tlr9489

I only got taped at MEPS because I was 1 pound over the limit for my height. No one else got taped, as long as they made weight.

I am going to AMS soon, and I am overweight. I had cut weight for my FC1 and MEPS, but I don't want to do that for AMS if I don't absolutely have to, especially with the PFT shortly after weigh-ins as I understand it. Do they tape if you are over? How does the USAF determine if you are under 20%- what criteria do they use? I am short and muscular, and despite distance running, cardio, P90X, etc., I am not within the limits for my height... and I haven't been that weight since I was 15 or 16. I've had lots of people tell me not to worry, and that I'll "tape out", but I'd like to be prepared. Thanks.

I will be going for my FC1 physical at Wright-Patterson soon (within the next few months). I did terrible at MEPS on the OVT-DP test, and I'm concerned I'll fail it again at the FC1. I have stocked up on Magic Eye books and can get some of them right after practicing for awhile. I practiced the test at MEPS again. They set the machine up for me, and let me test out the different strategies, I've been reading about in this thread. I also practiced at the clinic at my Guard base. I don't think I'm getting any better. I am meeting with my eye doctor next week to test DP, and see if he can find out what the issue is or how I may improve my DP. Could someone please tell me any specific things I should be asking? I assume knowing how much arc I can see is important (hopefully, 25 seconds, and no worse than 60 seconds). Is there anything else that would be valuable to know prior to heading to W-P? I had PRK in 2008, and tested at 20/20 in both eyes. I passed all other vision tests with no problems at MEPS. I have been using eye drops more frequently to see if that may help. My right eye has felt weaker since my surgery, and I know my left eye is dominant, so I wonder if my eyes aren't working together properly to determine depth. My PRK surgeon said that he corrects the left eye for better distant viewing and the right for closer viewing, so it shouldn't be too much of an issue... This had sounded odd to me, and I wonder if it is affecting my DP. Thanks for any help.

So, I submitted my methacoline challenge test results and summary, note from my former PCP who prescribed the inhaler, and note from my current PCP. Basically, saying I don't have asthma, never have had asthma, and my airway is perfectly healthy. MEPS is asking my recruiter to have me submit a note from my current doc saying I have never used the inhaler. I can try to ask for this, but I can predict the answer- why would a doctor say I never used a medication that he/she didn't even prescribe to me in the first place?? I understand MEPS doctors don't want to be on the hook, but is this even a reasonable request. What can I do?? I need to get to MEPS immediately, and swear in. I am the oldest of the UPT candidates hired at the board back in June, and I am holding everybody back from getting training dates (due to being 28.5 years old, my squadron wants me going first)... PLEASE ADVISE. Thanks.

I was hired back in June for a UPT pilot slot with the Guard. I told my employer soon afterwards and gave them an overview of what was involved. We talked about how I would document my job to be able to hand off when I left for training. I thought at the time I was doing the right thing... Soon after, they hired a more experienced manager to oversee my job in a part-time role. I began to get phased out of a lot of meetings, that I had previously ran. I definitely felt like this was because of coming forward about the Guard gig. Initially, my employer had asked what I needed from them, and I said there may be instances where I need to field phone calls for admin stuff for the Guard- clearance, medical, etc., but generally, I expect it to be business as usual. They seemed good with it, and said they were flexible as long as the work got done. I have worked really hard and I am delivering results. I even have been getting really positive feedback from my old boss (VP)... Then, earlier this week I was pulled into a meeting by HR and asked for an update on my Guard situation. I explained I am still waiting for my training dates, but wouldn't expect to go anywhere till February at the earliest. To that I got a strange reaction from the COO (heads HR). I told him that I would try to get more info from my unit at Oct. Drill. He had said he was looking to set the budget for the next year and wanted a general timeframe. I told him it was just a guess that Feb. would be the earliest I'd be leaving, and it was obvious by his reaction that he was hoping it would be sooner... Yesterday, I received a meeting request from the COO and my old boss, a company VP, that just had a subject of "business review". I walked into the meeting this morning not sure what to expect, and was immediately told my employment was being terminated by end of the week (tomorrow)... I was stunned. The reasons given were vague and all over the place. It is very obvious to me that it is because of the Guard commitment. I have never received any verbal or written warnings, and like I said, I have been told several times recently that I am doing a great job. I care a lot about my job, and I'm crushed that this had to happen this way. I have been told that it is an open and shut case of discrimination for being in the Guard by a few people who understand employment law and USERRA. I am worried that being let go will affect my security clearance. I don't know if I should talk to my squadron for advice. I haven't signed anything from my employer, and didn't collect the paperwork- they wanted me to come in Monday to handle that, and I'd like to get my info straight before then... Any help?? Please advise. Thank you.

