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(moved this thread as I realized I posted it in the wrong subsection) Hi all, I'm currently in the ANG/AFR Hiring Circuit looking to make a long time dream into reality. As I'm just starting to get past the point of my first few applications, I have some questions/reservations regarding the 2030 Form and Questions about marijuana specifically. I find that some upcoming and past boards (which I couldn't apply to in time) request a filled out 2030 Form, and some units even specifically ask about prior usage/number of times on their squadron questionnaire. Having searched deep through this site and others, I find much conflicting information and opinions on how to handle these questions, with much of it outdated and before the AF's loosening of policies regarding prior marijuana usage (in 2017 I believe?). Full disclosure, I experimented with weed as a young and dumb high schooler once around 2011. I quickly found out it was not for me, along with any other types of drugs and haven't touched a thing since then. A fair amount of past feedback here and elsewhere points to the idea of incriminating yourself as a foolish notion and it seems to be that the status quo at one time was to simply fib about something like marijuana experimentation, otherwise you are putting yourself at a huge disadvantage. I'm certainly not keen on the idea of lying, but that being said I have a few questions that I'm hoping some Gray Beards and other with past experience may be able to help answer. 1. Are units usually looking at the 2030 Form to judge your character/application or to simply to make sure you don't have any automatic disqualifications for commission? As I understand it, my situation is not disqualifying. 2. In current AF culture, would the average guy on a hiring board or in a squadron look at a decade old one time MJ use as negatively affecting an application? How would you judge it personally? I'm guessing it must be of some importance if they include it on their own questionnaires as well. 3. The 2030 Form says that, although experimentation is not disqualifying, "Preservice marijuana use may render you ineligible for certain skills." Is this true practically from a pilot perspective? Has anyone heard of this applying to any sort of flying mission/qualification or any job for that matter? Like I mentioned before, I don't like the idea of lying, but past info seems to suggest you should never present any information that could hurt you or your chances. I want to be honest, but I also don't want to negatively impact my chances even a little for something so frivolous when the applicant pool is competitive as it is, especially if its an unspoken suggestion to "omit" certain info. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all!
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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!
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New guy on the forum here, i was recently selected as an alternate by an ANG Viper Unit. 1. Does anybody have any experience they can share about being selected as an alternate? 2. Did you eventually make it as a primary? 3. Did you get picked up on the next board? 4.Did you get hired by another unit? Thank you!
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I need some realistic advice. I'm 26, and my College GPA matches that (2.6). Nothing I can do about that. Short explaination: I worked several jobs/owned a business (wedding photography) and plain just didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I haven't taken the AFOQT yet (will in May), but I did take the ASTB (Active Duty US Navy Selection Test; for those unfamiliar), and got the "minimum" scores needed to move forward with the process. My real goal is the ANG or AFR, one of the points with taking the ASTB was to get Military testing experience (however, I am still hoping to get picked up for Navy Active Duty). In speaking with an USAF Officer recruiter, he said "I've never seen anyone get picked up in the USAF rated board with a 2.6 GPA." I'm studying harder for the AFOQT, but maybe am coming to realize that perhaps I just don't cut it for Military Aviation. Don't get me wrong - I'm going to study my ass off and do what I can to crush the AFOQT, but I'm having a rough time with the math, even with a tutor. I will have my PPL within the coming weeks (wx permitting). I have plenty of leadership and volunteer on my resume. I've met with the Chief Pilot of the Unit I'm hoping to join, and know two other pilots there. Bottom line - do I need to score damn near the top to even have a shot at earning a slot with a 2.6 GPA (non-technical degree)? If you can tell, I'm rambling because I'm a little discouraged at the moment. I'm looking for honesty, so don't worry about hurting my feelings. Thanks.
