there is the best thing for you or anyone else looking to get a UPT slot!

Things usually work out for a reason!

Best of luck to you! Let us know how we can help going forward!

D.J.

[D.J.]

Just curious, do the Units that you go to rush have any kind of hotel or other discounts for your stay? I imagine that there are some out of pocket expenses that are incurred.

Thanks for your input!

D.J.

[D.J.]

Hello everyone! Kinda wanted to get this thread re-invigorated again.

I know there are lots of different programs out there that are being evaluated. Has anyone entered or will be entering under the Civil Path to Wings or the Accelerated Path to Wings programs in the next 6 months?

I just flew a trip with someone who is very interested.

Thanks for your input!

D.J.

[D.J.]

According to the Bogidope Job Board, looks like a number of Units will be hiring in the next 2-8 months. The Fall is a great time to plan a visit to a Unit if possible. The First Quarter of the Fiscal Year is typically slow for most Squadrons as they are usually operating under a Continuing Resolution for funding. I have found, though that the beginning of the year tends to have a lot of “action” with UPT Boards as they are starting to assemble for the early spring through the summer.

Now is the time to start building your application and interview “skills” to be ready for that “$5M plus” job interview (the amount of $$$ you will make over your career and into retirement)!

Let us know how we can help!

D.J.

[D.J.]

Just got back from supporting Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in North Carolina. I was assigned to work with the NC Emergency Management Agency Air Ops as well as FEMA to help support Search and Rescue operations in the western part of the State.

I have been in for awhile now continue to appreciate my service as an Air Guardsmen!

The flying is fun and rewarding, however, I thoroughly enjoyed working with the civilian EMA’s as this has direct impact to the citizens of our country!

Thanks to all who are considering joining the ANG and AFRC! Such a rewarding job and direct impact on the safety and sovereignty of country!

D.J.

[D.J.]

This one of my favorite missions the Guard is involved in. As a Citizen Airmen, we have both a State and Federal mission. Both are important, but having the skills and resources available for our “next door neighbors” is one of the most rewarding parts of this profession!

Thanks to all who are supporting Hurricane Helene Relief operations!

AIR GUARD, AIR POWER!!!

D.J.

[D.J.]

I think you are in a great spot, Christian for either the ANG or ARNG! My advice to you is to make a list of areas that matter the most “to you” and try to figure out what airframe, location and service you want to be in. Earning your private pilots license will give you a “leg” up as well as your time already in service.

I would say go after what you want and see how much you are willing to “trade off” to make it all happen!

Keep up the good work!

Let me know how I can help!

D.J. Spisso

dj@bogidope.com

[D.J.]

Good read. Thanks for sharing! Looks like some flight schools are actually developing programs to help people get ready for a “civil path to wings”.

http://www.civiltowings.com

Interesting times for sure.

civiltowings.com

Become an Air Force Pilot without the Commitment | Civil to Wings Path

Civil to Wings offers aspiring aviators an path to the Air Force or civil aviation without a commitment to either.

[D.J.]

Don’t wait! Apply NOW!!!

It will take 12-24 months before you rush, get the interview, hired and then sent to training.

Will joining an AFRC or Guard Unit to improve your chances of getting hired? It depends.

I always tell my clients to evaluate “what’s important to them” when they make that decision.

Bottom Line – The above advice is good. There is no “cookie cutter” scenario for each persons experience getting hired and going to UPT. You have decide “what’s important to you”?

Your timing right now looks really good. I wouldn’t delay any longer.

Let me know how I can help going forward.

D.J.

[D.J.]

@hayden-kimball There are lots of options available. Each has their pros and cons.

Ultimately, you have decide what’s best for you.

I personally recommend a position that has more flexibility such as the Guard or Air Force Reserve because life changes and these slots (although very competitive) give you more control over your life.

Best of luck to you!

We would luv to help guide you on this journey!

D.J.

[D.J.]

Definitely work to get your Undergraduate Degree completed. You must have that to go to OTS

[D.J.]

Rowan,

I would say the Reserve is pretty similar except from promotions. I am not super familar with their process, but I am pretty sure if you want to get promoted past Lt Col/O-5, then you will probably have to switch units.

My 2 cents.

D.J.

[D.J.]

Interesting times for sure!

Finding a UPT slot can be about timing, but I also tell my clients that you must be persistent (not annoying) and always ready to take what comes your way!

Articles give perspective, but that doesn’t always mean that that is the situation of a particular unit.

I agree, know the landscape, but also remain vigilant and prepared for opportunities as they may come in ways you never thought they would!

D.J.

[D.J.]

MGB,

Your AFOQT and PCSM score make you very competitive for a Guard or Reserve UPT Slot!

I give all my clients this advice when it comes to “how do I start with the Guard and Reserve?”

Pretty simple: What is important to you? Is it Airframe? Location of the Unit? How will I be able to balance a civilian and military job? Are there full-time opportunities at the Unit?

Lots of different variables. However, right them down and rank in order “what are the most important things to you?’

