[Husky]

There’s not a lot of hard data for ABM/CSO, but some flight hours signals dedication, familiarity with flight and….that you won’t puke all over the screens…no one wants that. 10hrs? Maybe solo, after that I think the marginal value decreases.

I’ve worked with a lot of CSOs downrange in the stack – they do great work. SOCOM just bought the OA-1K sky warden – that looks like an awesome machine. Better yet the OK ANG is going to be the schoolhouse. I wouldn’t be surprised if the CSOs became FAC(A) which would be super rewarding. Hit My Smoke!

Cheers

Husky

https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2022/12/12/oklahoma-air-guard-base-tapped-as-likely-armed-overwatch-schoolhouse/

airforcetimes.com

Oklahoma Air Guard base tapped as likely armed overwatch schoolhouse

No other installations are in the running to host the schoolhouse.

[Husky]

Hey Brother, love the energy here.

– ROTC is a great way to earn a UPT slot. You’ll fly on active duty until you complete your ten-year service commitment and then you can switch from active duty to the guard.

– Enlisting in a guard unit and then competing for a UPT slot can work out, but in practice, it might not be as direct as you think. Most units have several folks interested in flying and often this means you’ll need to ‘wait your turn’ as a new guy.

– Since it sounds like you’re almost done with your degree, consider getting an OTS pilot contract.

– And of course, you could start applying directly to guard units.

That’s a lot of data, but there’s tons of resources here to help. Check out the webinars pinned above. I posted about this topic “differnts pathways” in the USAF a few days ago – have a look at that. And there are great academics available on the site as well. Lots of good knowledge.

Cheers!

Husky

[Husky]

Certainly possible and I’ve seen it done. Context is everything. Definitely get with a coach 1-on-1 and we’ll set up a bespoke plan for you.

[Husky]

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• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Husky.

[Husky]

CJ, I’ve always found fast friends for crazy hobbies in the USAF. Skiing, surfing, rock climbing – there’s always someone in the squadron who is ready to adventure.

[Husky]

Carson, take heart brother! This is very doable, common in fact. There are plenty of Army and Navy folk who have joined the ANG and become pilots.

Q1: I’m not a doctor, but from what you describe I bet there is a path to victory. We offer a 1 on 1 coaching session with a flight doc who can get you dialed in on the process

Q2: The risk is perhaps smaller than you think. You don’t need to resign your USA commission until after a unit hires you for UPT.

Q3: Absolutely. My unit hired an O3 Army guy to fly F-16s two years ago.

Bottom line. Get a 1 on 1 with the doctor so you know where you stand medically and then rush units while still serving as an Army Officer. If (when really) you get hired into a UPT slot, you can weigh the options and (decide to) make the switch.

Good luck man! I think we’ll be out tank-plinking together in a few years.

Husky

[Husky]

E.T. It’s super common. Our squadron has three Navy to ANG retreads. We love that flow because we can cherry-pick top DON talent and make it our own.

While you’ll be most competitive for 707 type units don’t limit yourself; you’ll compete well at any C prefix unit.

[Husky]

Here’s the rule brother (AFMAN 36-2100):

3.3.1.1.2. ANG applicants must not be beyond their 33rd birthday nor have more than 8 years of TFCS by the date as specified in the individual unit’s Undergraduate Flying Training Selection Board announcement message. (T-2).

TFCS: Total Federal Commissioned Service. That 8 years is waiverable too.

Practically, 30 is a pivot point. If you are older than 30 your coach will work with you on specific strategies to market your experience.

Cheers!

Husky

• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Husky.

[Husky]

Concur with Slap,those anthropometric measurements are the key.

The viper is a smaller cockpit -I’m 6’4” 215 and while I can’t bring my golf clubs into the cockpit (looking at you F-15) I’ve got room enough to be comfortable. We’ve got two dudes in the squadron who are 6’5”, I’d guess 220-250lbs so it’s possible if you can make those knee to butt measurements.

[Husky]

What I hear you asking is “Can I fly a bunch of different planes in a bunch of different places?”

Absolutely you can!

Proper ‘exchange tours’ for ARC folks are possible but uncommon. That said it’s very common for ARC pilots to switch airplanes if they join a new squadron.

Our F-16 squadron has former F-15C, F-15E, F-22, F-18 and A-10 pilots. As a WAG about 20% of all ARC flyers grew up in a different airframe.

Fighter to big wings (heavies) is common. Big wings to fighter much less so.

There are also plenty of pilots that fly fighters in ARC, airliners for their day job, and also do general aviation. It’s kinda an aviator’s dream.

Hit my smoke!

Husky

[Husky]

Totally possible! It’s uncommon and you’ll need to guide the process along but you can definitely get there.

[Husky]

Not a show stopper but expect to talk about it in the interview. Your squadron won’t want a teammate that is a liability to their mission or reputation.

But fear not. Someone on that board will have a similar experience and it’s easy to pivot your heavy foot into a strength. Airspeed is life right?

[Husky]

Bryan, dude congrats on getting picked up for that program. Getting more flying experience will make you an even more competitive applicant.