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This is honestly a pretty simple question, however a lot of stuff I've heard on this topic doesn't seem to be credible to me. Are ANG pilots eligible to attend TPS, and if they are how much of an uphill battle is it? Of all the test pilots I know, all of them did it through the AD (however I have a skewed sample of astronauts living right in Clear Lake within Houston). I am just curious to know if this is possible or not. Thanks! -Patrick Krueger
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I was hesitant about posting here because due to my particular background and currently still being AD, it won't be too hard for people in my community to figure out who I am. That was dumb. I'm here to try and climb back in the cockpit, so people figuring out who I am doesn't matter one bit. I'm currently working on setting up applications for ANG Fighter Wings / Squadrons, but am not at all opposed to the Reserves or AD AF. I've tasted fighter life and having it snatched away for not being deemed qualified to land on a boat was a devastatingly humbling experience. It truly reoriented my world, however, through this adversity I've become laser focused and more determined than ever to achieve my dream of serving our country as a Fighter Pilot. To that end, what are my chances? Age: 30 Former F/A-18F WSO (2014 - 2017) 1 Deployment (more details if req'd) Student Naval Aviator (2017 - 2019) Completed Navy Advanced Strike Training (for F/A-18E/F or F-35 pipeline), but disqualified for Carrier Landings (more details if req'd) Hours: Pilot: 313 Total WSO: 836 Total (241 Combat) Combined Total: 1146 Hours AFOQT Pilot: 99 Navigator: 99 Aptitude: 91 Verbal: 92 Quantitative: 82 PCSM: 98 I'd be more than happy to supply any additional information that may be helpful, just let me know what I can do for you! -Checkmate
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Hello everyone, I made some edits and wanted some additional guidance/answers to questions. I'm a current regional airline pilot trying to get a pilot slot with a guard fighter unit. Age: 23 Finishing BS in Aeronautics from ERAU (should be finished end august/september) GPA: 2.94 from one year of community college, 3.85 from ERAU AFOQT: Pilot-99, Nav-99, AcadApt-70, Verbal-79, Quant-56 PCSM: 94 ATP with 2550 hours, 1000 airline hours, current CFI/CFII LOR's from retired USAF Lt. Col./F16 driver, AA 737 captain/mentor One year experience as CFI/CFII, year and a half with the airlines As far as 'extra curriculars' go: ALPA P2P and scheduling committee for my airline 6 years in CAP, started as a cadet, current senior member captain, national flight academy instructor, worked FEMA missions for Hurricane Harvey, RPA escort pilot I've currently applied to 7 units since December, with all being 'thanks but no thanks.' I've asked for some feedback, but haven't gotten any, so I figured it at least update things here and cast around for some additional info. New Questions With everything going on in the aviation world, and me being reasonably young, I'm seriously considering enlisting, both for the secure income source, and to check another resume box. The unit I would be enlisting in would be my 'dream' unit. Is this a wise course of action or no? If you think I should enlist, what MOS should I have (crew chief, weapons, and life support and been mentioned). Thanks Edits: -
Thinking about switching my airline career to aerial firefighting down the road. Are there any guard/reserve squadrons that participate in aerial firefighting? I have my radar on the C130 squadron in Reno, NV, but no clue if they do that type of flying. They are in close proximity of NorCal though.
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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
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Hello all, I'm looking to like to apply for various pilot slots in near future. I have no military experience, although I have several contacts who do. AFOQT Scores: Pilot: 80 | Nav: 96 | Acad Apt: 87 | Verbal: 63 | Quant: 96 PCSM Score: 38 (No Flight Time) Age: 26 GPA / Major: 3.70 / Mechanical Engineering LOR: USCG Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class, Former Supervisor, Personal friend from college. Prof Experience: 1.5yrs I'm looking at starting my PPL next month, and retaking the TBAS (felt like I could definitely improve). Besides that any general recommendations? I'd actually prefer to fly heavies, and I'm open to ANG, Reserves, or AD. Thank you for your responses/feedback!
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Afternoon All! Looking to get some tips/advice for a UPT board interview over the phone. I am currently enlisted in the ANG and deployed overseas. I was selected for the opportunity to interview with an ANG unit and they are completely understanding of my situation and willing to do it over the phone. I've interviewed with several units in person and this will be my first phone interview. Any suggestions to help counteract the lack of face time? If you've interviewed via phone please feel free to share your experience/thoughts. Thank you!
