No I'm not looking for a magic answer. I'm just looking for something that isn't the same thing that in reality gives me nothing. I don't mentally have one foot out the door of UCT, I am just trying to plan ahead and anticipate what is down the road. Yes I understand I need to do well here, yes I know I need to do well at my FTU and at my MWS, there is no reason to talk down to me. If you feel the urge to do so again, I really suggest you take it elsewhere. I really don't have time for useless ignorant posts such as this.
I made the mistake of not planning for the future when I was in school and when I realized my mistake, it was too little too late at the time, there was nothing I could do that could alter my course and get me to UPT. I do not want to make the same mistake twice. So that being said, and other than the glaringly obvious advice, I am curious as to other's actual experiences. Not rumors or other BS.
I was told about a year ago by an F-15E pilot that he tracked WSO and upon arriving immediately went to UPT and that roughly 1 in 4 had the same opportunity. I am not sure if this sort of thing happens any longer, but things like this is what I'm looking for, trying to gauge my odds of making it. If there is a zero-percent chance that I will make it doing it the "normal" way, i.e. 3-4 years in my MWS, apply to the AD boards and pray for a waiver, etc, then I would rather go Strike Eagles and hope for UPT from there. Its those sort of things that are other options separate from the "hey put on a smile and enjoy your fate" sort of thing.
And yes, Rainman, I can face a brutal truth. But there is no brutal truth here, only rumors and speculation.