Non-Prior Applicant Seeking Insight Into ANG RPA Hiring
Hello everyone,
I recently joined Bogidope and am looking for insight from current or former ANG RPA pilots, particularly those familiar with non-prior accessions or unit hiring.
A little about me:
- 30 years old
- Non-prior service
- B.S. in Urban & Regional Planning
- Master of Urban Planning
- Currently lead a multidisciplinary team of 22 personnel
- Support National Guard Bureau initiatives and have worked with ANG Wings across the country in a planning and program management capacity
My long-term goal is to serve as an ANG RPA pilot through OTS, with the 163d Attack Wing at March ARB as my primary unit of interest.
The aspects of the RPA mission that most appeal to me are its emphasis on operational decision-making, crew coordination, mission planning, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to a unit over the long term. I can go on and on about my appreciation for the airframe and its operational use.
I am currently beginning the AFOQT process and plan to obtain some introductory flight experience.
For those who have been involved with ANG RPA hiring or selection:
- How often do you actually see non-prior applicants successfully hired into ANG RPA units?
- What characteristics tend to differentiate successful non-prior candidates from the rest of the applicant pool?
- How much aviation exposure is generally considered "enough" for a candidate who is specifically pursuing RPAs?
- If a candidate has a clear first-choice unit, is it smarter to focus energy there or maintain active conversations with multiple RPA units simultaneously?
- Looking back at candidates who were selected, what gave the unit confidence they were worth the training investment?
- Still figuring out how to get off the grown with the application process so insight on that would be appreciated.
I understand every unit is different and that timing plays a major role. I'm simply trying to learn from those who have seen the process firsthand and make sure I'm approaching it professionally and realistically.
Thanks in advance for any insight.