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Quick background story is I have 14 years time in service (7 active duty and 7 Air National Guard) Currently I am a full-time guard technician. I am a 33 year old SMSgt (I know quick). I recently took my AFOQT and was shocked by the scores: P95, N99, AA93, V94, Q83. Also got ABM98 and CSO99. I have my degree in Business Administration with a GPA of 3.62. I have 0 flight hours and took the TBAS, my PCSM score is only 34...pretty bad and considering a retest. I know I am too old for a rated pilot position, but I am interested in the RPA route. If anyone has any info or experience in a similar situation let me know. Bonus points, most positions I am seeing that are advertised are for Drill Status Guardsmen positions, what kind of opportunities exist for a civilian job in the RPA realm? Thanks for the help!
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Howdy, I am currently attending a state university and have been planning on flying fighters for as long as I can remember. I am a young 20 years old and pushed through college in 3 years (May '19). Here's my current stats: AFOQT: 94 Pilot 75 Nav PCSM: 98 Major: Aviation Science w/ Flight Training Concentration GPA: 3.51 205 Hours with commercial multi w/ instrument I have met with several officers in the ANG including the wing commander. They told me now is the time to apply! The unit I am applying to currently flies F-15s, and are supposedly getting either a newer version of the F-15 or F-35s within a few years. Either way, they are planning on switching airframes. What are my chances? I was told to enlist before applying to this unit, however that would mean missing school and ultimately applying for a job I wouldn't want to have, and delaying my track to achieve the slot. I feel like if I just signed on it would be as if I were trying to pander to the board, saying "See?? I'm committed! I have no interest in (enlisted job), but I'm using it as a stepping stone!" Don't take this as "this peasant work is below my rich blood!" I sweep floors, clean pools, jackhammer cement to pay the bills. I am a musician, mechanic, artist, surfer, etc and I think I would fit the 'whole person' concept pretty well. I exercise regularly. I am concerned about a couple of things. 1.) Not being enlisted. The wing commander says that they hire off the street occasionally, so its not impossible. 2.) Age. Would they say 'yeah apply when you're older'? I have some solid letters of rec, one from a Colonel. One is from the director of flight operations at my school, and the other is from a world renowned professor. Thanks!
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Good Evening !! Does any have a list of reserve or ANG units which have fighter CSO/NAV positions. I am digging up every unit's website to find details but not making progress much so I am asking. My apologies if this has been already asked, tried to find it in the forum but it does not pop up in the search. Thanks ! Keep rocking
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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.
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I understand that an Air National Guard member isn't a veteran and isn't entitled to Veteran benefits unless they complete 20 years of service or are called to active duty by the Federal Service under Title 10 I believe for a minimum amount of months. What is the minimum amount of active duty time required to earn veteran status and what other ways can an ANG serviceman become a veteran? Is veteran status awarded after the honorable discharge?
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I'm considering joining my local Air National Guard and have a couple of questions regarding initial pay. I have a bachelor's degree. I understand that I would go in as an E3. Since everyone in BMT is an airman (E1), would pay be as E1? If so, would E3 be sown on and E3 pay be at or after Tech Scool? Is there retroactive pay? Also, I've seen some airman drill before going to BMT, would pay then be as E1 as well? Who actually pays during the trainings: the federal government or the state? Bonus question... I have a full-time job and since I'm voluntarily joining the ANG, are they legally bound to hold my position until I finish and come back as opposed to being called to active?
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Question for medical folks. I have been told and I have read (in newsletters from ARPC and the medical community) an unattributed saying which is repeated quite regularly such that no one questions it. That saying is "You must be in a military status to use the MTF." I do not believe this is correct nowadays. The reason is because I have Tricare Reserve Select regardless of my military status, something that was not possible before around 2005 or so. TRS is basically Tricare Standard and people on Tricare *can* use the MTF on a space-available basis. How is it determined if space is available? No one can tell me that either. Their go-to is that space is unavailable. Easier to say "no" than to actually have to do something. So any docs or clinicians that can help me out with this and give me AFI references to support these two aphorisms, I'll appreciate it.
