The UPT playing field is ever changing and has more very well qualified individuals than ever. So how do I “stand out” among the crowd of 200+ applications for one UPT slot.

This answer isn’t so cut and dry nor is there a golden BB; however here are some thoughts from my experience through the years and recommendations I have.

Not everyone can be a NASA trained doctor scientist navy seal, I surely wasn’t, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have experiences that stack up. As we’ve discussed before guard and reserve selection boards don’t just look at what’s on paper, they look at the individual as well and what experiences you and what you can offer the unit over the next 15+ years. Ways to stand out in this realm are by having unique life experiences.

Being a skydiving instructor, having climbed mount Rainer, a drift car driver, airplane owner, and other unique things show a unit that you’re willing to take chances to live life to the fullest. Now with that being said this is not a pitch to tell you to go out and climb Mount Everest next week. This is just to tell you to go on those adventures, live life, and gain invaluable experiences that few have.

Remember units are looking for a whole package, not just scores. They want to know can they deploy with you for months at a time and be able to want to be around you. Showing that you have hobbies and interests is key to this! This is just one way of how to help yourself standout from the crowd.