Why didn’t I get the job? Well, while you might have been the most qualified candidate, units are also managing the shape of a squadron. Okay, what does that mean???

A healthy guard squadron has a mix of young and old; junior ranks and senior ranks; prior enlisted personnel, prior REGAF, and guard veterans; primary airframe and retired personnel. It avoids bulges in any one criteria.

Some examples: Let’s say a squadron is over-represented in junior officers who want full-time work. That squadron might favor prior enlisted and older candidates – why? Well, those hires are likely to retire (or go DSG) before the current crop of junior officers reach leadership positions – avoiding a resource fight in 10 years.

A squadron might also be looking to manage commuters. Let’s say the unit is having trouble filling the daily schedule because everyone shows up for drill. Well, that squadron might prioritize candidates from the areas to fill that specific niche.

The ‘so what’ here is that 1) You need to plan to interview at multiple places because you might not be the right shape for that squadron. 2) While we have good data in aggregate, any one board might have unique requirements. So apply! You might be just the right fit.