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Forum Replies Created
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Stop talking to recruiters, period. Your physical attributes are not what commanders/decision makers are concerned about. You have to convince them that you can be focused, moldable, meldable and be willing to put in the 12 hrs per day for 5-6 days a week to learn what it takes to master the employment of the weapons system. Chop, chop… you’re not getting any younger!
Cheers,
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Great question! If there’s one lesson or theme to take with you to UPT it’s to be an open book, a sponge. I don’t care if you have 10 hrs or 4000 hrs, you will be taught a new way to approach aviation training. Yes, your experience might provide some key insight to help your overall performance but don’t let the way you’ve been taught to do something in the past limit your ability to accept new ways of doing or learning something at UPT. Those who couldn’t be flexible and unlearn bad, old habits or methods were the ones who finished at the bottom of their class. Don’t be that student. OPEN BOOK!
Cheers,
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RCLEGG,
BogiDope offers 1-on-1 coaching sessions with Aeromedical experts (some are even AF Flt Docs) who would be perfectly suited to help you. It would be money well spent to help you better understand your situation.
Good luck!
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Zayan,
How to rush an Air National Guard unit? There’s no one way to do this so I’ll suggest some different approaches. First off, do some research online to learn more about the unit; Google, Wikipedia, AF.mil are all your friends! Also, BogiDope and MilRecruiter offer you a map of all the flying squadrons in the US and territories. You can click on the units you are interested in and eventually get to a potential POC name and number listed from their last hiring board. That might be a good place to start. Anyone you can meet affiliated with that organization would be a great find; doesn’t have to be a pilot. Once you get a foot in the door, keep digging until you find an opportunity to meet pilots in the unit. Squadrons will have social events leading up to hiring boards so that would be another, more direct way to rush units as well. Spend some time researching on BogiDope so you can learn more of the lingo prior to rushing. Good luck!
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Most multi-airframe examples, as Husky was describing, most likely resulted from folks serving in the Active Duty AF or Navy/USMC and then transitioning to a reserve component later in their career. Actual exchange tours, once you are flying in an ANG/AFRES unit aren’t readily available.
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For Monday’s Interview Prep session we will deep dive into the following two questions:
1. Where do you see yourself in 5 and 15 years?
– In order to answer this effectively and completely, we’ll discuss, in some detail, what’s life like in a flying squadron in the first 5-15 years.
2. Tell us about a time when questions.
– We’ll breakdown the key components of this answer into 4 simple parts.
In order to best be prepared for Monday’s session, you should have already perused our Interview Prep video library and, specifically, watched “Interview Prep 1”. Consider this a good prerequisite to maximize gains for this session. As is always the case, I look forward to answering any questions you have as well. See you Monday night at 8pm ET and if you can’t attend live, we’ll post this in the Video Library soon!
Cheers,
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Aearly,
Sounds like you’re doing everything you can at this time. Focusing on your GPA, flying and being a stand-out student and airman is key. Well-rounded pilot candidates demonstrate an ability to rise to the top of whatever organizations they are involved in. Also, if you haven’t already started making connections at your AFRES unit, now’s the time! Find pilot mentors in the wing – I’m assuming you are in a flying wing (not always the case). If not, there should still be folks who can help guide you towards your goal.
As far as your enlisted contract goes, that should not be a factor for transitioning to the officer/pilot side.
Good luck – if you want more specific guidance to your situation, a BogiDope 1-on-1 General Strategy Session might be beneficial for ya.
Cheers,
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Isaac,
Your desire to pursue ROTC in college and follow on to serve as an officer/pilot in the ANG/AFRES is doable but not the most common path. What do I mean by that? The name ROTC can be misleading…typically, ROTC cadets are training to receive commissions as officers into the Active Duty AF (the path I took, BTW). Choosing ROTC and then entering the Active component is a great path to achieving your dreams. After your initial active duty service commitment is completed (10 yrs after UPT) you can transfer to the reserve component.
There are ways for ROTC graduates to direct commission into the reserve components but these are small, uncommon programs and they require a unit to commit to hiring you ahead of time.
Now, you need a college degree in order to become an officer/pilot. There are several ways to pursue this:
1. Just do college normally/on your own and fund it however you can (scholarships, family help, working on the side, etc). Then, apply to ANG/AFRES units after college and, if selected, that unit will send you to OTS before UPT.
2. Enlist in a ANG/AFRES unit and use their tuition assistance benefit to help pay for some or all of college. Yes, some of your enlisted military training can count towards your degree but that really depends on the university and the degree you are pursuing. I’d recommend asking ahead of time where/how you might get more credits from AF training if you’d like to shorten the college degree requirements. Enlisted members earn part-time income, gain valuable military experience and can have some/all of their college costs paid for. Also, if the unit you join is also the unit you want to fly in, you can establish a foot in the door with the hiring teams before even applying.
