Unit#8192

Thanks for the information Jon I appreciate it this is helpful!

Greetings, thought I'd reach out to the hive mind for suggestions for my situation. I closed on a Refi back in Dec/2020 (great experience with Jon/Lisa Trident) on a VA loan and got 2.25 for 30 years with rocket mortgage. I waived my escrow account in favor of paying on my own with no issues. Fast forward to Oct/2021 and my mortgage was sold to Lakeview with the loan being serviced by Flagstar Bank. The customer service with Flagstar has been terrible and from an emotional standpoint HATE dealing with them. I just got a notice stating that they're reinstating my escrow account and that I'm unable to waive that since it's a VA loan. Given some customer service issues I've had with Flagstar I filed a claim with the BBB. I had no escrow with Rocket Mortgage when the loan was sold back in 10/2021 and the recent notice to was due to an escrow analysis flagstar just recently completed. The research I've done says that I'm stuck with Lakeview/Flagstar combination unless I pay off my mortgage or Refinance which seems like a bad idea with rates back on the rise. I was under impression if my mortgage was sold that the terms couldn't be changed but it's not clear to me if an escrow qualifies as a term or not. My google research leads me to believe I'm somewhat stuck. So I'm looking for any and all suggestions or ammo that can be used before I raise hell/call to deal with them. I can go into more detain about my customer service issues privately if need be. Great credit history/score with no late payments on record and credit score in excellent range. I owe 15x,### with house estimated to be worth 300K plus as I've recently renovated the kitchen and master bed/bath. Located in Indiana if that also matters. Thanks for reading and for your time.

Congrats, great news!!!!

Just wanted to give a shoutout to @Jon - Trident Home Loans and Lisa McDonald whom I dealt with after that for their efforts/time guiding me through this process. I cold called Jon and he called me back within 10 minutes to help clarify what made sense for my situation. Dealing with Lisa was also outstanding and I ended up securing 2.250 IRRL on a 30 year VA loan with $31 dollars owed at closing (on Friday). I plan to use them should the need arise in the future. Thanks again! Travis

Just wanted to say good luck man, I saw you post this on TPN! Just wanted to congratulate you on your progress I saw you posted this on TPN. Happy Hunting!

Thanks and congrats on PA school that's a hell of an accomplishment!! There are a few 135/C17 units that have apps due coming up middle of next month as well.

Your stats look awesome and the fact that you're almost done with PA school speaks to your academic ability. You didn't mention air frame or geographical preferences but I'd start applying anywhere and everywhere you could see yourself wanting to live. I'm not sure how visiting/rushing units is going to be at the moment with the covids but that shouldn't deter you from applying and making them tell you no. If you haven't heard of em Bogidope, The Pilot Network (TPN facebook group) are worthwhile places to use for hiring/contact info and board announcements. People have had great things to say about Bogidope interview prep/application review package as well. You have nothing to lose I say make them tell you no. That's my plan and I'm older with a less impressive resume, ha! Happy hunting

I think this is a great topic to add to some of the commuting threads on here, yes? I'd be interested in what the consensus is or how people make in work in a situation similar to yours. I'm somewhat limiting myself to places I can drive to in about 3 hours.

@sartoreabram @CavGuy @Lisenbyjacob the Columbus 135 unit application window has been extended and updated on Bogidope. Thanks for the responses.

Thanks for sharing, this alone could almost warrant it's own discuss thread in/of itself. Interesting times we live in!

Anyone have any updates on if the 121st ARW out of Columbus Ohio and if application are still due on the 15th of May? I haven't been able to get in touch with anyone so far.