Once you filter that out, it will make researching and visiting a Guard or Reserve Unit easier because the units you choose probably have members who are just like you!

As for age, I never say never, but fighters might be a “stretch”. You will probably have better luck with Mobility Air Forces (MAF) units (C-130, C-17, KC-135, KC-46).

As Husky said, lots of resources available to you here at Bogidope to help guide you through this process.

Looking forward to helping you out!

D.J.

[D.J.]

Interesting.

I wonder what the percentage of overall UPT Slots are allocated for the Guard and Reserve?

This might be a good discussion for someone who is thinking about earning an Active Duty UPT Slot versus a Guard or Reserve UPT Slot.

Thanks for the info!

D.J.

[D.J.]

Money over safety seems to be the motivation here. I know that if they do end of certifying this operation, I would want to know what segment of the flight is “single pilot” and for how long? Also, there should be some threshold of weather conditions or maintenance status that “overrides” single-pilot ops.

Just my 2 cents.

D.J.

[D.J.]

Lots to digest here, but I think you are right, Husky! Be good at “flying” and the rest will take care of itself!

No one really knows when or where our next “conflict” will come, but what is for sure is that it will come sooner than later!

The environment is constantly changing, but be ready and have all your “ducks in a row” for when the time comes to hire, you will be ready!

D.J.

[D.J.]

Great to hear, Will!

As for joining a Unit as a Loadmaster, that is a good option as well.

It really depends on what your long term goals are. A lot of times people join a unit to get experience, make some money and may be get education paid for.

I think its a good idea to look at the all the options and decide what is best for you and your situation.

Let me know what other questions you have!

Best of luck!

D.J.

[D.J.]

Thanks for your question, Will! I can easily answer that!!!

First of all, we have WAY MORE fun than Fighter Pilots because all they do is “fly around the flag pole” then return to base! Haha!!!

I have lots of good friends who are “fighter pilots” and always joke with them about C-130’s landing at the places they blow up!

I have 20+ years as a C-130 Pilot flying the E, H2/3/3.5 and now the J Model. IT IS THE BEST!!!

Usually we operate between a 3-6 man crew depending on the Airframe. You will typically fly between 300-500 hours a year, depending on the unit and how much you want to “get after it”!

The Herk/Herc flies all kinds of missions: Airland, Airdrop (Heavy Equipment, Container Delivery System and Personnel), Formation, Night Vision Goggles, Land on Unimproved Landing Strips and take patients out via Aeromedical Evacuation. WE DO IT ALL!!!

The mission is not always “glamorous”, but its definitely exciting!

As for talking to a Unit (136 AW), you need to make a contact with their recruiters. Also, if you know someone in the Unit, see if they can give you contact information for their “Chief Pilot” or someone who is in charge of pilot hiring.

There are lots of good posts on Bogidope about “rushing the unit”. The easiest thing to do is see if you can visit during a Drill Weekend (typically the first weekend each month).

Applying for UPT is a lot of work! However, by taking the small steps of: 1. Familiarize yourself with the mission 2. Make contact with the Recruiters and 3. Try to go “rush/visit” the Unit will make it easier to accomplish.

Hope this helps a little. Let me know what questions you have!

Thanks, again, for your post!

D.J.

[D.J.]

This are good lists, Biggs!

For me personally, I have enjoyed the Guard because you get out of it what you put into it!

It is not always easy to manage your career, however, I am still able to fly and have had good opportunities for school and orders even through my 28 year point.

I do want to personally say “thank you” to all of you who are considering this path for flying and service to our country!

I wish you all the best of luck going forward!

D.J.

[D.J.]

I agree with CHAOS! The Air Force always seems to be in “crisis mode” when it comes to training. My guess is in the near future, they won’t have enough people to send to UPT! ????

This is just another element that plays into the UPT Landscape. It doesn’t change any of the fundamentals of applying and preparing for your interview and ultimate job in a Guard or Reserve Unit.

I would actually argue that now may be the best time to “rush” units as some people may look at this as a hurdle and not bother visiting or applying.

Just my 2 cents.

D.J.

[D.J.]

Yikes! Now more than ever we need to stay vigilant and aware of surroundings!

[D.J.]

For those with prior flying experience, my advice to you is keep an open mind. It is tough to change your mindset, but the UPT syllabus is meant to teach people with little to no experience how to fly complex aircraft.

Trust the process and stay positive! (easier said then done, I know!)

[D.J.]

Hey Longshot! Thanks for passing this info!

Do you have a good civilian email address?

I would like to catch up with you on some current processes for AFOQT and TBAS Scheduling.

Thanks for your time!

D.J.

dj@bogidope.com

[D.J.]

Servant,

What was the process for obtaining the Pearson Code from Baylor ROTC?

Specifically, did you have to ask for this code, or did the PAS Staff offer it to you?

Which person in the Detachment did you talk to?

I have lots of clients that have this issue.

I appreciate any info you can pass.

Happy Thanksgiving!

D.J.