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Hello! Like others on this thread/forum, just looking for a few pointers on what I should work on to improve my packet. Currently only rushing A-10s and F-16s (Recently opened up to F-16s) For a bottom-line up front of my current "stats" --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Age: 26 (September 27th, 1993) Clearance: Active Top Secret / SCI with CI Polygraph Medical: Flying Class I Military Physical (Passed/Current) AFOQT: 92 Pilot / 93 Nav / 49 Acad Apt / 48 Verbal / 52 Quant PCSM: 88 (91 with 200+ hours) College: 3.9 GPA - B.S. National Security *Graduated* Also working towards my master's in National Security as well as my Bachelor's in Aviation (currently 4.0 in those as well, mostly going for the aviation degree because my GI bill is covering flight costs) Flying Experience: Private Pilot License - 111.5 hours at this time (March 7th, 2020) Recommendation Letters: 107th Fighter Squadron Commander (Lt Col) 127th OG Commander (Colonel) 127th OSS Commander (Lt Col) 110th Wing Commander (Colonel) All four of which are A-10 pilots with hours ranging from 2-4k in the jet --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A little about my background/journey into getting hired: I am currently in an AGR (full time guard) slot with the 107th Fighter Squadron in Michigan and am in good standing as far as I know with the unit. I have interviewed with the 107th FS in 2018 (their last board) and with the 190th FS in their 2019 board. People aren't kidding when they say these boards are competitive because all of the folks that got hired on those boards were rock stars with their backgrounds and just cool dudes all around. My First Interview Feedback My feedback from the 107th was mostly revolving around that at the time of the board, I only had roughly 70 credits towards my bachelors completed, and I only had about 12 hours of flying time under my belt, but because I was a local guy in good standing with the unit and I had decent AFOQT/PCSM, I was offered an interview slot. (I will be the first to admit that I think I mostly got the interview as a part of the "Good old boys club" you see at many units with hiring within.) But nonetheless, I am incredibly thankful for the interview experience alone. The 107th has hooked me up time and again when it comes to advice and boosting my applications (such as getting me a Flying Class I Physical). My Second Interview Feedback For the 190th it was a similar story to an extent. I was a little bit closer towards my degree (roughly 85 / 120 credits) and still no Private Pilot and about 30-35ish hours at the time. Where I messed up with this interview was that I was too relaxed at the social events held by the unit that weekend. I was told I interviewed great and had a solid answer to each question, but overall I was just too laid-back as an enlisted member around officers. I didn't get crazy drunk and end up being this guy at the social But I was introducing myself as "Hey man I'm Jeff" for example instead of "Hello <rank/name>" which should have been the obvious answer. I've learned from the mistake but I think I have shot myself in the foot with the 190th at this point unfortunately. Awesome group of people out there, I would highly recommend anyone putting in an app for them! Where I stand now I am married with two kids, single-income family and working two full-time jobs as well as pursuing two degrees while I knock out more of my instrument training. I have rushed a few other units with no luck in getting an interview since the 190th in January 2019. With all of the "minimums" knocked out now in regards to scores, degree, rec letters, and a PPL, I am wondering what else I can add to my application to try and give it that extra "Pick me Pick me" factor. As I've said above, I have my FCI knocked out, so all units know I am medically fit/qualified to attend UPT, as well as my TS/SCI clearance, so I won't have any hiccups with foreign contacts etc. Things are currently looking good for me getting an interview for the upcoming 107th FS board this year, but I am not just going to relax and take it easy on getting interviews until I have papers in my hands showing that I am waiting for MOTS/UPT dates. Thank you all for utilizing this site and keeping it active! Awesome to see bros (guys and gals) all helping each other out on here and giving solid feedback as well as keeping each other informed on upcoming boards! Update: Looks like the 107th will be more than likely having a Meet and Greet during April drill, and a board in May. No official posting yet, but that's the big word of mouth around here at the moment.

Another article from War on the Rocks contributor Mike Pietrucha on CAS in a high threat environment. BLUF: We aren't / can't really do it (sts) https://warontherocks.com/2016/06/the-myth-of-high-threat-close-air-support/ Right, wrong, not relevant? Discuss..

Once again the idea of passing the A-10 to the Army is making its appearance. Interesting review of the history of USAF-US Army agreements on fixed wing support aviation (Key West Agreement) and the claim that the USAf never wanted the warthog in the first place. I think the first time I heard this topic raised was in 92, after the Desert Storm when the concept was floated in QDR. I guess the increased cost of the F-35 makes keeping the A-10 difficult to justify. The question would be, does the Army really want it, and if so can they maintain it. I assume since WOs successfully fly and employ highly complex aircraft such as the AH-64, the MH-60 and the MH-47, they would probably have the ability to fly the A-10 effectively. Not so sure about their ability to maintain multiple squadrons (battalions) of ejection seat equipped fighter and their associated weaponry and targeting systems... Could be fun though... https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2014/01/22/save_the_a-10__give_it_to_the_army_107047.html

I've been lurking here for years, so feel free to roast me based on my post count for this question, won't hurt my feelings. Does anyone know why the F-16 Blk 30 went with the SADL radio vs a Link-16 terminal? I assume it was partially because of the cost difference and partially because of the Air-Ground mission set, similar to the A-10s reasoning. Does anyone have any facts about how this acquisition took place or the reasons for the choice made? TG btw, a search for SADL didn't turn up too many viable posts on this forum..I checked.

Excellent article. Ranges on several points to come down pretty hard on how the modern military has evolved into what it is now. The Tragedy of the American Military The American public and its political leadership will do anything for the military except take it seriously. The result is a chickenhawk nation in which careless spending and strategic folly combine to lure America into endless wars it can’t win. James Fallows JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

A few questions regarding the FAC-A qualification Is there a course or qualification in the AF that a non-fighter qualified pilot can attend? Will a pilot have to be tied to a traditional FAC-A airframe (A-10, F-16, etc...)? Is there a way a pilot from another airframe can become qualified to operate as a FAC-A i.e. AC/MC/HC-130, HH-60, CV-22, etc...?

Rainman Check.