Seeking Advice
Howdy, my name is Daniel, and I am new to BogiDope. I am making this post looking for some guidance and opinions regarding a good path to flying fighters and whether or not obtaining a UPT position is viable. First and foremost, I understand that obtaining a seat such as this is extremely competitive and difficult. With that said, here some facts about me.
24 Years Old.
College Baseball Player for 3 years
Total Collegiate GPA of 3.1
Selected for an SNFO (Student Naval Flight Officer) slot with the United States Navy. I have replied to this offer declining this position and will be resubmitting as an ISEL candidate for SNA (Student Naval Aviator- PIC). My Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB) scores were 6/7/7. The immediate select criteria will require an ASTB score of 7/7/7 or better. I will be retesting and can confidently exceed my previous score. I have discovered the proper study material to achieve scores in the 8s and 9s (test is scored up to 9)
B.S. Aviation Management
Will have an associate's degree in aviation flight at the conclusion of this semester.
My flight training has all been done at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale which is a Part 141 flight school. I will have a multi engine rating at the conclusion of this semester with approximately 250 flight hours. I was approved to obtain my instrument rating immediately after obtaining my PPL. I received the instrument rating right at 100 flight hours (+/- 5 flight hours).
I am aware that I need to take an AFOQT, and I am confident that I can receive scores in the 90s as I am a good test taker and can locate good study material. I understand that GPA is going to be my largest concern for being competitive for guard unit. The advice I am looking for is whether or not I should pursue an active-duty commitment with the Navy and try to obtain a fighter seat (given the needs of the Navy). After this, I could try and obtain a guard unit position with prior experience. My other scenario is to try and pursue a guard unit with the experience that I have and try and use a prior OCS offer as a selling point. I have no interest in flying for airlines at any point and want to fly for the military in whatever capacity that is, potentially deliver international aid after a military career.
What path seems to make the most sense to all of you? Thank you for any help.
Hey daniel.burns@siu.edu , welcome to BogiDope! Overall, it sounds like you're a highly marketable candidate looking to optimize your chances at a fighter slot. Quick hits out of the way:
-Don't sweat the 3.1 GPA. Make the AFOQT/TBAS shine.
-Don't sweat the flight experience; you have plenty.
Sounds like you have thought a lot about this path; shoot me a DM if you want to talk deeper or more in depth on strategy.
Thanks for the introduction Daniel. It's exciting to see so many opportunities and possibilities at this point in your journey. My advice would be to focus on the basic requirements first. Knock the AFOQT and TBAS out of the park first...and then you'll have a starting point for the application process with the Air Force (active duty or ANG/AFRC).
It's hard to pass up any opportunity that offers a pilot training slot (whether that's in the Air Force or Navy). The vast majority of folks will tell you that the road to an ANG/AFRC UPT slot is a marathon and not a sprint. BogiDope is here at each step of the way, so please let us know how we can help. If you would like to go over the options with a coach, we offer a 45-minute General Strategy Session which is a great way to collect your thoughts and come up with a roadmap for your efforts to maximize your chances of success!
We are excited to have you in the BogiDope community.
Smax
Hey Daniel,
Can I ask you what material you used to study for the Math portion of the ASTB? Will be performing my third attempt of the exam this week so any extra suggestions may help.