Welcome and the illustrious individual you're referring to is @FDNYOldGuy although there are a few individual around here whom have secured an ETP for age. I need an ETP for age also so I'll share what I've been told since we have some similar bullet points please keep in mind I don't have a slot etc. I'd consider getting some flight time if it's financially feasible as this can have the added benefit having some recent time in your log books and it'll boost your PCSM closer/possibly over 80. When you get a slot, this recent experience may be the difference in having to attend IFT or not; It's waived for PPL holder however I don't know if that applies to people who haven't flown in awhile, plus it'd be fun anyway. I don't know what VA benefits you may have available to you to use (Voc rehab, TA, Post 911 etc) since you obtained your degree before joining the NG so perhaps you can weigh/consider using some of those for flight time. This is direct feedback I was given by a Heavy Unit i regards to the flight time but varies depending on the unit; I hadn't flown in 8 years. I HIGHLY recommend joining the RTAG nation and TPN (the pilot network) on facebook and Search around. Bogidope has a pretty legit POC contact for units and they advertise when Units are hiring. Networking is key on/offline. Have you been visiting Units that you're interested in applying with? Since you'd be happy serving in the NG in some capacity if this doesn't work out have you considered the NG WOFT route? Are you locked into a specific geographical area or are you open to moving/living anywhere that will give you a slot? From my POV your scores look competitive for Heavies but I'm sure people with more clout will chime in and speak to those areas specifically. Good luck you have great story!

Welcome, Marine. Have you considered Army WOFT? Given you being two years away from a degree @ 35 years old you're facing an uphill battle. You are prior service, have two years of College and have the flight time/rating boxes checked so where you stand today (with great SIFT score) perhaps you'd be competitive for that? Worth considering, IMO. I'm sure more credible people than me will chime in, make em tell you no is my plan also. Good luck

@WeatherLion I think you may get more feedback if you consider starting a thread and following a similar format as others. People will need your complete AFOQT scores, what air frame you're shooting for (anything vs fighter only) along with the information you have above to gauge how competitive you are. The obvious thing would be to continue plugging away to get your PPL and at 50 hour I would imagine you're within striking distance. There isn't anything you can do about your GPA but it would be good to have an honest explanation as to why it's low. RUSH, RUSH, RUSH if you haven't been doing that already (when the Covids is over). You're a Marine and you mentioned not giving up on this for quite some time so keep at it. You're 28 so not age critical. If I we're you I'd start applying anywhere/everywhere you could see yourself living. I'm assuming you don't have a preference in air frame based on you not mentioning wanting to be a Fighter Pilot which would increase your chances further. You seem to check the total person concept boxes, and have strong LORs. Hopefully you can get that PPL knocked out soon. Good luck, we're in a similar situation!

Thanks @torqued Same to anyone who has a spouse/SO that's in the medical field and/or works in hospital. Maybe if I catch the Covids that'll help me get a Age ETP/UPT slot within the Guard/Reserves. By any means necessary😁 #Noshame

I'm not an expert nor did I stay at holiday in express last night I do have a perspective as FF/Paramedic on a transporting unit. Two people on my department are already in quarantine, I've already donned the PPE twice in less than two 24 hour shifts in an area with 30 confirmed cases as of yesterday. We can't wear N95s when we go into a nursing home for the 217th time for the day to take additional precautions for the immunocomprimised/elderly that reside there due to playing the numbers game. I fully expect to acquire the "Kungfu Flu" lolz and my concern is that I'll be called to another response and inadvertently pass it on to someone whom has additional risk factors due to many being asymptomatic carriers. Also, in my time practicing I've gotten the shitty follow up report for people below 35 who have passed away from the Flu/Pneumonia that we're otherwise healthy. It's rare, but it can happen. It's not lethal to perhaps the vast majority of the population, this is true. The main issue is what it has the POTENTIAL to do to "our" ability to provide critical care to those that need it (Tubed, placed on a vent and monitored). The Doc/RNs/RT/Techs etc are getting exposed to a higher degree, face going into quarantine themselves and/or experiencing more complications if they come down with it. If they're compromised it exacerbates the problem. Supplies are limited, the normal amount of Trauma/Medical emergencies are still happening on a day to day basis. In my world, it's real out here. I'm glad I got my Charmin supply two weeks ago so the minions can fight over the Scotts TP..."aint nobody got time for that". Hopefully we never reach what Italy is going through, we are all in it to win it so to speak. Stay well, wherever Y'all may be!

Just got a rejection email for the 63rd ARS out of Tampa. Congrats to those moving on!

Thanks, I may take you up on the PM if I have any questions!

Hey, From creeping on some of your other posts it look like you got picked up? If so, congrats!! I was curious if you had any updates or advice from people who are also rushing that will need an ETP for age. I've got my eye on the Rickenbacker Unit or other 135 units I can drive to from Indy. Congratulations again (I think) on getting picked up!

