@Keebler we could certainly use some more voices for Naval Aviation around here, so any knowledge bombs you can drop are always welcome.

It sounds like you may need a couple of waivers for your commissioned service time (and age?) but definitely doable with the type of background/experience you have. We’re looking to working with you. Welcome to BogiDope!

Have you taken the AFOQT or TBAS yet? If not, I would focus on knocking those out of the park. Scores in the 90’s plus an instrument rating and fire medic experience will make your application very competitive.

If you’re focusing on Guard/Reserve squadrons, you likely won’t need to talk to a recruiter. The BogiDope job board is connected…

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Hi Ben – In addition to maximizing your AFOQT scores, I would start getting as much flight time as you can. To convince a hiring board that “this time around will be different,” you’ll have to be able to display measurable improvements in areas that caused you to wash out (e.g. more aviation experience, academic achievement, etc). Good luck!

@Dub-J It may be worth messaging @Boseph about the AFROTC pilot slots in the Guard/Reserve. He may have some useful insight.

Regarding your AFOQT scores, I would reach out to @Tutor-Gunboss about setting up some AFOQT tutoring. He has a some great tactics for maximizing your scores. Good luck!

@Boseph Congrats on the AFRC ROTC pilot slot! That’s super rare, so kudos to you. My understanding, though, was that you had to be “sponsored” by a squadron before going down that path. You got selected into the AFRC without a specific squadron assignment (“unsponsored”)? Can you share what that process was like (perhaps in a dedicated…

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@Waldrop Great story rejecting the naysayers and following your dreams. Glad to hear the BogiDope team has been able to help make your Army app competitive. Keep us updated on how it goes. Good luck!

@SwollenOstrich First, great name. Second, congrats on getting selected for your dream Reserve unit, and thanks for offering to spread some wisdom to those trying to navigate a similar path!

@Vance Thanks for joining! Were you able to finish your PPL in December? Are you trying to stay active duty or switch to the Guard/Reserve?

@Biagi How was that first flight lesson? It’s going to be tough, but if it’s possible to complete your PPL, AFOQT, and TBAS in the next two months before your deployment, you won’t have to miss any application windows while deployed (March has historically been a month with a lot of UPT application deadlines). PPL isn’t a requirement to…

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