TexasRed
Forum Replies Created
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Yes sir! I think my prerogative going forward is, while I’m working full time, focus on physical and mental development to become a more attractive candidate and rack up flight hours. I also just saw BogiDope post a memorandum regarding fighter slots and how for the next year or two it’s going to be slow and difficult but after a year or two out there should be a greater demand, which seems to line up with my timeline perfectly (how interesting haha). I think this lines up well with my 5 year plan and if all goes well I will be seriously applying for slots a year and a half from now to potentially streamline a transition from engineering to piloting. I think having a TS clearance and some experience in and around Airmen and Guardians should assist with this (or at least I’m hoping)!
As for contractual obligations, I will definitely be sure to seek professional assistance as I finish up my second year at AFRL. I do plan on getting a masters and I hope it’s feasible while piloting.
Colin, I truly appreciate your time and your consideration in your responses. It only makes me admire this community even more! If you are ever around the Albuquerque, NM area, feel free to reach out!
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I see. Thank you for the explanation and analogy. You have helped shift my perspective on the matter. I don’t think I will look at joining the AF Reserves in a non-flying role as it is apparent that it could interrupt my professional career and possibly deter me from transitioning into a pilot slot later on.
The immutable reality of my current situation is that I have signed a contract with AFRL that requires two years of work in return for them paying back all student loan debt I accumulated during my time in university. During this two year period, I will begin prepping and taking the AFOQT/TBAS and compiling a list of fighter units to begin applying to. I will also continue to work toward my PPL and achieve a minimum of 60 hrs (as I’ve been told is necessary to be competitive for fighter units). I’ve already started researching UPT and the steps from there, but I realize getting my foot in the door is the most arduous aspect of the process. If I applied within a year, would units potentially backlist me given my current contract?
My end-term “dream” goal would be to become a test pilot, pushing the bounds of both engineering and piloting. This is, of course, the ideal and I’m not sure if it is feasible.
Thank you for sharing the link to that resource, I was unaware it existed!
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I should specify that I am wanting to remain active in this position for at least two to three years to ensure I have meaningful professional experience within my career field to always lean on for potential future endeavors!
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No, sir! My priority is becoming a pilot over an officer, but given my current timeline and position at AFRL, I wasn’t sure if getting prior experience in the AF Reserves now before rushing for a pilot slot would be an effective approach. I’ve heard in some cases it can help bolster your application to have prior service in either the guard or reserves before attempting a pilot slot, but I was not certain if this was the case. What would you recommend?
Also, thank you for your comments and taking the time to reply!
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Yes, sir! Will do!
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Yes sir! Thank you for your insight in this matter. I will follow the latter of your recommendations and begin identifying units to rush while I work full time! Thank you for your reply, sir!
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Yahoo,
Thank you for your straightforward response and your kind comments! I also appreciate your suggestions! ????
I will be sure to reach out to you if I have any questions as I progress, but you answered everything and more in my current position!
Ad Astra!