slippinjim
USAF Pilot
Forum Replies Created
-
Kev,
First of all, I’m glad you’re doing better now. The pilot community as a whole struggles with mental health due to the strain of the job and the (perhaps perceived) lack of viable help. As you take this journey, remember what you’re stepping into because it’s not for everyone.
I will shoot you straight as I would want someone to talk to me and say that you are facing an enormous uphill challenge. The post above is correct, it’s not impossible, but conventional thoughts and colloquial evidence in the rank and file like myself are that any mental health issues will prevent you from being accessed into the (my personal experience- active duty) AF. Let me be clear, there are absolutely people who have overcome this hurdle and be able to join, but I know of more than one person that was denied flight status or their security clearance because of anti-anxiety medication they took earlier in life (high school).
The upshot- I don’t think your previous drug use will be any concern at all as long as it’s properly reported in the accession pipeline. You’re on the upper end of age which will likely drive a waiver by the time you’re approved which is just another challenge. Those waivers are common, however.
I am NOT the expert on accessions, mental health, nor do I know the ins and outs of Air Force policy. I highly recommend you find a flight surgeon (AF doctor) that can provide you some guidance/mentorship and help lay out the path for you. I just wanted to share my personal experiences and those of people I personally know to help set realistic expectations.
Your dream is not over, but NOW is the time to find the right people to mentor you and get you moving in the right direction. In the words of my South Dakota ANG pilot training classmate, it’s time to shit or get off the pot.
Good luck dude and I seriously hope things work out the way you want. Everything always works out in the end and the most important thing is that you are healthy and in a good place!
Jim
-
It’s doable, but tough if they are younger dogs… I went to Columbus in 2016, so YMMV, but I was allowed off base housing within a month or two of arriving there and I think they made exceptions for people with pets to move off base immediately. The big thing to ensure is that your pups are going to be okay if you’re gone for 12-14 hours a day. Many flight commanders would probably let you sneak away for a little while to let them out, but not all of them and you don’t want to be “that guy” that is leaving every afternoon for a bit while everyone else is studying/working hard in the flight room. Good luck!
-
This reply was modified 1 week, 1 day ago by slippinjim.
-
This reply was modified 1 week, 1 day ago by
-
Aaron,
I think CAGE gave you solid info, my only .02 to add:
If you are considering enlisting in one of these units, it could open the door for you, but it also might just delay your goals because you could be stuck in an enlistment/training/deployment/etc when an opening in the squadron comes up. I’ve had friends who have gotten their pilot slots because they enlisted, but I’ve also had friends who missed out because they enlisted.
Flight time is helpful, but if I remember correctly the bonus points you get on your PCSM drop off sharply after only like 20 flight hours. I wouldn’t stress it too much and would rather say you should fly if you enjoy it and if that also helps your odds, it’s a double win. It certainly won’t hurt having some experience once you get to UPT as well.
The last thing I’ll add is that most of the info in this thread relates to guard/reserve positions, but things can be different if you’re trying to get a spot on active duty through OTS/etc.
Jim
-
Hi all,
My name’s Jimmy and I just joined up today and thought I’d poke around to see what people are talking about on here. I’m a USAFA grad, Columbus for UPT, then C-17s/C-40s on active duty. I’m currently in the final bit of my commitment and trying to figure out what to do when I grow up, whether that’s ARC, clean cut, or staying in. I’m not sure where I can funnel my (limited) knowledge, but I’m happy to share my experiences and info with anyone that wants them!
Jimmy
-
Concur with CHAOS… Happy to help make a connection or potentially sponsor if you’re in the DMV.
-
I think this is probably the right answer… The Air Force will tell you what you need to know and will then teach it to you. I flew T-6s and don’t have much inside knowledge on the way things are being run now, but as much as the AF says it won’t hand hold, it 100% will hand hold and will give you a structured path to accomplish everything it thinks you need to do.
-
I feel like the other option is that guys would still jump ship but the regionals might be a thing again… I just don’t think life in the Air Force is good enough to stick around, even if the prospects on the outside aren’t as good. I think the AF always thinks money is the big thing preventing people from staying, but I think the biggest issue is the QoL associated with deployments, PCSing, added training, exercises, etc. We’ll see though!
-
Have you had any luck getting something scheduled yet?
-
This probably isn’t helpful, but if all it takes is for someone to get you a visitor pass (sponsor) to get on base and take the test, I could help if you were in the DC area. There are tons of bases in TX though so I would think someone much closer to you could help. Maybe one of the guys going through UPT at Laughlin or Sheppard could sponsor you on base?
-
The thought has definitely crossed my mind! I haven’t had a chance to fly with any of those guys yet (nor have I wanted to with how busy things are) but I’d love to go on a trip or two once things slow down. Flying the same plane in the AF and airlines is a HUGE perk as well! Are you over at the 201st?
-
I’m at JBA right now! Certainly a busy place considering the upcoming elections…