Questions on UPT Packet/Application Process

[Guest Trackman28]

I'm about to mail off my UPT application package:

Any advice on how to put the package together?...folder? 6-part folder? paperclip? staples? I didn’t see any guidance in AFI 36-2205 beyond the necessary items.

Additionally, I was looking back at a post from 2003 that talked about a "cover letter" for the package. I didn't see that in the AFI either...did any of you submit a cover letter? If so, what did you put on it.

Thanks for the help.

MK

[Guest r6pilot]

Did you get anything from the contact at the squadron outlining what they want? Usually there's some direction in there. It would probably be a good idea to call them and ask what they want in it and how they want it sent.

In the ones I didn't get much direction from, I put them in logical order, paper clipped and then in a mailable manila folder.

[NOLAflyer]

If your trying to go Active Duty, you need to apply to OTS first. Once you get accepted to that, then you go through their little boot camp deal which is when you would throw your name into the hat for UPT selection. This is tough seeing as OTS slots have been cut back drastically in the last couple years, which also means you have to be extremely competitive in your class to make sure you qualify to get one of the few UPT slots awarded to your class. I'm not an OTS guy so you may want to do a little more research on it seeing as I could be a little off on exactly how the process works.

If your trying to go to UPT via the Guard or Reserve, then you contact the squadron(s) that you wish to apply to and talk to them about when their next UPT boards are and what kind of information, format, due date, etc that they like to see in their application packets. Also not a Guard/Reserve guy so I may be a little off on this as well but I'm sure there's other people who can clarify anything I may have missed in trying to explain this.

[Guest r6pilot]

Are you applying to OTS for a pilot slot? I believe that needs to be done through a recruiter who will compile your package and send it to the board.

Are you applying to Guard/Reserve for a pilot slot? In that case, you'll need to go through the particular squadron's pilot board point of contact.

I might have wrongly assumed that you were going the guard/reserve route. I'm AFRC "in limbo" waiting for my FC1 to get approved.

[Jon - Trident Home Loans]

You need to talk to your Sq or GP exec for guidance on the application process. It basically works like this: 1) take the TBAS, AFOQT & fill out your 215. 2) Send it up for your Sq/CC to review and rank you 3) Sq exec sends it up to the GP/CC then WG/CC to get review and then you're rack and stacked at the WG level. 4) WG sends it up the chain and eventually ends up at AFPC. You don't submit anything yourself. As far as how to package it...just make it look professional. Your WG exec might have some tips for you.

Edited November 10, 2008 by flyaf05

[go_cubbies22]

Trackman

Here is the link to the announcement for 09 Active Duty Board. It states what needs to be in your package (sts).

https://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/Docs/DPA/S...UFTBoardMsg.doc

Flyaf05 is correct that you should give your package to your sq exec and then they'll foward it up the chain and send it to AFPC. You should put the package together yourself though. Make sure to write the bullets for your sq commander and wg commander on the second page. The deadline for complete applications to AFPC is 14 Nov so you really need to get the ball rolling.

I was our sq exec last year and put together our squadron's applications. This is how we put ours together.The package should be in the standard blue AF folder with a Staff Summary Sheet on top. The package should have five tabs inside: 1. AF form 215 2. ADSC letter (ATCH 3 TO AFI 36-2205) 3. SF 88/93 (Flying Class 1 Physical and Medical History) 4. Copy of Private Pilot's License and last page of logbook 5. LORs. You can separate them with cardstock and use clips to attach to the folder. You should also include a 3.5 floppy that has your electronic version of 215 and any LORs. Hope that helps.

[Guest txnative]

For anyone out there that just went through the UPT selection process, how long did it take to get your application packet ready? I understand that things like letters of recommendation, etc. should be given a few weeks to get done; i'm looking for an average length of time. The reason I ask is that i just started looking around at units in my area and one has an application deadline of 15 July 09. Also, what were the application requirements for your unit? what were they looking for to be in a complete package to be considered? Thanks in advance for any information.

[Getzen2]

For anyone out there that just went through the UPT selection process, how long did it take to get your application packet ready? I understand that things like letters of recommendation, etc. should be given a few weeks to get done; i'm looking for an average length of time. The reason I ask is that i just started looking around at units in my area and one has an application deadline of 15 July 09. Also, what were the application requirements for your unit? what were they looking for to be in a complete package to be considered? Thanks in advance for any information.

