Guest_123

Hey bro/broette, I made an account on here to reply to you. I want to share my experience on this, as a non-prior, so let me give a (hopefully) abridged version. My first interview was in June 2014. After my very first interview, I was chosen as an alternate. Good, but not the best. I did my best to keep improving and move forward. My second interview was in August 2014. Once again, landed an alternate position. Okay, how can I get better? Going forward, between September 2014 - December 2014, I interviewed at an additional 5 squadrons, all fighters. I was asked to interview at an additional 2 (both of which were the same day as another interview I went to). I applied to a couple where I wasn't asked to come out. Mid-October, I receive a call from a Board member from my 2nd interview, who left a voicemail (and I literally ran outside to call back - I was one of the alternates, remember). A primary was no longer in the spot, for whatever reason (I didn't care why) and I was asked, "are you interested?" and, "can you be ready soon?" It's getting close toward the end of January now, and I'm currently in the ANG, awaiting a SSgt promotion prior to starting AMS in March, with a June UPT date. Got the call in October, went to Wright-Pat in December (slightly nerve-wracking, but not nearly as bad as it's made out to be), swore-in in January, AMS in March (technically was supposed to be in AMS today, but nevertheless...). After I found out there was a CHANCE mountains could be moved to get me in the system for the spot after I got the call in October, I kept interviewing (always have a backup). This has been my dream for a time I can't recall, and I wasn't going to take 'no' for an answer. Anything can happen. Anything. I went through Wright-Pat and watched a couple candidates need waivers (usually no prob), one get DQ'd (hard to witness), and the rest of us get the 'okay.' I guess my point is you never, ever know what can happen. I sure as hell didn't, but here I am. I had friends, the girlfriend, family, all encourage and support me all the way through and that's what helped the most. Things happen to primary candidates, things happen to alternates. You being chosen as an alternate (as I'm sure they told you) is a sign you are qualified for that job. That's awesome. Don't let it discourage you. There are more squadrons out there, more opportunities, and more room to get better. I can't give you an exact likelihood of the same thing happening to you, but what I can say is that it can happen. I think most importantly is continue putting your stuff out there, practicing interviewing (have a killer general opening in mind, not rehearsed), and to stay positive. Man this was way too long and way too sappy...and definitely not abridged. If you want to know more, message me. Good luck.