If you're an aviation history nerd like me, the background of obscure airframes is super interesting. Known for it's ability to get into highly defended areas (Baghdad, Panama, etc) and attack GCI, HQs, and air defense sites, the F-117 is primarily known for it's air-to-ground exploits. Not commonly known is it's Cold War mission in Europe: to hunt the Soviet A-50 Mainstay (AWACS) in silence to blind Soviet C2-dependent fighters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39HNSmkvRHo
BD, we seem to get a lot of questions in DMs about the best way to approach mil aviation hiring after discovering the possibilities late in the game. With enough interest, maybe an open session regarding these issues in the future? Vote for the type of session you would be interested in joining.
It’s crazy to think how fast we went from a drone was either an MQ-9 only operated by governments or a little play toy that could go 50ft in the air and 112ft away, to now a warfare workhorse. Drones, UAS, OWAUS or what ever you call it has drastically changed the fight. ANG/AFR aren’t RC-135 flyers, and not that you would fly these drones anyway, but this is changing the way we collect and use data to target. This indeed will affect how you in the cockpit fight, a good read!
All your hard work and dedication paid off and you got a call from your dream unit to come and fly with them, what now?
- Soak it in and celebrate with friends and family! You have just been selected to start on the most incredible journey of your life.
- Keep your head on straight and yourself out of the lime light. Goes without saying do not get in trouble with the law but other factors to keep in mind are injuries. Maybe take a year off from your annual ski trip, or bail out from that sky diving adventure this time. There is nothing worse than loosing that slot or getting pushed far behind for a preventable injury. People usually say, keep life simple until you get those wings.
- Eat healthy and prepare yourself for your FC1 and training physically and mentally. Do not be the person that gets sent home from OTS day one because they cannot pass a PT test, I have seen this multiple times.
- If you’re not currently in the military you can expect to enlist at the unit you were selected with. You’ll most likely join what is called “student flight”, can differ per unit, but it’s for those waiting to go to BMT. Don’t fret as most units don’t have you actually hang out with them, you’ll drill/UTA in the squadron.
- Don’t quit your current job! As most know training can take a decent amount of time to get into so you can still keep working at your current place of employment. Some units may be willing to put you on orders post OTS if there is a gap in UPT substantial enough. That is case by case. This last note is totally up to you; Get filled in on USERA and what it is and what it means. Not planning on failing but if you’re in pilot training and your leg almost gets chopped off in a boating accident, true story, you have a means to provide for you and your family if you unfortunately got DQ’d. Again this is not your make a point of “ehh I’m not going to put in the effort” back up.
- Gather all your information for your security clearance, SF 86. You’ll need to go back around 10 years and be decently accurate so get addresses, places of employment and its address, people willing to be interviewed, any traffic tickets or other things you have, etc…
- Keep the squadron commander and the POC in the loop! You need to be proactive with getting your stuff done as most units will use regular recruiters to do the paperwork so keep on them and take a log of who you talked to, when, and what you need. Don’t wait for someone to call you.
- Ask the POC to get you in contact with the most recent person to go to UPT before you and gather as much information as you possibly can both of how to get there, ie paper work, and what best way to prep. Realize treat this as a near rocks vs far rocks mentality.
- There will be other paperwork that needs filled out so do it asap and correctly and get it submitted so you can go! Make a new email that is professional that you only use for this purpose so you don’t miss anything!
- Be ready to get a call asking you to leave in a week, your answer should be “Hell yes”. Prep the family for what you’re about to do and that you get one shot at this. It is an amazing experience for both you and the family but remember it’s what you make of it.
- Lastly be excited and enjoy it!
Morning BD! I’ll be on the app/site throughout the day so shoot me any and all questions you have to my DM or cage@bogidope.com No question is off the table, cheers!
What's up BD? More positive data this morning. A BD member (who wants to remain anonymous) was recently hired by the NJ ANG for a UPT slot in the upcoming year. Huge congrats to them! Hiring is happening; get those packages tight!
BURN EM!
![DVIDS - Images - NJ Air National Guard fighter and refueling units perform flyovers for the 2019 Atlantic City Airshow \[Image 1 of 38\]](https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/1908/5704319/1000w_q95.jpg)
For a large contingent of the BD crew who are not currently or prior military, rush events and interviews may be one of the first times you find yourself in an operational squadron. So who are all of these other people who aren't pilots?
Those other personnel are likely part of the Operational Support Squadron (OSS) for that particular wing and are essential parts of the flying machine. They comprise (typically) intelligence, flight equipment, airfield ops, and sometimes dispatchers. Feel free to get to know these folks as well while you hurry up and wait during the rush or interview process. First, you will see a side of the squadron that few get to and meet incredible people with a lot of context surrounding the unit. Second, your interactions with non-pilots will go a long way towards demonstrating your character to a board. A rushee who is hungry for knowledge and understands the importance of the OSS personnel demonstrates humility. As Smax says, "kill em with kindness".
Below is some data on the OSS for the 176th WG (AK ANG) that does a great job of breaking down the different components and competencies of the OSS.
Along with Husky's info about the FY 2027 NDAA iron buy plan, it's always great to see new jets make their way to their 'forever' homes. As an aspiring military aviator, watching the recapitalization of fighter units is always a good thing, even if not ANG/AFRC squadrons for a few reasons:
-If AD is getting new jets, you can bet the ANG/AFRC units are as well. More/better opportunities.
-What will happen to those sweet block 50 Vipers from Misawa? Very commonly iron will flow across components. This means that there may be ANG/AFRC units expanding or entering transition for new jets which always drives new hiring!
For now, enjoy the writeup on the 13th FS new jets, and take a look at the rich history of one of the most storied squadrons in USAF lore.
https://theaviationist.com/2026/06/19/first-f-35a-ww-tail-flash/#allow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dI18TL_TwxY
Awesome podcast from the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies with Gen. John Lamontagne Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force addressing one of the most fundamental and critical problem sets the Air Force is dealing with; The Air Force Pilot Shortage.
Gen Lamontagne addresses the solutions the Air Force is attempting to implement, starting with more production at the UPT level and higher retention of seasoned aviators.
Definitely worth a listen on your next commute to work!
If you’re wondering what the “bar” is or how you will measure up as a future tactical aviator, look no further. Great episode by Rain and incredible stories from the 4th gen homies over Tehran. This is the measuring stick. MAGNUM!
