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I got out at ADSC after flying for 12 years and have been out completely for 1.5 years now (not in IRR). I just got hired for a flying position at a ANG unit and have just begun the process with their recruiter. I'm looking for advice on navigating the process smoothly, especially the medical part. Since I have 10% VA Disability for Tinnitus and 10% for knee pain the recruiter asked me to get an independent evaluation by my current doctor. I plan to submit those findings and hopefully will be approved to go to MEPS. I'd appreciate any gotchas specific or general that come to mind with medical and navigating the break in service. Thanks in advance!

So I've heard that the C-17 has some of the best bases in the country for AD, ANG and AFRC squadrons. Which of these bases have you heard to be fantastic to work and live at? I'm curious to know about life on and off the base, like what the town/city is like, what there is to do and what the schools are like. Just a quick reminder of current C-17 bases for AD, ANG and AFRC: AD: Charleston AFB, SC JBER, AK Travis AFB, CA Dover AFB, DE JB McGuire-Six-Lakehurst, NJ Wright Pat AFB, OH Altus AFB, OK JBLM, WA ANG (Excluding any previously listed) Jackson Intl Airport, MS Eastern West Regional Airport, WV Charlotte, NC Memphis, TN New York Stewart Intl Airport, NY AFRC (Excluding any previously listed) Pittsburgh Intl Airport, PA March ARB, CA Thanks fellas

A little bit about me. I have always wanted to join the Reserves or ANG as a pilot. Growing up i never thought it to be possible since i was trying to chase after a career in architecture. Well after some conversation with a friend of mine from high school who is a C-5 pilot and a flight instructor for the Air Force he told me i still have a chance. Currently i am in the process of taking may ARE exams to become a licensed architect while doing all necessary items to obtain a flying position with the Reserves or ANG as a C-17 or C-130 pilot. I would like advice on how to increase my chances for such a position in a competitive market even with a pilot shortage. I feel i am also at a huge disadvantage because i am going up against guys who are enlisted or comissioned and chasing after positions within their squadrons. I was told to try to rush squadrons but feel that it doesn't really work nor do i know best practices/where to start with that. I am 28 and will turn 29 during the summer, i have about 22 hours towards my PPL while trying to budget to finish it. Its just hard to spend so much money on a "possibility" thats not guaranteed and its also hard to explain that to the wife when finances are tight due to the recent move and purchase of a condo. I have heard of individuals being picked up of the street in my similar situation so i feel there is hope. I just need to know what to do to market myself as far as experience, leadership, work ethic and whatever else that's appealing to a pilot candidate for the Air Force. Also I will be retaking my AFOQT/TBAS tests within the next couple of months for better scores. I have had a whirlwind of a time dealing with recruiters and testing controllers. Recruiters tell me that they will not do anything to help me until i get my PPL, and how adornment they are about civilians not being picked up unless they have a ppl, and test controllers tell me i need to go through recruiters. Fortunately i found a test controller who is willing to help me achieve my dream. This guy has gone above and beyond to help me when others have not. I relocated to Nashville TN from columbus Ohio, and when i am ready to retake my test, i will make the 6 hour road trip to test with him seeing as how there are time frames of testing in the Nashville area for their cadets. All applications that i have submitted have been without a recruiter by my side guiding me on what to do. Any advice on how to increase my chances of trying to chase after a dream is greatly appreciated.

