AFOQT Webinar - Recently Asked Math Questions
Wednesday, September 16 · 19:00 – 20:00
Time zone: America/Denver
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/qwm-xsnb-fer
Hot off of numerous AFOQT debriefs in early September.
Imagine changing your perspective from constantly focusing on what is happening to you—the things going wrong, the things you don’t have, the opportunities you missed, or the things you wish were different—and instead, zooming out to see the bigger picture.
What we experience is real, and our struggles are valid. But sometimes, when we step outside of our own circumstances, we realize that what feels overwhelming to us may be small compared to what someone else is carrying. There are millions of people fighting cancer, living without a home, losing their sight, unable to walk, battling chronic pain, or simply fighting every day to survive.
What if you looked at your life through that perspective? Instead of constantly focusing on what you lack, what you cannot do, or what you didn’t receive, what if you recognized everything you do have? What if gratitude replaced entitlement, and appreciation replaced complacency? So much of what we take for granted, our health, our relationships, our families, our opportunities, and even the ordinary moments of everyday life, could become something we genuinely appreciate. What if you look at your life from YEARS to SEASONS? 80 yrs= 80 summers, 80 falls, 80 winters, 80 springs.
Sometimes the question needs to change from “Why me?” to “What do I have to be grateful for?”
Changing your perspective doesn’t mean ignoring your problems or pretending that your struggles aren’t real. It means refusing to let them become the only thing you see.
Change your perspective, and you may not only change your own life, you may change the lives of the people around you, the people you work with, and the people you encounter every day.
I often get the question of how much flight time is required to be a competitive Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) candidate. While most Guard and Reserve units don't require a specific amount of flight time or require a private pilot license (PPL) for candidates, some flight time and currency of flight time definitely helps.
First, flight time is an area that goes into the Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) score. So some flight time definitely helps to increase your PCSM score, but as the flight hours increase there is diminishing returns as it relates to your PCSM score.
Personally when I was on UPT hiring boards or I was the hiring official I wanted to see a competitive candidate at least have a PPL and currently flying. Guard and Reserve units are looking for good leaders and individuals who can make it through pilot training. Hiring boards understand how expensive civilian flying is, but actively flying shows initiative, time management, drive and determination. Some flying experience also shows that when a candidate says "I have wanted to be a military pilot my whole life" that they are actively doing something to achieve that goal.
So to sum it up, having some flying time and recency of flying time can set you apart from other candidates. You don't need to necessarily have your instrument, commercial, ATP and 2,000 flying hours, but in my opinion and experience you do need some flight time.
Cheers,
Stiffler
F-15EX finally making its way to the Pacific.
https://www.twz.com/air/first-usaf-f-15ex-to-be-based-in-japan-departs-boeings-st-louis-plant
Good morning BogiDope. It's been a few weeks since I posted this question, but I'd love to hear about the wins you all have experienced in the last few weeks. Submitted your first application? Selected for an interview? Passed a checkride?
As a successful applicant, you will likely have the chance to experience a Red Flag at some point in your career. It's always the best of times and the worst of times, but clearly paying dividends downrange. Red Flag Alaska 26-3 just wrapped up, and there is some great footage coming out. Complete with jets, bombs, guns rockets, and AI-generated soundtracks. If you want learn more, check out a BD Red Flag webinar here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bavmrfZ9C2E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51cI0CpN-Gw
AFOQT Tutoring Office Hours
Wednesday, September 9
19:00 – 20:00
Time zone: America/Denver
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/fyx-rhqk-ivi
Wide open to any and all questions.
Good morning, I am just posting here because I am kind of new to here and been applying everywhere. Of course, since I have applied everywhere, I have gotten a lot of No's. Recently I applied to a Guard Base and they were super nice and even requested some additional documents regarding my military career, but then they invited me to visit and rush their squadron. I do plan on going but this is the first time a squadron has invited me to visit. Usually they just post the POC information for you to coordinate. Just wanted to know if this a good sign or if they send this to everyone. I just don't want to get my hopes up but also excited for the opportunity.
Just wanted to see if anyone else has experienced this and if they have, did yall get invited to an interview after or got selected. Thank you!
There are a lot of areas that can make you an attractive candidate when applying for an Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) position. Flying experience, work experience, high GPA, athletic background, and high AFOQT, TBAS, and PCSM scores ect... But one of the most important, and often overlooked areas to make yourself an attractive UPT candidate, is leadership experience and potential.
When you are interviewing for a UPT position, squadron commanders are hiring an officer first, and a pilot second. The hiring board is looking for individuals that have great leadership potential and that might be a Squadron, Group, or Wing commander down the road.
So anything you can do to gain leadership experience, DO IT! Whether it be in the military, your community, your college, or your job. This will help you stand apart from your peers. Also letters of reccomendation that can attest to your leadership experience and potential, are just as important as ones that attest to your flying skills.
Cheers!
Stiffler
BD Fam,
Check out this article from the AF Times on C-130s delivering humanitarian relief in Nepal:
We often focus on the warfighting side of the mission, but these types of missions are a huge part of what Air Mobility Command brings to the table worldwide.
Cheers!
-CHAOS
