Leaderboard

(Edited for link to PDF) The 163rd Fighter Squadron out of Fort Wayne, IN (ANG, A-10C) will have an open application window for Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) from Dec 1, 2016 through Feb 28, 2017. If selected, interviews will be held 5-6 May, 2017. If interested, please visit: https://www.122fw.ang.af.mil/Portals/21/documents/2016 Pilot Candidate Letter UPT questionnaire.pdf?ver=2017-02-16-133305-880 Good luck for all that apply.

I'm transferring out there! Just waiting on NGB to give the green light.

This is 100% anecdotal and not a standard. Granted it was well over 10 years ago when I was involved with it, but I saw plenty of people get admitted with less than that (myself included). Don't let a GPA dissuade you from thinking you can get in. Of course, if you've got a 2.5 you're probably not going to make the cut. Also, there are lots of secondary options to getting a spot at the zoo if it's really what you want. You've got the academy prep school itself, but there are several other prep schools that the zoo will send people to on what's called a "falcon scholarship." You spend one year there (there's on in CA, NM, and a couple others) and don't fail any classes and you're guaranteed acceptance to the zoo the following year. You can also pay your own way at these same prep schools and do what's called "self-prep" and it just makes your resume look a lot better for the following year. But don't get this starry eyed view of the academy either. ROTC (or OTS) is no less legitimate than the academy and there's a good argument that it's better. And once everyone commissions and pins on 2LT, where you went to school won't ever matter again. Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network Forums

Don't enlist AD in an effort to get a slot at the Academy.

I just can't imagine I'd ever have a personnelist point out a pilot error on my part, and all I'll I'd say is: "You are correct, I chose to pump #3 (sts) when I should have banzai-ed. Have a great Air Force day!" I mean, maybe I'd say that. Then I'd rip off my wings and self-immolate in front of the squadron patch. Like this: I don't feel like AFPC shares my sentiment. Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network Forums

Manchester

Since you asked twice, I'll take a stab. They want to know you and why you did the things you've done. Example: "I finished college in 3.5 years" = Something you've done. "I finished college in 3.5 years because I wanted to save money, I enjoyed the challenge, and I was hoping to get deployed/hired sooner" = Says something about YOU and your work ethic and values. Question that comes to mind is when they say "Tell me about yourself." They don't want ONLY want to hear about where you grew up, where you went to school, what jobs you've had, etc. Your resume tells them that, and they've already read that. They want to know what makes you you. What do you like to do, what are your strengths, what are your weaknesses, what bugs you, what motivates you, and so on. Sure what you do reflects on who you are, but it's not the whole story.

176th/168th dual board 10 pilots from 5 different squadrons sat behind a table and had me sit in a chair in the middle of the room. Very professional atmosphere, but very welcoming. Introduced everybody and asked about my flight up to Anchorage. Said I was a little jet lagged and apologized in advance if it showed, they laughed. Make your board feel at ease with you and BE CONFIDENT! questions encountered: -tell us a little bit about yourself -volunteering history -you are 19, why should we give you the keys to a multi million dollar jet? -what does leadership mean to you? -what leaderships rolls have you been in during your young life? (I used group activities throughout college. Just make sure you have an example and can back it up.) -what makes a good officer? -what are the core air force values? (I had no idea and told them but tried to guess a few. They said they sounded like Army values and laughed) -when was the air force formed? (late '40's was my answer) -Why do you have a mustache? (this was a joke question) -What is a strength you have and a weakness you have? (spin the negative to a positive! DON'T TAKE THE BAIT!) -You will potentially be ordered into a hostile environment where you will be shot at. How do you feel about this? (Put deep thought into this question and SHOW them you are thinking about it) -What are your plans for work outside of flying for the ANG, and what will keep you in Alaska? (this is the easiest question if you know how to answer it) They made some jokes about me being a left brained person then asked: -beer or wine? -dog or cat? -If there was a photography convention (I am a pro photographer) after you got flying with your crew, will you go there or to the bar with us? (BAR, DUH!!) -What was a situation that you were in that you faced an issue, and how did you handle it? ( I used a flying example on my solo...they are more concerned with how you react during a situation, not so much the situation itself...again, very easy question if you know how to answer) -Something about how you deal with a problem. (I changed the word problem to challenge, which they liked. Just food for thought) -Is there any questions for us? (I asked about future hiring boards they will have and if I need to apply to each one if I don't get selected this time. Shows you are interested in that unit and will keep trying) I got up and shook everyone's hand individually and thanked them and left. I hung out with a couple of Captain's the rest of the day and chatted, they toured me around, etc. The board president and her husband offered to give me a ride back to my hotel which gave us some more great time to chat about flying and what not. I was notified today I got the primary slot for the KC-135. Please, hit me up if you have any interview questions or need help preparing and I'll give you some pointers that worked well for me.

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Got my first interview coming up soon for UPT. Any last words of advice? "Just be yourself" "Don't try to be the cool guy"... all of that is obvious. I'm looking for more of the obscure scenarios that may come up.