Rushing a squadron is an incredible opportunity, but it’s also becoming increasingly competitive just to earn an invite. What used to be an open-door process now requires more deliberate selection due to the sheer number of applicants and the desire to give each person the time and attention they deserve. Because of that, it’s essential to absolutely crush the opportunity if you’re given one.

Your “elevator pitch”—the way you introduce and present yourself—is a key part of that. You don’t need to sound scripted or robotic, but having a consistent, polished opener can help break the ice and set the tone for a great conversation every time.

Whether you’re at a rush event or networking in the civilian world, this approach is valuable. Start with who you are and why you’re there. Add a genuine compliment about the location, event, or experience to show engagement. Then comes what I think is the most important part for keeping the conversation alive: ask them a well-thought-out question about themselves. Avoid generic lines like “So how do you like flying X?” and instead aim for something meaningful that gets them talking. When they open up, you’ll often find common ground that naturally moves the conversation into a more relaxed, authentic place.

Enjoy the experience!