Last July I was an active duty F-16 crew chief, this past February I was picked up for a pilot slot. I applied for the SOAR and ASCP programs in FY2008 and was selected for SOAR. I have very good scores; however, I have not yet attended AFROTC Field Training and this significantly hurts my overall score for this past board. I was surprised at the selection rate for the SOAR and ASCP programs, I think SOAR was nearly 100%. The fact is that there are usually a couple more slots than people who apply, and so if you meet the requirements you should have no problems getting picked. I did however serve as the best crew chief that I could, and at no point did I let my schoolwork or aspirations get in the way of that. This helped me get the signatures that I needed for my SOAR and ASCP packages.
Pilot selection through AFROTC is not too bad in my opinion as well. I mean, 10% of my order of merit score (what they use for pilot selection) was a zero due to out of cycle Field Training and I got picked up for pilot. I have heard of people with pretty rough stats getting picked up as well. The most important factor in getting the slot once you are in ROTC is being active, positive, and aggressive in your studies and ROTC. This, coupled with the fact that most if not all ROTC CC's and cadre will greatly value your prior enlisted experience and the path that you have taken, will make it very easy for you to succeed. The main thing that can get in your way is yourself. Just be willing to work at it and it will come.
With all of that said, remember that I said I did not let my ambitions hurt my performance as a crew chief. I never once walked around with a chip on my shoulder as well. I have seen others act in such ways and it has not worked out well for them. The truth is that I worked with incredible individuals with skill, personalities and work ethic to be admired. I have a lot of good memories working out on the flight line and being TDY. I'm sure you would agree. So, if this is what you want, I suggest that you pursue it as aggressively as possible without sacrificing your current position. If you have any specific questions please also feel free to ask. I know the paperwork for those packages can seem daunting. Take care and good luck.
