D.J.
ANG Pilot
Forum Replies Created
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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 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.