I wanted to pile onto what Smack posted about with the MH Pt2. A-these are a great watch and being a huge amount of information and understanding that I think would be vastly beneficial to our members here. B-this is a fantastic behind the curtain look at something real world. As Smack said, don’t forget that we as pilots are just one part of this organization that is the best in the business.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MgQ_X3Td8a4&pp=ygURQWZ0ZXJidXJuIHBvZGNhc3Q%3D&ra=m
Hey everyone, I just got my PCSM score back, and am finally able to start applying to various units. I've started compiling a packet for the 122nd Fighter Wing in Ft. Wayne Indiana. Their website has a dedicated hiring info page with everything needed, but after stating that I need to fill out the '2026 Undergraduate Pilot Training General Information Questionnaire', it simply says (see attachment), and there's no attachment on the page. I'm wondering if this is a general form I can get from somewhere else, but it seems like most units have their own specific forms they want filled out. The deadline is by the end of day tomorrow, and I've called their recruiting office about six times since Thursday, and emailed from my civilian email, and air force email. Does anyone know how I can get my hands on their specific questionnaire? It's a long shot, but any help would be terrific. :)
The USAF has been reaching out through civilian contractors to enhance fighter training against new and emerging threats. The legacy Aggressors cannot effectively replicate enemy one-way attack drones in speed, size, or detection capability.
I had the opportunity to recently fly against these guys...and it was kind of humbling. Hit me up today if you want to talk drones or anything else BD-related!
https://www.twz.com/air/these-planes-are-mimicking-enemy-shahed-136-drones-in-u-s-military-war-games
USAF UPT continues down the IPT--> UPT path as new (non-initial) flight schools start to graduate students and send them to UPT at USAF bases.
Epic Flight Academy in FL is one of the full-time part 141 operators that you (as a BD applicant) may fly with on your way to UPT. Students show up, get a PPL, Instrument rating, and multi-engine rating before ever flying a USAF jet.
From there, UPT will progress through the T-6, then either T-38 for FBF, or to an MDS-specific training for tanker/airlift.
Yes, if you already have civilian ratings, you will likely proceed through IPT (at a possibly faster clip).
Rain over at Afterburn dropped part 2 of his interview series with the Shaw F-16 unit talking about Midnight Hammer. Incredibly well-done; the closest we may ever get to being able to sit down with Cash, Ghost, or Scar in the bar and talk about this. A few things that hit for the BD crowd when you watch:
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Realize how many people NOT in flight suits have speaking roles. The people that make flying possible are so incredibly important. As an applicant, understanding this puts you leaps and bounds ahead of others who don't because its truly how units operate.
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As an applicant, you will likely be asked "Why this unit? Why do you want to fly jets over hostile places? Are you ready for what that entails?" This encapsulates what that entails.
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All the folks in this video are Active Duty. But, the ANG and AFRC are asked to do 100% identical things and be ready at the same level. I'm even willing to bet ANG/AFRC logistics and tanker tails were involved that night. The AD/ARC split is narrower in wartime than peacetime.
BD Fam,
Check out this article from the AF Times:
This is a huge win in the Airborne Early Warning (AEW) arena. The E-3 is a great bird, with awesome capes but it's crucial for Blue Air capabilities to stay on the cutting edge in this domain.
Let's hope the Wedgetail keeps this momentum going forward.
Cheers!
-CHAOS
Good evening BogiDope. The recording for Wednesday's Webinar, Medical Clearance, has been posted to the Video Vault. Amazing to have "GAS" Althoff on the call to answer your questions.
Hey everyone. Long term member here. I'm happy to see Bogidope continue to evolve since I've been trying heavily for a flying slot and have been coming here since circa 2020. I think providing more info on Medical issues is great. A lot of us have them and have things that require waivers and their isn't a ton of info out there on how this goes for the officer/rated side of things.
Those that know me, know I ran into medical trouble at MEPS not too long ago after getting hired and have been told a time based waiver is possible. But it means I will now require an age waiver due to the time passing.
The good news is my guard unit has learned age waivers are possible. According to the O-5 that is my hiring POC, it is technically possible as long as you can serve 20 years in the military as a rate officer. This technically means up to 42 years old but that doesn't 100% mean if you are 42 you can get an age waiver.
Also I've been told while age waivers are possible and may be easier for the other two rated jobs (CSO and ABM) over pilot, due to more need for those jobs over pilot.
I did speak to one person recently that was just given a waiver at 39 years old. I believe he applied for it after he got hired at 38 and was given the Yes and now waiting for OTS dates.
I know one guy in the unit that did hire me, got one a few years back at 37 years old. He did say at the time he knew other people that were hired and their age waivers were denied. He said he believes it has to do to how good you as the hire, set up your packet/waiver and really sell yourself to the NGB. I understand that we will have to do all of the leg work for this.
That's why I wanted to ask if perhaps Bogidope can do research, maybe reach out to pilots at your units that have gotten age waivers and maybe start a course on acquiring one or the steps to take?
We know it's possible to get an age waiver just we need more info on how to do it.
I've spoken to a few people on CW Lemoine's Make THem Tell You Know group and many have confirmed that at UPT, UCT and UABMT they had people in their classes that were in their late 30s and even early 40s. So a waiver is possible. The trick is how to get the waiver and get them to tell us "yes"?
As 5th and 6th gen fighters and drones dominate the focus of military innovation, kinematic superiority still matters.
https://www.twz.com/air/usaf-wants-air-to-air-missile-with-a-whopping-1000-mile-range
A new project at JBER, Alaska looks to pour $7 billion into the base to make it the "fighter hub of the Pacific". Why do you care at BD? Because if true, that means it may turn into the Kadena/Korea of your generation. If so, all roads lead to Rome. AD, ANG, and AFRC units will all converge on JBER eventually for TSPs, deployment, Red Flag, etc.
https://www.twz.com/air/air-forces-fightertown-alaska-plan-takes-shape