I just wanted to offer some encouragement since I have a similar story with obtaining my PPL and I'm a candidate as well so please keep that in mind. Pursuing additional ratings out of enjoyment is a good thing and I'd also say continue to focus on what you bring to the table! You have a strong package and the advice given above is solid. Have you considered reaching out to bogidope for their package review/interview prep? The places that you have gotten an interview with are you consistently rushing them or is it a one time visit prior to the board? A recent announcement for a particular unit was specific that if you're attending one UTA prior to an interview this isn't enough for them, YMMV. People have had great things to say about bogidope's services and I plan on using it myself once I've improved other area's of my application. With my earning my PPL. I took a break midway through, had three different instructors and at the very end (awaiting my last night xc before final check with chief pilot) the plane was sold from under me. So that cost me an additional 18 hours to get back to the same point switching from a DA-20 to a C162 with another instructor. Those extra hours put me at obtaining my license in 9x hours versus the 7x I was originally on track for. Due to finances and saltiness I took an 8 year hiatus from flying so now I'm shaking the rust off currently. Your other area's of your application speak to your academic ability and you have a reasonable explanation for the situation. Hopefully someone else chimes in about whether you should address that in your cover letter or not. Bottom line, focus on the positive things you bring to the table and the fact that you're getting interviews is a great spot to be in. You are also 30 so not yet in age waiver territory. You could also consider expanding your geographical location if that is something you are open to.

Great plan, grades should definitely be the top priority. Youtube is also great resource for TBAS as well.

Great advice above. There are some flashcards floating around on this forum to prepare for the TBAS if you haven't taken a look at those already. I will second getting your PPL done, it check a major box for your personally and for potential units. I think you also have a great overall package with the benefit of having youth on your side. You'll need the PPL and to visit to be competitive for Fighters based on what I've seen on here from lurking. Good luck and welcome! I'm a candidate, so repeating what I've seen on here.

To piggy back on what everyone else has said here it ultimately comes down to how bad you want it. As stated above, are you visiting units? Are you being honest with yourself in terms of making sure you've improved everything that you're able to control? You mentioned work being stressful and you're not doing well with that so I'd suggest getting that in order. Starting with that and performing the best with where you currently are is an absolute must and ties to the whole person concept. As a person, regardless of your goals you owe that to yourself to do the absolute best you can with where you are regardless of what your dreams. I don't care if you work at a fast food restaurant be the best at your craft. Do this and do it now with the internal satisfaction that comes with that. Be sure you're working out consistently. There's nothing wrong with holding off on flight time for the moment and I had to do the same. I came back after an 8 month hiatus and eventually I was able to get my license although I still had some adversity to deal with due to losing an instructor, having to get an additional 18 hours in another plane due to that plane being sold without any notice. If you want AD, kudos to you...It's long been said that the "fighters or bust attitude" won't serve you well. Especially with AD as it's needs of the AF at the time, performance, timing and luck. Not knocking your goal but if you're selected for AD there's a real possibility you can perform at a level that may allow you to track 38s and come assignment night there are no fighter's available to you at your pick. What would you do then? What I'm getting at is If you want Fighters keep applying everywhere although in the meantime I'd do some soul searching and consider what more important to you. I "thought" i wanted fighters when I was applying from 2012-2014 but I wasn't competitive and I wasted my time being under the age limit chasing an uphill dream. I came to the realization I'd be happy flying anything and It was more important to earn the right to go to training and fly anything versus nothing at all. Now, I'm 36 and it's a little bit different of a situation as I need an age waiver. If you're applying AD you 100% must have the attitude that you'll fly anything and grow where you're planted. I would also suggest checking out bogidope if you haven't done so already for package review. Happy hunting

+1 to what is mentioned above. I would check out bogidope interview/package and use their map as a starting point for hiring boards/contact information. I would also encourage you to speak with more people who are in the positions you're considering. From what you say your goals are it would seem Gaurd/Reserve suits that best. I'm in the hunt like you so take what I have to say with a grain of salt! Happy hunting.

Congrats!!!!!!