Hi folks, I know this might seem like a rather bold question, but I have searched quite a bit and haven't found the exact answers I am looking for. I thought this would be the place to ask before I start contacting units. I have seen on unit applications that there is an education exception to policy for applicants who do not have Bachelor's degrees but are "exceptionally qualified." The requirements were based on hours completed and GPA with the caveat of finishing a Bachelors within 4 years of commission. So here is where I am at currently, and why I see this as an opportunity. Personal Details: -2 Associates Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance. 4.0 GPA Board of Regents Graduate -current student in Part 141 Pilot Training program which will award another AAS. Will end with ratings up through CFII/MEI if on time. Currently at 32 hours towards PPL (I know, right?) -Airframe & Powerplant license holder -4+ years AD Army (armament and avionics on AH-64D's). Iraq Deployment. MOS Distinguished Honor Graduate. Honorably Discharged. Security Clearance. -12 hours additional college credits (3.9 GPA) -Age: 27 -Female -tons of leadership experience and strong LORs -Interested only in heavies As it stands now, I will graduate in June of 2016, just at my 29th birthday. I know this makes me age critical, which is why I would like to attempt a so called education exception. Would I be considered "exceptionally qualified?" It wasn't exactly detailed in the application. I was also recently told by someone of stature in the AFRC command that female pilots are desperately needed. I don't care if its for bullshit EO reasons, if that is an angle I have I'll use it. Would it be better for me to attempt an education exemption based on being age critical, or work on a Bachelors and ask for an age waiver? I feel like since it is listed on applications, it is an opportunity worth taking. I don't mind if my application is laughed at... I'd rather that than have not tried at all. Any insights or clarification on this policy is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

STUPID QUESTION ALERT: I just wanted to some of the guys who have been interviewed/hired for the ANG/AFRC... Have you ever submitted an application package that was less than ideal? I have had my eyes on a squadron that isn't necessarily close to where I work (about a day's drive), but it is in my home state and just seems like a good fit for me. Here are the following issues: 1. My PCSM is below the minimum for my flight hours (34). When I contacted them about it, they told me they look at the 201+ column, and to submit my application anyways. 2. I only have a class II, and not a class I medical (yet). I have amazing eyesight, and have been told that the class I thing isn't a huge consideration as long as the reason for not having the class I is the fact that you aren't physically qualified. 3. I probably will only have 1 (maybe 2) letters of recommendation. Although strong, the unit allows a maximum of 3, and I don't want them to think I'm not taking them seriously if I don't max everything out. I don't want to ruin any future chances with the squadron if they see my package and think, "Man, this guy just submitted garbage to us", especially since they're a squadron I could see myself applying to multiple times.

I'm wondering if anyone has any stats on people who were selected for an RPA pilot slot in the AFRC. AFOQT Pilot: 90 Nav: 99 AA: 86 V: 98 Q: 64 PCSM: 51, 0 flight hours, Civ App

Hey Everyone, There's a wealth of information on this forum but unfortunately this question hasn't been specifically addressed: what is the timeline for someone transitioning off of active duty to get hired at a Guard/Reserve unit for UPT? How far out will the hire someone or hold a slot (I realize mileage may vary depending on the unit)? I'll turn 29 in November 2018. My service commitment ends mid-March 2019 (I can take 60 days of terminal leave mid-January if that matters). That means I'll need to go OTS + UPT without age waivers all in about 8 months ... pretty tight timeline. I've read about the ANG being more flexible with age and stories about Army rotary-wing guys having their aeronautical badge converted thus nullifying the age limit. Regardless, I don't want to count on age waivers, exceptions to policy, etc., to make it to UPT. I figure if I can line a job up at least 6 months out, I may be able to receive class dates that almost seamlessly add up with transitioning out. Am I asking the impossible or is the timeline feasible?

I know the board is still quite a few months away, but I am curious if anyone can shed some advice on this for me. I have been told that the boards are continually getting more and more competitive so I am wondering if anyone could give me an idea of my chances. I do plan on taking the AFOQT again, but was curious about what scores they focus on.....ex: just pilot or all together? When I do increase the verbal (yes, I know it was pretty low... guess I should have focused on those besides Aviation) will it raise the others? I also, plan on taking the PCSM again after the AFOQT. GPA 3.64 Pilot 90 Nav 50 Verb 13 AA 30 Quan 52 PCSM 67 Age 27, female, BS in Aviation, Cum Laude, I have my PPL, worked in Aviation for about 8 years, currently Airport Ops Coordinator, AFReserves A-10/F-16 Crew Chief for 6 years. I was an Honor Grad from Basic, Enlisted Member of the Year 2006, FW Physical Training Leader, AHP Aviation Honor Society, AAAE, WAI, Air Show coordinator, Multiple Scholarships, Dean's List, TxDOT Releiver Airport of the Year, volleyball, softball......blah blah blah... I guess the question is, do they FIRST only focus on the scores .... or look at the whole picture before eliminating someone? I am open to any response or advice.