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I am not sure if this has been posted here before. Searching through the forums, there have been only a few, scattered references in revived threads. I have not seen the memo attached. I found this memo from HQ A3 granting a blanket age waiver for RPA pilot applicants. This particular one is for active duty but I have called around to ANG and Reserve units to see if they are following suit. I have a memo from the NG Bureau stating that they will. Up until recently, individual ANG units were making their own call on it. Units that were doing well in manning and applicants told me they were not. Others that had less personnel were following the AD policy. But the NG Bureau memo seems to resolve that. The Reserve is considering age waivers. This could be an opportunity for those who thought their chances were gone. Appendix E- Blanket RPA Age Waiver_Signed Copy.pdf ANG URT Age Waiver.pdf
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Hey all - dumb question: when applying for an ANG unit, what should I put the required documents in? A manila envelope? I've applied Active Duty before, but this is my first time applying ANG. Everything was done via email for AD. Thanks in advance!
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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.
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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.
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Good evening ladies and gents, So, here I am, just signing on for a six year contract at an airlift squadron for Aerial Transportation (2T2X1) and I've run into a slight dilemma. So the squadron I am currently on with is an airlift squadron, were going from 130s to 17s in 2018 and that sounds super nice. However, a squadron not TOO far away from me flies F-16s and I've always love the idea of flying fast jets and they have alot of boards for folks. Here are a few questions to throw out to the experience masses: 1. Would it make me look like an ass getting on with one squadron just to leave them for another squadron later on down the road? 2. Would it be possible for me to become an officer THROUGH the other squadron? As in, would it be possible for me to go to the 16 squadron to the board and apply for OTS AS WELL as UPT? This is my main question, I'm curious as to if I can move from my current squadron as an enlisted to the fighter squadron as an officer-selectee and UPT candidate. 3. Any 16 guys want to talk about their life experience? Same for the 17 folks as well. When it all comes down to it, I wouldn't mind flying with my squadron if I get the opportunity too. But I would love to have the chance to fly F-16s if I can. Thank you guys for your time.
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Question came up in recent discussion with an old friend and I really didn't have an answer. He's flown charter, skydive aircraft, did the whole CFI thing for a little while, and is now flying CRJs with one of the regionals. On the quest to step up to the majors, he's also been scoping out some of the common foreign employers: Emirates, Korean Air, etc. He's had in mind to apply to a few Guard units as well and was wondering if the idea of working for a foreign company is even allowed while serving. Of course there are many considerations with such an idea: age limit, traveling back and forth overseas, employer's willingness to accommodate Guard commitment, deployments, etc ... but the question is just hypothetical for now. Anyone here dealt with this before? Or at least know someone that's flown, or even just worked for a foreign company while in the Guard? I fly on the helo side of the house so other than general knowledge on the standard airline employment process, I honestly don't know if this is a common question with the fixed-wing Guard bros. Whatever insight you guys have on the topic will be appreciated. --- PK... -
ANG UAV to manned mission change
12xu2a3x3 posted a topic in Air National Guard / Air Force Reserves
Standard assertion that: I looked and decided this merited its own thread, but mods please delete if this is not the consensus. I wanted some opinions on what an ANG unit's conversion back to manned from UAVs might look like. Does big Air Force see these units the same as it does manned units changing missions? That is to say, is a mission change such as this likely even if it's possible? How many UAV units are "future proofing" by sending their studs through full up UPT? Some initial limiting factors -change to the original manned aircraft bed down facilities that would prohibit the return of manned aircraft. -spin up of ops and mx personal given projected future shortages on the ad side -original issues that lead to loss of manned mission remain, e.g. range too distant It seems like this kind of mission change would probably be less dependent on these factors and more on: -future demand for UAV assets -future procurement of F-35, A-X, LAAR, or similar -local political advocacy looking forward to your thoughts
