Are Age Waivers A Blanketed No Right Now?
Hey everyone. So many of you know I was hired as a CSO a couple of years back. I ran into trouble at MEPS. Basically had to wait two years until the unit told me I would have to apply again at the next board. Recently, they invited me to visit again (just me) and told me that Age Waivers are a blanketed no from the big Air Force and they are denying all Age Waivers. They said on the pilot side a few guys they hired recently were very qualified (good test scores, either CFIs or Airline) and were all denied age waivers. One was hired at 35.
I'm 34 so very much in age waiver territory. I know if this door has closed, I'm trying RPA and ABM as well, which I believe RPA you can get hired without a waiver up until 39 (or 40?) I've seen ABM job posts that say must be under 40 (under minimum qualifications). Not 100% sure on there. Maybe ABM is more age waiver friendly?
Weird thing is Googling "Age Waivers Denied Air Force Pilot" I don't see much out cry about people having an age waiver denied. Only one post from Air Warriors (navy) from almost 20 years ago which he was told to apply again. Other than that just 40 something year olds trying to enlist and being told no waiver. But nothing from rated. This does make me wonder if there is more to the story?
Not saying that they are lying but maybe it's a quota thing? Right now they simply having too many pilots/CSOs and too many people trying to go rated and not enough taking the non-rated officer positions? I was offered to change to apply for MX Officer.
Maybe more info needs to be done to look at this?
ThatMuscleCarGuy : There is a decent amount to unpack here but one of the more complex issues for sure! First off, how did the second round of MEPS go?
For the age waiver process, the DAFI 36-2137 is going to be the source document. The process and approval authority is different for ANG, AFR, and RegAF (active duty) UPT spots. While the age (33) remains the same, it may be measured from different points. RegAF and AFR measure from board+2 months, and ANG measures from the date specified in the selection board announcement. Since oyu are already 34, this largely does not matter for you, but goo info for everyone else.
The process to pursue an age waiver (or ETP) starts when a unit decides to hire an individual. At that point, the unit should know how old their selection is and by choosing to hire that person, are also buying the origination of that ETP. For the Guard, the commander must make a very solid case to as to why the ETP is advisable, and that justification CAN be shot down in coordination by the associated TAG (highest mil person in that state). However, the approval authority is eventually the National Guard Bureau (NGB/CF).
In your situation, I genuinely do not think that unit was lying to you. There is a lot of force management that goes on behind the scenes, and the ETP may not have been worth pursuing.
Looking to the future: keep pressing with the RPA and ABM track! Great opportunities in both career fields. Also, keep sending apps in to flying units. Make them take a chance on you. The USAF just promised 1500 pilots through the pipeline next year, and someone has to fill those slots!
Smack-Meier They never sent me to the second round of MEPS. It's frustrating besides getting a yes then being told no. But more that fact that it basically took them 2 years after the yes to tell me no.
Yeah going to try to heavily pursue RPA and ABM. I'll throw out apps for Pilot and still try active again but not holding my breath for it.
If possible, maybe we can find more stuff on bogidope for ABM and RPA? There isn't a ton of into at all about either career. More like consulting like we have for Pilot and CSO.
ThatMuscleCarGuy yep gotcha. We are working on getting some more RPA expertise in here; I'll hit you up with some data.
Smack-Meier Thank you. I really appreciate it.
