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SMAX posted an update
As a BogiDope coach, I often get asked, “how do I go about scheduling the AFOQT and TBAS?” That is a critical question, and unfortunately one that really does not have an approved/guaranteed solution. As is the case with so many other aspects of our lives, it seems like you (the applicant) have to find the right person in the right mood who is willing to help you out. The are a few standard answers to the AFOQT question: contact a nearby ROTC detachment or contact a nearby Air Force Base Training office. Both of those offices deal with these Air Force tests regularly. However, the answer is not always “yes” and you have to put in some work to gain base access if you aren’t a DOD ID holder.
The intent of my post is to garner responses from the BogiDope community. For those of you who have already taken the AFOQT/TBAS…where did you take it? What was your journey to actually hitting submit on the test?
Hopefully the BogiDope community is aware that we are preparing for the 2nd Bootcamp of 2025. The next Bootcamp will begin in Mid-September and we will have our very own, Gunboss Negus, as our resident AFOQT expert for one of the Live Labs to discuss AFOQT prep/tips/secrets!
Please, share with the community your AFOQT journey. My hope is to remove some of the barriers to the AFOQT and TBAS tests!
-Smax
GuardPuller and Randy_N4 Comments-
Sir,
It took it me about 5 years on and off, from contacting recruiters throughout different states, contacting ROTC detachments, and reaching out to education centers on different bases. I was able to take the AFOQT after persistently reaching out to a recruiter that was two states away from me. Scheduling the TBAS was much easier, I just contacted a local ROTC detachment and took the TBAS on site.
If you are a civilian like me, most ROTC detachments will not endorse you to take the AFOQT unless you are a cadet and getting on base to an education center is also not a viable option since civilians can’t go on base.
That leaves only one option; go though a recruiter. Speaking from my experience only. Most recruiters will either not respond to your inquiries or will give you the run around and just ignore you completely. I also tried showing up to their office in person, however nobody answered the door. In order to take the AFOQT you will need a need a voucher code from a recruiter, then you can actually schedule the AFOQT through Pearson Vue. You will need to find a recruiter who is willing to work with you, which is really the hardest part unfortunately.
If anyone who is reading this and is serious about becoming a military aviator; active or reserve. I’m going to have to throw the Air Force under the bus here, the Army and Navy have a better streamlined process to join as an aviator. Just to put things in perspective, the Air Force (Active /Reserve) does not lack applicants applying to its service. I am lucky I made it in time for the rated boards for Active Air Force, still waiting to see if I will go rated but I’m not holding my breath on this one. Im getting up to the age limit, so this is really my one and only last chance.
Feel free to message me if anyone has a question about my experience. I’ll be happy to help!
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@Randy_N thank you for the data. If folks have realistic expectations on the process to get the AFOQT scheduled, that will help plan a timeline as well as understand the persistence it takes to make the test happen. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
Anyone else willing to share their story about getting the AFOQT scheduled?1 -
The ROTC detachment near me was not offering the test. After months of trying to get the test scheduled through a recruiter, I called the education center directly at the AFB next to me and asked to take it. She was able to get me a day visitors pass for the AFOQT and then the TBAS a couple weeks later. Guess I got lucky as I am a civilian as well.
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@GuardPuller I appreciate you adding to the conversation and glad that you were able to make it happen!
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