I was hired a few months back for a Guard squadron UPT slot. I have records at MEPS from years ago when I was trying to get into the military through another branch. When I filled out my medical forms, I included that I was prescribed an inhaler back when I was playing football as a college freshman. My PCP knew I didn't have asthma, but he prescribed me an Albuterol inhaler, likely to shut me up from bitching about getting gassed at practices/workouts... I have notation saying that I don't have, nor have I ever had asthma, and the inhaler was a preventative measure only. It didn't matter back when I filled out the forms- I was DQ'd. I had spoke with an experienced ANG recruiter (not from my unit), who I know pretty well, and he told me that all is not lost, and my best bet would be to go get a methacoline challenge test. I was tested a few weeks ago, and passed it easily- I actually did better as the test went on and more methacoline was added to my system... I have it all documented and ready to send in to MEPS. Is there ANYTHING else I can do to help my situation out? I am 28.5, and my squadron is looking for me to swear in and get to training ASAP, but there is real concern that if I don't get the medical processing taken care of immediately, I will be too old for starting UPT by the next available training date. I have landed the greatest gig on the planet, and I feel it slipping away... What can I do to help myself out here??? Thank you.

After the longest 7 months of my life, I retook both exams last week, and have already received my scores. I went up 51 points on my PCSM (90) and 32 points on my AFOQT Pilot score (97). I really appreciate all of the advice on here, and it was great to hear from a couple guys who had improved their scores- that really encouraged me to make it happen. I can't wait to start applying to Guard/Reserve fighter squadrons with my new scores.

Anyone here have a Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar joystick they'd be up for selling or loaning for the next month??? I am taking the TBAS in a month, and had bought one of these, only to have the company call and tell me that they are all out.

I am from Boston. I have spoken briefly with LtCol Zurkowski, who had invited me to come out for this drill weekend. I'll be there at 2pm on Saturday.

I am visiting the 175 FW / 104 FS in Maryland this weekend, and was again hoping that I could get some solid info on this group before heading out. Thanks.

I broke a rib on Monday, 4/12. I don't expect it to be a big deal- it should heal up fine on it's own. I am curious, as I am applying for ANG/AFRC pilot slots now, will I need to wait a certain amount of time before I am eligible to pass at Brooks? Is there any policy on current broken bones (ie, wait 6 months after break has healed, etc.)?

I'm heading out to Tulsa to visit the 125FS during April UTA. If anyone has any info/advice on this squadron, I'd really appreciate it. Also, any info on the Tulsa area would be good too. Thanks.

I'm visiting the 157FS in South Carolina, this weekend, and was hoping someone here might have some good knowledge to drop before I head out. I have already visited with several squadrons, but they all have their differences. Anything unique to this group, that could help me with the visit would be appreciated. Thanks.

Thanks, this is good to hear. When you say your PCSM score improved from 50 to 81, was that only because of the improvement in your pilot score, or did you have to retake the TBAS also to get to the 81 PCSM score? I am also very confused about the TBAS because I have read/heard about people saying things that happened to them on the test, ie, getting many wrong on the first part or "chasing the planes around, without really ever tracking them" and still getting very good scores. I felt that I did a very good job on these aspects, yet got a very lousy score- granted the AFOQT score didn't seem to help me out. I know I did lousy with the joystick (pushing forward to go up the screen, as opposed to remembering to "pitch back"). Any advice on what video/computer games to buy? Are there any like the TBAS out there- I'd be surprised if someone hasn't just programmed their own version. Best joystick, to mimic the TBAS one, if possible? I'd really like to simulate the TBAS as closely as possible.

I figured this would be the best place to post... I just received my AFOQT and PCSM scores today, and I am stunned at how poorly I did, especially on the TBAS. AFOQT Pilot: 65 Nav: 55 AA: 66 Verb: 66 Quant: 60 PCSM: 39 (w/81 flying hours) I am wrapping up a MS degree with a good GPA at a good school, had good GRE scores, did very well on the PPL Knowledge Exam, good SAT scores, etc. I reviewed the Cliffs Notes AFOQT guide before taking the AFOQT, but didn't take the timed tests- I know this is what killed me- the material was easy, but I took way too much time. Certain sections- block counting, table reading, and hidden figures, I barely could get halfway through before guessing in the last minute (hidden figures, I guessed on 3/4). I assume taking timed tests, in addition to review will help me out tremendously on the AFOQT retake. The TBAS though has me at a loss- how could I get a 39 with 81 flying hours and a 65 Pilot score??? I have never heard of anyone doing that poorly. I felt pretty good after taking the TBAS, but judging by the score, I must have bombed the thing. I don't really play video games, but I will go out tonight and buy a damn joystick or whatever is recommended. What can I do to improve tremendously on the TBAS? Even with flying hours over 201, I'd only have a 43 PCSM. I won't give up on my goal of becoming an ANG/AFRC pilot, but I realize I need to make the most out of my next 6 months and get my scores way up. Have any of you or anyone you have known, improved a PCSM by ~50 points or so??? Thanks for any help/info.