I didn’t bring up your personal status (married w/ child). Regardless of the path you choose, you will be busy tackling these challenges and being a stand-up husband and father! I wish you the best.
Cheers,
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Whiting_Fish,
Yes! As Husky stated, somewhat of an uncommon occurrence, but not impossible. I personally worked with a pilot in one of our squadrons who was pursuing this path. They do consider ANG/AFRES pilots for those highly sought-after Air Force Test Pilot positions. If selected, you would temporarily enter active service and go to Test Pilot School and then spend at least one assignment in a test pilot role after completion of TPS.
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Raven,
Assuming you’re going to need about 3-4’ish years to finish college, you’re gonna be getting close to the age limit to fly. The current maximum age without an Exception To Policy (ETP) is 33. Specifically, you must have a letter of intent to hire from an ANG/AFRES unit before reaching your 33rd birthday. Generally speaking, fighter units tend to be more age-aware than heavy units. In this current hiring environment, with so many exceptional candidates in their low to mid-20’s, you would have to find a unit that would be willing to set aside the age concerns and be willing to hire you. I commend you on your prior service to both the USMC and the AF and that will serve as a plus for you but that, in and of itself, will not be the golden-ticket to getting you hired. Units look for the total person/package; someone who shows the potential for leadership and has spent their entire young-adult life rising to the top of whatever organizations they are affiliated with – at work, in the community and in school. Also, most strong candidates bring some aviation experience to the table in the form of some General Aviation flight time and certifications. I’ve seen candidates hired with as little as 30 hours and as many as 4000 hrs so there’s no specific number to throw out there. The current PCSM score takes GA flying into consideration and the max-out value for that piece of the equation is 60 hrs, just as a reference…
Hope this helps! If you want to speak with a BogiDope coach, 1-on-1, about the specifics of your situation and your background, sign up for a General Strategy Session. It’ll be well worth your time and expense!
Cheers,
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Yoshi,
Unfortunately, this program wasn’t around when I was on AD but I’m sure you can find the same info online that I found on the Googles – this was pretty informative…
facebook.com
Service members, did you know that you can put a pause on your career to pursue personal or professional interests with the Career Intermission Program...
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Alec,
“I connected with a local recruiter and they told me that a PPL and 100 hours of logged flight time were required before taking the AFOQT/TBAS or starting the application process.”
This is completely false information.
Passing the written FAA exam that you must take in order to obtain your PPL will help you prepare for the pilot portion of the AFOQT. Also, certain skill sets that are tested in the TBAS are similar to some of the skillsets required in flying aircraft (obviously) but, once again, one is not a prerequisite for the other. Having some flight experience shows the passion for aviation that you bring to the table but I’ve known candidates who were selected sans a PPL. More of an outlier scenario but it’s possible.
I would recommend disconnecting from this local recruiter.
Good luck!
Cheers,
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Let’s talk! 1-on-1 General Strategy Session will be WELL worth your investment. So much to discuss here. Either way, I wish you the best in achieving your dreams.
Cheers,
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Lenny,
I can’t speak specifically to F-35s as I was a previous F-15 bubba but, when hiring experienced (rated) pilots, we would look at their “Letter of X’s”. This is your previous squadron’s training document that shows all the pilots and what specific qualifications they’ve earned and start there. Based on the needs of your new unit, you’ll be scheduled to fly a few sorties with a weapons officer or another senior instructor in order to determine which “X’s” you’d retain and which might require some additional upgrade rides to reacquire. Each unit might do this a bit different with what I’ve described as probably the middle of the road approach.
As far as IPUG vs MCUG, if you get to choose, I would recommend pursuing the Instructor Pilot qualification as that is typically pretty strong proof of above average capability in the weapons system. A talented and experienced IP is solid gold to a fighter squadron!
Cheers,
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Wikz,
You are on the right track. This can be a long and arduous path – don’t miss opportunities to blow off a little steam along the way. Think about the following priorities in your life:
1. GPA, GPA and GPA…
2. Leadership opportunities in college (clubs, classes, social groups, jobs)
3. Choose hobbies/activities that you’re passionate about and develop them further (this helps grow the interesting / standout aspects of you)
4. Find and establish relationships with mentors along the way.
5. Have fun!
Good luck.
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Find another officer accessions recruiter. Maybe call an ANG/AFRES recruiter and explain your situation- they might be able to put you in contact w/ an Active Duty Officer recruiter with a pulse. Don’t accept a non-response. Keep pushing!
