[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.]

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.

[D.J.]

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.

[D.J.]

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.

[D.J.]

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.

af.mil

Access Denied

Access Denied

[D.J.]

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.

[D.J.]

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.

[D.J.]

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.

[D.J.]

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!

[D.J.]

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.