Recaged

Unfortunately I found out on my own via other means in early November, and it was too late to submit a package by then. Dropped about $25k getting my PPL, took countless days of leave (many wasted due to poor weather/winds), and sacrificed quite a few leadership opportunities to obtain it. That’s also not including being on three deployments in 2023, one of which required me to fly a few times just to get back to the proficiency level I was at before I deployed. Again, will have to apply for the 2025 cycle after developing some quantifiable leadership metrics. I’m happy that my leadership has my back, but I would be lying if I didn’t say that this is not a very pleasant time in my life now. I’m not certain if this is standard for my neck of the woods or if it’s me in particular experiencing this. Would have been nice to at least obtain some kind of acknowledgment.

I was never notified. Not sure what that says about me, but it isn't a good feeling to find out the way I did. Good luck everyone.

Unfortunately my Group didn't push my package this year; I wish I had found out way sooner that the main focus of the board was leadership and adaptability. I focused HEAVILY on scores (99 PCSM, PPL, high 80s pilot AFOQT) at the expense of just about everything else. Fortunately my leadership has become aware and is offering me robust opportunities to present those qualities, but that was an extremely bitter learning lesson. Future pilot applicants: don't be like me and focus on scores at the expense of leadership. It's what cost me a slot in AFROTC and cost me the board now. Coming from a poor background as well, it doesn't cost extra money to develop yourself as a leader as it does to get those flight hours.

Speaking of PPL's, does anyone know the last day that you can submit changes to your application, such as obtaining a PPL? I don't have access to a CAC reader (refreshing, but work-related issues still haunt me). I had a 99 PCSM for last year's board with no PPL, and did not get picked up. One of the dudes I know who got picked up who did not have one had a discussion with me and we determined that the philosophy of the board might be that anyone can be good at the stick and rudder skills, but the AF is looking for people who can do that AND have good leadership/potential leadership skills. All speculation at this point, but I don't find that idea unreasonable.

Thank you; unfortunately my wing required me to submit my application about one week after the PSDM dropped. I did some searching around and found a few posts on here, and ultimately wrote my own memorandum for a request for an ETP, citing my Air Force training and immersion in the rated field combined with my own private pilot experience as a mitigating factor for my age. I probably just doxxed myself but it's truly not difficult to do that for this particular endeavor. Currently on deployment but I'll find some of the posts that I found in my search and share them on here once I tackle a few closer alligators.

Anyone have ANY info on the actual mechanics of submitting an age waiver? Such as what the actual memo should look like and read like?

PSDM 23-54 has dropped! Deadline: 03 October 2023. Last day for application updates: 03 November 2023. "3 November 2023 (1)ETP Suspense for medical disqualifications.(2) Application Update Suspense: Updates to applications including AF Form 215 data and PCSM scores can be submitted up until this date. Please submit a signed MFR from the applicant’s direct supervisor containing the updated information. Additionally, include any appropriate attachments indicating successful completion of the update (i.e. copy of PPL, copy of updated PCSM, updated AFOQT scores, etc.). Be brief and concise. There is no need to obtain a new updated/signed/coordinated AF Form 215" Board convenes 4-17 November 2023. A little early, but wanted to create this thread ahead of time and update it as information and dates roll in.

I can't speak for anyone else, but I truly had a "come to Jesus" moment regarding my work performance and what it's going to take to become what the AF needs its pilots to be. I believe the PPL shows the board that you're serious, have "skin in the game", and willing to burn your own cash down to pursue what's essentially a more difficult job for the same pay. It'll also avoid having to go to IFT, saving the AF money and allows the pipeline for training to be slightly more streamlined.

Was not selected this year, first attempt. - 99 PCSM - 86 Pilot - No PPL - 4 of 4 in SQ, unknown WG strat My next attempt will require an age waiver. Areas of improvement: - Better bullets - More leadership roles - PPL I'm disappointed, but mostly in myself. There was some extremely high competition this year, and I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to go for this board. I made them say "no", and will keep doing so until I'm politely shown the door. Until then, I'm recaged and motivated to see this through. Congratulations to all selectees!