I started mine in the beginning of February and had it in by Mid March but I was by no means typical. I took the AFOQT and the TBAS during that time as well. I interviewed in April and was offered the position later that week. Besides the AFOQT and the PCSM scores, my unit wanted an officer application, college transcripts, and pilot application. I asked the MPF what they wanted and they said there are the minium requirements and then what ever extra (letters, picture, logbook pages etc.) to set you apart from the rest is up to you. But like I said, I was in no way typical.

[Guest boredwith9to5]

For anyone out there that just went through the UPT selection process, how long did it take to get your application packet ready? I understand that things like letters of recommendation, etc. should be given a few weeks to get done; i'm looking for an average length of time. The reason I ask is that i just started looking around at units in my area and one has an application deadline of 15 July 09. Also, what were the application requirements for your unit? what were they looking for to be in a complete package to be considered? Thanks in advance for any information.

I'm in the process of putting my package together right now as well, but for the AD board first. I don't think you'll have time to put it together unless you've already taken the AFOQT as you have to schedule the time for it and it generally takes 2-3 weeks to get your scores back. I contacted my recruiter back in January but didn't really start putting stuff together until about 3 weeks ago. I expect that my package will be complete by the end of July. If you really hustle, you can get stuff together in just a couple of weeks (not including the AFOQT test result time). I've been told the average time to get a package together is about 3-4 months. This is based off of the time you first contact your recruiter and when you get it all finished. I took longer because my daughter was born and I wanted to wait till I had time to properly study for the AFOQT.

But like Getzen2 said, it can be done much faster if you really need it. Start hustling and you just might make it in time.

[Guest CA]

Toro consolidated this thread some and since I just finished my application process, I wanted to write up a detailed brief of what I did so fellow noobs applicants can get a better idea of what is expected. Just to be clear, this was for an Active Duty Rated Board Application from a civilian with no prior service. This will be kinda lengthy because I want to be rather detailed. Just note your experience will vary, but the events are the same.

Timeline - Start as early as you want. From when I contacted a recruiter until my package was completed was 9 months. It can certainly take a lot less time but since I was having our first child in the middle of it all, I started early. January I called my recruiter. April I started studying for the AFOQT. Middle of June I took my AFOQT. End of June I took my TBAS. Middle of August I went to MEPS, end of August I did my Officer Interview, and in 6 days my package will arrive at the board. So in actuality it took 5 months.

Some of the big check points along the way are AFOQT, TBAS, MEPS, and Officer Interview, in that order. These are the 4 things that you have to do that will require you going somewhere. I never even saw my recruiter till my Officer Interview - did it all on email/phone. While you're doing your testing and stuff, you need to be working on getting your Letters of Recommendation, Applicant Profile, Personal Statement (Form 56), any Medical Records, Transcripts, etc. (See attached form "APPLICATION CHECKLIST OFFICER PROGRAMS")

After I met with my recruiter I was given a checklist of things to get (See attached form "Personal Interview Record" page 12). I went through and got everything together in a folder. Not everything on that checklist is going to apply to you, JROTC/ROTC Certificate for example, most of you won't have one. After you fill out that application and gather all the forms, send it to your recruiter and they'll get you in the system.

Next step is the AFOQT. Depending on the type of person you are, you'll want to give yourself an appropriate amount of time to study. For me I had been out of HighSchool for 6 years when I took it so I had a hard time with the simple math and general science stuff. Take at least 4 weeks to study. I studied for about 2 months. You'll want to buy or check out an AFOQT study guide from the library. I used the Barron's Military Flight Aptitude Tests book. It has everything for the updated AFOQT in it and it was invaluable. If you know nothing about flying, it's helpful, but I would also suggest picking up the Jeppesen Private Pilot manual and study up. I'm sure that I only got about half of the Aviation Information section right because I just didn't know enough about the details of flying. I got the Jeppesen book afterward and have since learned a lot more. So grab the study book, read through it a couple times and take one of the practice tests. See where you need to study and do some specific studying. Search the internet for things that you're struggling with and find more study material. One book isn't going to have all of the answers. Take the 2nd test and see where you stand. Keep taking them, even if you remember the answers. It will help you remember the style and format of the questions.

