General Air National Guard/Air Force Reserve questions.
Good afternoon everyone. This is my first post here and I'm new to BogiDope so I'm not sure if this is the correct place to ask questions about Squadron hiring boards (Things like chances, What could help be competitive, etc). If not then feel free to correct me.
for context, I am 19 and soon starting my second year of community collage (with the intention of getting a 4 year degree in history) and I am trying to enlist in the USAF reserves (I went to MEPS back in February and have had to spend since March to try and get incorrect medical records expunged which I think I finally have, so hopefully i'll get to BMT within a month) with the intent of becoming a technician or some form of aircraft maintenance. I was in Air Force ROTC but had to drop it to focus on grades and other factors. After my first attempt at the AFOQT I didn't pass due to getting a 6 on the Quantitative. (for context, the rest of my scores were, Pilot: 59, CSO: 23, ABM: 29, AA: 11, Verbal: 22, Quant: 6, which I'm pretty sure the rest aren't good) and I am currently studying day in and day out to retake it as well as considering online and in person tutors. I am also continuing to get flight hours and had around 3 years of experience in C.A.P and I'm looking to get back involved as a senior member.
My first question, Does being prior enlisted help you in applications/Squadron rushes, weather that's chances of getting hired, etc.
My second question, are things like participating in any sports or putting down any other forms of leadership also going to help? Mainly been thinking about MMA as I took a break from it but I'm looking into restarting it.
Sorry for the super long post, Just not sure exactly were to ask this sort of question. Thank you all, God Bless!☦️
Samuel, Thanks for the post and welcome to BogiDope! You’re in the right place to get all those questions answered and many more. Keep up the good work focusing on your academics and flying. Majority of units today require a minimum of a PPL. As for your scores you are correct, they are unfortunately on the lower side to be competitive but don’t fret! When I was in your position I took the AFOQT, not knowing what the test was but that story is for a beer at the bar another time, but also did not pass it. The way I looked at it after was this was a huge investment in myself and I went 112% in. I bought any and all study materials I could fine, they were very limited when I was trying to apply, and hired a tutor to help me with the areas I struggled in. So you’re on the absolute right path, on top of that BogiDope offers monthly webinars dealing with the AFOQT Id highly recommend getting involved in!
As for your next question, yes being enlisted does help. As for what percentage and factor, no one knows besides that years board. Also being a member of said unit that has the opening is great too, you get a lot of face time with the folks however it can be a curse if you’re not living up to your potential so work hard and make sure your supervisors would rave about you.
To answer your second question, yes. Units like to see a well rounded individual and someone that challenges themselves in many ways. Now you do not need to be doing so much that you only allow yourself 2 hours of sleep a night, but getting experience on a team atmosphere in many different avenues is good. Your time and experience in MMA is good too, shows personal accomplishments and accountability while there is still some team aspect.
BogiDope offers a vast amount of information that I definitely would start spending some time on here just looking around and reading. Monthly office hours webinars are good as well to get other questions answered and even ones you didn’t know that others ask.
Welcome again and reach out anytime, cheers!
-CAGE
samuel.murray Welcome to BogiDope! As CAGE said, you're in the right place to learn about "all things military aviation." It sounds like you have several big life changes going on, and know that we've all been there before.
I'd love to hear from other members of the BogiDope community on their journey; they are all unique and there's no one right way. Considering you are 19 and just getting started, I would focus heavily on making sure you complete the eligibility requirements. Enlisting in the military can be a great option because it check the MEPS and security clearance box. Then as you get closer to completing your college degree, you can focus on the AFOQT and TBAS tests. When you're ready for personalized coaching and intense preparation, we'll be here ready to help with 1-on-1 coaching and all the BogiDope content!
I love CAGE's suggestion of attending the next BogiDope Office Hour session which will be August 11th @ 8pm EST. Keeping asking the questions, we are excited to have you hear and look forward to working with you.
