D.J.
ANG Pilot
Forum Replies Created
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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”.
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.
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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.
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@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.
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Definitely work to get your Undergraduate Degree completed. You must have that to go to OTS
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Yikes! Now more than ever we need to stay vigilant and aware of surroundings!
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Husky has real good advice for this question.
The Bottom Line is that we all make mistakes. Its what we learned from them and how we make ourselves better.
Flying takes a lot of knowledge, skills (procedures) and trust. Recognizing your short comings and taking steps to improve them are what the aviation business is all about.
One example comes to mind during my civilian training. We were practicing V1 Cuts in the Sim. The first couple I did were AWFUL…down right embarrassing! But I knew in a few weeks that I would have to perform these to pass the training.
So I came in about an hour early each day and practiced and practiced and practiced until I felt comfortable with the procedure. When I got to my checkride, I felt much better prepared to fly the maneuver because I had been practicing and “tweeking” my procedures.
This mistake early in the training led to me being more aware of my mistakes and to take action to improve.
Good Luck!
D.J.
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I use to keep a notebook with sections for each Unit I had some contact with. I would write the date, the person I talked to, their phone number and email address and a couple of notes about our conversation and the next steps.
I think these days, there are so many different mediums to communicate that all are probably acceptable. Everything in moderation, though.
You want to seem interested and motivated, but not too pushy.
I do agree with bringing a gift, if and when you rush, but it doesn’t always have to be a bottle. I’ve been taking individually wrapped pralines to my last few training events as this is something that is popular in my town. Just make whatever you do be unique to you.
And always follow up with a “handwritten note”!
Best of luck!
D.J.
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This is great advice, Husky!
To pile on your comments, I always coach my clients on making a list of “what’s important to them”.
For example,
1. Is it the Airframe? CAF (Combat Air Forces…aka Fighters) Units are challenging because lots of people want to fly them. Also, there are not as many pilots in a CAF Unit making the slots more competitive. MAF (Mobility Air Forces…aka Heavies) are also very competitive, but may have a couple of more slots due to the number of pilots needed for the airframes. CAF Units are 20+ Pilots where MAF Units are 40+ Pilots
2. Is it Location? For some, this is very important for civilian job opportunities, spouse employment or close to family/friends. Prioritizing this could make you a more ideal candidate for the Unit you are looking at.
3. Is it Work/Life Balance? You will typically devote 8+ days a month to a CAF Unit and 12-15+ days a month to a MAF Unit the first 4-6 years after UPT. Living near the Unit is the most desirable, however the city may not be. Again, this is a personal decision that could potentially work in your favor depending on the kind of motivation you show to want to be at that location.
Obviously, everyone is different. Making a list will really help you to evaluate 1) Is this the ideal Unit for my goals? 2) What are the job opportunities both full time and part time in the Unit? 3) Where do I see myself in 5, 10 and 20 years?
Hope this help!
Lets set up session to discuss!
D.J.
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This is an older article, but might provide some insight into the program.
‘Accelerated Path to Wings’ pilot training makes history > Air Force > Article Display (af.mil)
D.J.
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I agree with Snip. The Recruiters are concerned about quotas and dont’ spend a lot of time trying to really getting to know the applicant.
Yes, 30 is on the older side, but not impossible! Realistically, though, if Fighters are your goal, your age could be a challenge. If you are looking to fly Mobility aircraft, I think that might be more realistic.
Let me know if you would like to chat sometime.
D.J.
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Hey Ryan! Thanks for posting!
I agree with CHAOS on starting with simple conversation to let them know who you are before asking a little more complex questions about how the Squadron operates.
When I was at the Squadron level, we would get a lot of “interest” from people, but most of the time we wouldn’t really try to connect too much because we knew that most of them wouldn’t go to UPT.
The people who we seemed to connect to the most, however, we those we could find a connection with.
For example, most aircrew in my Unit talk about fishing, hunting, golf and going out on the town.
At the end of the day, we want someone who 1.) fits our culture and 2.) doesn’t bring a lot of drama.
Those are really good questions, but I would probably “ease” into that dialogue as you become more familiar with people in the unit.
My 2 cents.
Keep the questions coming!!!
D.J.
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I think this is great advice, Husky! The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) is the Unit wants to know that you are fully committed to them without a lot of “conditions”.
I have worked with lots of clients with Interview Prep and when we cover this topic, a common trend is for the interviewee to “sell” the city/unit to the Board without really knowing that much about the area.
For example, “I really think Savannah is a great place! It’s got beaches, a fun downtown and lots to do” when in reality, Savannah can be very expensive and hard to get to know people if you are not from the area. Also, the school system is not the best, there are not a lot of big companies here and the night life can get old pretty quick.
On a personal note, I’ve lived here 20+ years and love it, but it took awhile!
Sounding genuine, real and credible are more important then trying to “hype” up the city/unit. You will be gone about half the month most of the time. We are trying to find the right “balance” between being on the road with you and not having a lot of “drama” when you are back at home station.
D.J.
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I agree with Husky! You are absolutely going down the right path! The next step is to begin to prepare yourself to be competitive when the interview comes.
We are all pilots! We all like and are motivated by the same things! The difference will be, “do we like this applicant and will they fit into this squadron?’
Preparing to get and then perform in the interview takes the same effort as earning your PPL, Instrument, etc. You need “reps” to feel comfortable and believable.
Our team of coaches would “luv” to help with this journey!
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I agree with CHAOS on the networking piece. You never know where you are going to see the people you “rush” or interview with again.
Take every opportunity to meet as many people as possible, get their contact information, and stay in touch.
Aviation is a very small community. I can’t tell you how many times I have spoken with different people I’ve met about different issues or concerns that may have come up on my journey.
Even today, I still try to network and learn as much as I can from others as well as their experience.
Another thing to remember, especially when “rushing” is be nice and respectful to EVERYONE! That includes the front desk at the hotel, the people who meet and greet you in the squadron, or anyone else you come in contact with. You do not know what all the relationships are in a Unit. Think of it this way, anyone you come in contact with could potentially effect the outcome of your interview!
Best of luck!
D.J.