[Ryan25]

I’m not a rated aviator/officer, however I am enlisted aircrew in the National Guard pursuing a UPT slot in the Guard or Reserves.

I did a squadron visit recently, and everyone was very chill. There were several pilots who were prior enlisted Marines or Army so I didn’t feel like I would be an outlier. I also think my aviation experience with maintenance and the scheduling helps me have realistic expectations for what the Air Guard will be like.

I’ll keep an eye out on this thread and when/if I get hired, I’ll try to help out anyone else if they have questions.

[Ryan25]

Hey everyone,

My name is Ryan. I’m 24 and in my last semester of my undergrad. I’ve been enlisted in the Army Guard for 5 years as a UH60 crew member and I have my PPL. I was deployed in 2023, and found out that the air guard flies overseas missions when I stumbled upon some some Michigan and Alaskan heavies in Qatar. After getting to spend some time on Air Force turf, I decided to self start the UPT program. I took the AFOQT before returning to the United States and then took the TBAS my first week back home. I scored 99, pilot and an 82 on the PCSM with 114 flight hours.

I’m currently selecting units that I am interested in working with and preparing for the interview process. I’m leaning more towards heavies (although fighters are alluring). In the future, I’m thinking of getting an aerial firefighting job keep my flying skills sharp.