I’d encourage you too keep your apps hot. Here’s why:

1) if you get hired it may be a while before you actually swear in. That may give you the time to complete a commitment.

2) There is a ton of legal protection to enable guard and reserve members to defend America. While I can’t speak to the specifics on your situation; there’s ton DOL info on USERRA. Here’s the link:

dol.gov

USERRA

USERRA

[Husky]

Darrell,

Brother, I’m flying the F-16, married, 3 kids. It’s a blast. I was on active duty for 12 years and I’ve served in the guard in both full-time and part-time status.

I think the biggest factor is your spouse’s employment. Active duty is going to move you every 2-3 years; that can be a struggle for your SO’s career.

I can’t speak to the big-wing lifestyle but in the fighter biz, we talked about deploy to dwell. According to this link below it’s 3:1. That means you’ll be home for 18 months; then deploy for 6 months; then be home for 18 months again.

During your 18 months at home, you should expect to hit the road for 2-3 short training trips. Three weeks at Red Flag is the most common.

Hours…whatever it takes! Right? Well…I’d say 45 hour weeks is the norm. When you’re in an upgrade…50-60 hours a week is common. UPT will be that 60ish hours.

You’ll certainly put in some hours. But most of the pilots I fly with are happily married with kids. It’s an even mix of single-income and dual professionals.

Hit my smoke!

Husky

https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dtm/DTM-21-005.PDF?ver=q3IKpUB2z2sTDlPP8zAl7g%3D%3D

[Husky]

Hey Tommy dude there are lots of paths to the dream.

Don’t rule out USAFA; there’s a prep school option if your grades aren’t quite there.

Also ROTC. You can get a full ride especially if you’re willing to study a critical degree.

Then OTS. Get your degree on your own and get a pilot contract.

And Guard/reserve of course! Biggest thing managing the timelines.

Keep all your options open!

Cheers!

Husky

[Husky]

Learning the mindset!

You’re swimming in a new pond. Everyone at UPT is highly successful, the standard is high and it’s served up by with fire hose.

You’ll get negative feedback daily (it’s like you’ve never done this before) and you’ll be vaguely aware that someone is adding up all these scores to build a rack and stack.

Now here’s where that type A personality can work against you – if you’re too hard on yourself you’ll get into a tight mental space and second guess yourself. That can lead to poor flying and a bad attitude.

So you gotta find that head space where you are disciplined in you preparation yet confident in your ability to rise to the situation. And you gotta be able to bust a ride, take the feedback and still stay loose and confident.

What worked for me? Friday: hit the bar with the class and blow off steam. Saturday: rock climbing or mountain biking – mentally immersive flow experiences that had nothing to do with the USAF. Sunday? You better be studying!

Husky

[Husky]

Alex! Misty 01 is tally target, visual friendlies. Request my mark with WP, your brief, your control.

[Husky]

@E.T. Some good data here but some mixed applications.

To clarify. There is now a pretty well-trod DON to ANG path. The cited age stuff is only a factor for UFT – you are considered prior rated so no factor.

At least in the fighter community, there’s no stigma for gold wings. Two of our current SQ/CCs are prior Navy.

Cheers,

Husky

[Husky]

Sounds awesome! Consider your track direction. I think the coast guard rotary wing could be some of the most fun and rewarding flying out there. However the fixed wing flying will be more marketable when you get out.

A very personal decision. Happy to give you my 2cents via DM.

[Husky]

@penguin

Dude my timeline was pretty similar. I was AD (USAF) until I was 32 and then switched to Guard/Airlines.

I enjoyed (most) of my AD time. It was an adventure where I got to really focus on flying Air Force Jets.

Historically you needed about 10 years of flying to be competitive for a major airline. It’s crazytown right now; folks are getting hired at mins. But just keep in mind that the mid-30s is the usual age for starting the majors.

[Husky]

Had a piper lance for a few years – loved it! Currently scrolling trade a plane for a new financial liability.

[Husky]

Actually in a way you can! And if you’re really into aviation it’s kinda a dream.

So as a part time guardsman Monday through Friday I would fly my B767. Then on the weekend I would commute to my guard unit in my piper, park it on the other ramp and then walk over (brief) and fly my F-16.

I loved it! Each type is so different and the diversity makes you a better aviator.

Hit my smoke!

Husky

[Husky]

Anytime!

[Husky]

Has to be the Viper! Single-seat, 9G, Mach 2, Wild Weasel, Fast-FAC, multi-role victory machine. Undefeated in aerial combat (74:0).

But I might be biased…or just flat-out right.

Cheers!

Husky

[Husky]

Good Luck Jon that Viper-shaped death machine is an awesome war chariot!

[Husky]

Great Tommy! Good luck brother. Just to clarify I was referring to the on-campus prep school at USAFA.

Don’t count out ROTC. My guard squadron is about 25% ROTC folks, 25% USAFA folks, 10% OTS (Active Duty -> ANG) the remaining 40% are true guard babies.

Lots of paths and lots of timelines. What’s important is a structured plan that maximizes your chance at each on-ramp. It seems daunting, but you only need to win once and you’ll be supersonic.

Cheers!

Husky