ANG/AFRC UPT vs. Rated Hiring Question
Just simply curious...
Why don't ANG/AFRC units just hire rated pilots? Would that not be a more cost and time efficient hire compared to a UPT selectee? What dictates a unit to open up for a UPT board or a rated board (or both at the same time)? I'm assuming it is a fiscal year budget based decision each year.
Units like to have a mix between new and experienced pilots. Hiring new pilots is also used as a recruiting tool for Airmen to enlist and then eventually compete for UPT slots.
Tristan, that’s absolutely right especially right now. A mix of young and old pilots is always required in any unit. A couple of other factors:
-The youngest AD to ANG/AFRC hires will be at least 10 years in (usually almost 11-12) to their careers. This is due to the active duty service commitment you signup for post-UPT. If all your unit was this experienced, they would all retire at the same time and the unit would be gutted.
-Definitely a recruiting tool within the state/wing. Internal hires make up a good chunk of pilots.
-Every unit absorbs some AD young folks as well. Total Force Integration (TFI) leverages the ARC experience base to grow AD talent, then send them back to the big blue
-The young folks are the absolute lifeblood of a squadron. Keeps the old guys young and the old-ish guys sharp.
