I’m fairly sure you can’t apply unsponsored if you are needing an ETP for age. It’s the sponsoring unit that sends the ETP up the chain if they really really want you. That’s the position I, and I’m sure fdnyguy are in right now. I just got my FC1 cleared and only now has the unit been able to start sending the etp and package out of the squadron. They wanted to make sure that the FC1 and all other things were complete.
Please keep in mind that it’s the unit themselves that are going through all the extra legwork to specifically get YOU into the squadron by sending the ETP up. They’re putting their full backing, as well as the entire backing of the Wing, to say that YOU are going to benefit them with your approval to go to upt over the age. So, I’d be careful trying to get an etp from a heavy and then try to jump ship to get fighters at a different unit (of course, unless the active duty Air Force is in that much of a need to bring you to fighters). The guys and gals working on your etp are going the extra mile for you when they don’t necessarily need to. Just my $.02.
If you want fighters, start rushing fighters units and squadrons like crazy and don’t stop. If you just want to fly for the usaf, rush’em all. I feel blessed to have been picked up in any capacity and even more blessed that the squadron has enough faith in me to send an etp up. You’ve got hours, a decent pilot score, and are only just past the age, chances are good.
...all that being said, now watch that there’s new guidance that says you can send folks needing an age etp the unsponsored route haha