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Jay_See,
You’re late to the game so time is critical. If you are just looking at your local unit, where you have served, hopefully you’ve built a relationship with a decision maker in the flying squadron (typically a Lt Col-type) and ask for a one-on-one with them. Ask them if your age is a deal crusher in this pursuit. Some units are more age-focused than others. No need to waste your time if he tells you ain’t no way.
Also, you know you’re going to get asked the question, “why now?, what took you so long?”. Be prepared to answer this question with honesty and then turn the age negativity into a positive by talking about the skill set you bring to the table now. They are going to want to know that you can block out most distractions/external influences in your life in order to focus on the monumental task at hand; to learn how to train, study and master piloting in your new weapons system – it’s more than just flying. Good luck!
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So, I’m biased towards the crew chief role. It’s the most “role up your sleeves and get the mission accomplished” job out there. You’ll also have opportunities to interact w/ the squadron’s pilots as well. Just remember, and this is IMPORTANT. The most critical thing is to be a respected and appreciated contributor in your current job first. No one cares that you wanna fly if you can’t prove your worth in your current role. Hit the ground running w/ flying as your internal motivation but keep that within until you’ve established your own credibility and supervision starts asking about your long term goals.
If you can’t test into Crew Chief, then I’d probably go Intel or AFE. Intel is a longer tech training pipeline but you’ll refine your communication skills and be a better public speaker plus learn a ton about the actual mission. AFE = shorter school and lots of viz in Ops but you won’t be learning as much in your day job at the overall mission as you would in Intel.
Congrats and thanks for your service. BTW, distinguished graduate at BMT and tech school should be your first goal!
Cheers,
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Congratulations Wyatt! Enjoy ENJPPT!! Kick ass at UPT and earn that F-35!
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Brendan,
BogiDope has a ton of information; eCourses, recorded webinars and direct coach access, through our membership tiers. Those programs are being restructured as we speak to provide even more value, guiding you with a specific path to achieve your military aviation objectives. To answer your specific question, no worries about AF Officer Training. Once you are hired by a unit, one of the first formal courses they will send you to is OTS, where you’ll graduate from and earn your butter bars (2nd Lt)!!
Cheers,
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My son’s a fighter crew chief. I get it. Sieze this moment and chase your dreams. Welcome aboard!
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Ronin,
Depending on your timing (age), you might be better off doubling-down on the pilot pursuit now and focus everything on getting degree done, flying your butt off and building your resume w/ leadership examples/experiences and notable accomplishments in and out of the AF.
If you pursue commissioning outside of flying, it might further delay your pursuit. If the flying thing doesn’t pan out, you can always get commissioned after.
A General Strategy Session with a BogiDope coach will help organize your path ahead and steer you as efficiently as possible.
Good luck!
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Brendan,
Time is critical…
1. Solid degree: ✔️✔️
2. Get your PPL and keep flying after
3. Start rushing units and figure out if they’re willing to consider an older candidate. Some are and some, not so much…
4. Consider a 1-on-1 General Strategy Session. A BogiDope coach can look at your specific situation and help you focus your pursuit.
Time is critical.
Good luck!
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Pipes,
To answer one of your follow-on questions, YES, a BogiDope membership would provide you all the support, networking and guidance on these type issues and so much more. Good luck as you pursue this life-changing career transition!????
I would recommend that you attempt to broaden the scope of your Letters of Recommendation. You should have letters from influencers in multiple phases of your life; academic, community, flight instruction, employment, etc. All from one is not ideal and doesn’t sell the total package that you are attempting to put on display in your application.
Cheers,
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Jon,
Welcome and good luck chasing your dream! BogiDope is here to help you throughout your journey. Look forward to seeing you achieve your goals and welcoming you into the military aviation “brotherhood “!
Cheers,
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Welcome Dave!
Congrats on having the courage to not just dream about career change but start down a path of actually accomplishing said dreams. I’m not sure there’s a better place out there for you to build awareness, network with peers and prepare to apply and interview for the military flying job of your choosing. BogiDope offers all kinds of value to help you succeed. We look forward to working with you soon!
Cheers,
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Any opportunities that you can pursue that can help grow your leadership experience will help you. Your ANG enlisted time will offer some leadership experiences but, in that role, you’ll probably be more focused on job performance and dedication/commitment to the unit.
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Marco,
Ask yourself this, “Can I forgive myself in 15 yrs if I never gave myself the chance to become a military aviator?”. If your answer is, “Yes, for several reasons, the risk, at that time, wasn’t worth the reward”, then stay your current course and kick-ass in whatever it is that you do! If you wouldn’t be able to forgive yourself, then chop-chop, time’s a wastin’!!
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Congrats Jon! That’s a tremendous story and shows your grit and street smarts. Well done.
