D.J.
Exam Ready
ANG Pilot
Forum Replies Created
Has anyone tried the free trial? If so, what are the pros and cons?
D.J.
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.
I recommend to my clients that the people you choose to write your LOR’s should be someone that if the Board decided to call them, they could quickly validate and affirm what they wrote about you in the letter.
I think its great that you have your SQ/CC write you a LOR, but I would also consider a direct Supervisor and maybe another “sage” Mentor outside of your organization.
I also like “stats and data” as they show how you have gone “above and beyond” for not only yourself, but the organization.
Let me know how I can help you on your UPT Journey!!!
D.J.
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!
I like to help my clients “weave” these accomplishments into both their resume and interviews because it shows that you are willing to put in the effort to not only do the job, but excel, lead and give back to the organization.
I know a guy who was Captain of his Varsity Soccer Team in High School and President of his Senior Class in College who has gone on to be an Instructor Pilot, Commander 3 times and now works at his State’s Joint Force Headquarters as the Director of Operations. He is also a Captain for a Major Airline. Just sayin!
Which leads me to a joke…”How do you know you are talking to a pilot?…they will tell you!!!” Haha!!!
Best of luck!
Let me know how I can help you on your journey to UPT!!!
D.J.
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).
You want standardization across the community. I am sure that the IPT syllabus, as SMAX says, will continue to evolve and change. Some people will have more experience than others when they enter the program, but I don’t think that will always make them a better Air Force Pilot.
I also agree with everyone’s thoughts about Guard/Reserve Units desiring for their candidates to have a PPL. Shows desire, commitment, working through adversity and having to adapt to multiple teaching and learning styles. Your aviation career will be full of all these experiences!
These are definitely interesting times for candidates going through Air Force Pilot Training! Some things are for certain…hard work, dedication and commitment will still be required to be successful at IPT!
Let me know if I can help you on this journey!
D.J.
Check out my article on USAF plans to pump 1500 Pilots through training each year!
Also, be on the lookout for a webinar with a former UPT IP and current Contract Instructor on his descriptions and insight of Pilot Training in this new environment
Boosting readiness: AETC’s plan to train 1,500 pilots annually > Air Force > Article Display
af.mil
Boosting readiness: AETC’s plan to train 1,500 pilots annually
To maintain air superiority, project global power and ensure national security, the U.S. Air Force requires a consistent supply of trained aviators—specifically, 1,500 pilots per year.
This is all great advice, CAGE! To pile on to what CAGE is saying is to have a plan and stick to the plan. It may not always work exactly how you want it to work, but at least you have a plan to you can always reference.
STAY ON BASE!!! This is the only time you will ever hear me say this, but for UPT, it is ESSENTIAL!!! (IMHO) I learned that the hard way! 15-20 minutes each way starts to add up when you have to be in the SQ 12+ hours each day!!! Those extra 30-40 minutes each day can be spent studying or doing last minute prep for an event. Also, if you leave something at your place off base, the Instructors probably wont let you go get it, where as on base may be easier to convince them to let you go.
Also, if you stay in town for the weekend, do your errands, such as grocery shopping, on Saturday. Leave Sunday as a low-stress day to get you focused on the upcoming week.
UPT is a “marathon, not a sprint” for sure, but it will be over before you know it!
D.J.
If you have your Private Pilot’s License (PPL), I might include a little info in your Cover Letter about how you earned it, meaning, you paid for it by earning extra money doing “odd jobs” or took a deployment to earn money to put towards it. This shows the hiring board your commitment to flying and that you are willing to do “extra” to earn your PPL, not just the minmum.
My 2 cents
D.J.
This is a very interesting topic. Sounds like something you could discuss in an Air War College Paper!
D.J.
OK…old guy in the room…what is an IFC?
Thanks for the kind words, Louis! I am assuming you have an Undergraduate Degree as well. Is that one from a University in the USA?
With my experience, the biggest concern Units have is “will this person be able to obtain a Security Clearance”? You will have to disclose
I would continue to pursue your degree equivalency validation, but I wouldn’t let that hold you up trying to apply for UPT Positions.
Here is an article addressing your question: Will Study Abroad Keep Me From Getting a Security Clearance? – ClearanceJobs
Let us know how we can help you on your UPT Journey!
D.J.
https://milrecruiter.com/afrc-uft-rotc/
http://bogidope.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-earning-a-pilot-slot-in-air-force-rotc-part-2/
bogidope.com
The Ultimate Guide to Earning a Pilot Slot in Air Force ROTC, Part 2 | BogiDope
In part one of this article series, we discussed what Air Force ROTC is and what it is like. This article will detail how you…
Another area to consider about enlisting in an Air Guard Unit is that you will have to go to some formal training. Those schools could be 1-6 months, depending on what AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code). If you do go down that road, I would “highly consider” finishing your degree before making commitments to take an enlisted position. You don’t want AFSC training to slow you down from your degree if possible.
Hey thanks, Kyle for the response! So it sounds to me if you can get a Reserve or Guard Unit or Reserve Slot, then you should be able to apply for an early release.
I appreciate your input!
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
Just curious if anyone on this thread attended the Webinar with SIC & Tyler regarding current trends with UPT?
Would love to hear your thoughts.
D.J.
Hey Caasi! Welcome to Bogidope!
Thank you for your service and sharing your story about your journey towards your goal of flying Air Force Jets!
The road to Air Force Pilot is not easy and comes with many challenges! My advice to you is to make a list of what’s important to you, prioritize it, and then take action towards your goals!
This takes constant self reflection, evaluation and adjustments. It won’t be perfect but keep going and learning!
Best of luck to you and let us know how we can help you on your journey!
D.J.
Hey Nick! Welcome to Bogidope!
Your goals are very reasonable. I currently live in Savannah, GA and would be glad to start a conversation with you about flying in SEC Country! It’s the best, btw!!!
Let me know how I can help!
D.J.
Hi Andrew! Welcome to the Bogidope Community! Thank you for sharing your insight on taking the next step towards your goals of Experimental Test Pilot and Spacecraft!
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) – You will need to accomplish 2 to 3 things to get your started. 1. Study and sign up for the Air Force Officer’s Qualifying Test (AFOQT). Local Air Force Recruiters should offer the test or tell you where you can take the test. Some people have good luck at College Air Force ROTC Departments. STUDY, STUDY, STUDY for this test! YOU CAN ONLY TAKE IT TWICE (A third time will require a waiver). 2. Take a TBAS Test. This is another cognitive test that should be scheduled with an Air Force Recruiter. 3. Work on a Private Pilot’s License (PPL) if you don’t already have one. This can be expensive, but I will be glad to talk to you about a couple of different strategies.
Bogidope offers a General Strategy Session where you can speak one on one with a Coach that can help guide you on this journey. (I’ll be glad to work with you!) Also, Bogidope has lots of other information available to you.
Applying for and getting accepted into Air Force Pilot Training is a marathon, not a sprint!
Hope this gets you going in a good direction!
Best of luck!
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!)
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.
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.