After you get the results of the AFOQT (hopefully you did good), you can schedule your TBAS. Since the TBAS is super secret and nobody is allowed to talk about it, you can just visit their website and get information on about 80% of the test. Silly, I know. Search for TBAS on this forum and read up. Also check out the info on Wantscheck.com, same stuff as the first link but with an extra picture. The only way to really practice for the TBAS is to go buy a joystick (again search around the forums for where they talk about the right joystick to get) and practice using it while inverted (pushing forward on the joystick makes the reticule move down) and playing first person shooters like Quake or Unreal Tournament or whatever fancy new games are out these days. It'll help you practice tracking with a reticule using a joystick.

OK. Once you have the AFOQT, TBAS, and all of your documents together and to your recruiter, he/she can schedule you for your MEPS physical. If you happen to be several hours from your recruiter, like I am, look to see what the closest MEPS to you is and have your recruiter schedule you there. I drove an hour to my nearest MEPS as opposed to the MEPS that was near him which was 2 hours from me. You have that option, use it. When you go to MEPS you can either stay at the MEPS hotel the night before and get some breakfast in the morning or you can drive yourself there. If the MEPS in on a base where you need an ID card.. well, I don't know, I have an ID so I just drove myself in. Work that out with your recruiter. If you're already in your mid-20's, the MEPS hotel might not be for you since most of the folks going to MEPS with you will me teenagers coming out of highschool, but your choice.

MEPS is an experience. If you've had no interaction in a military setting, you'll get an idea of what it's going to be like while at MEPS. When you first show up you file in and gather in a large room. You'll get a short brief then you'll file into your branch's liaison office. Obviously you'll be going to the AF office. You'll see a long line for the Army, a little bit longer for the Marines and Navy, then the AF will have no more than about 10, and then a couple for the Coast Guard. You'll more than likely be the only person going for an AF commission. After this you'll start your tests. You have a Hearing Test, Vision Test (Color blindness and visual acuity), Blood Pressure test, an actual Physical Exam (prepare to lose some dignity), a physical test where you have to do certain things like stand on one leg, walk like a duck, etc., they'll draw blood and you'll pee in a cup. If you do drugs, don't join the military, but if you insist, don't do anything for a couple months before you go. If you want a , make sure you don't drink at all the day before you go. The last thing you want is to be DQ'd for having drugs or alcohol in your system. You'll live, I promise. For a commissioning physical you'll probably be done before noon since you don't have to stay to swear in and get your job. Plan accordingly.

After MEPS your recruiter will schedule you for your Officer Interview. You will have to fill out a questionnaire (see attached form "Interview Questions"). This form may vary depending on the Recruiting Squadron Commander you get, I'm not sure. But it'll at least get you started. The Interview is the only chance you get to have a more personal touch to your application. Everything else is going to be very factual and to the point so the interviewing officer will be getting to know more about you and what you are about. He/she will then write up their own recommendation to the board on your behalf. My suggestion is to eat well, take a mint, be confident in yourself and your answers, be comfortable, say "Yes Sir / No Sir" when responding, think about your answers while he's still asking the question. Try not to say "Um, Uh, wellllll..." Speak clearly and maintain eye contact. Have questions written down to ask. There is a 99% chance the recruiter will not be a former rated officer and won't have specific answers about pilot stuff, though they'll have a general idea. More or less ask questions about OTS, being an officer in general, Air Force life, etc. Feel free to ask questions about rated stuff, but don't expect detailed answers.

At this point you should be done, or at least 98% done with your application process. The recruiters will do a few things, maybe call you again and ask more questions, but you should be done.

The Form 56 (Go to https://www.e-publishing.af.mil/, search titles for "56", it's on page 3, the title is "AF56") or as it's also referred to sometimes as your Personal Statement, should be filled out prior to going to your officer interview. You will need the proper viewer to open this form (https://www.e-publishing.af.mil/viewerdownload.asp). Fill it out and send it back in. Make sure you spell check your Personal Statement and it's best if you have several people proof read it and give you suggestions. Even have an Air Force officer take a look at it if you can as they'll know what to look for. The Personal Statement is where you get to "plead your case" if you will as to why you should be an Air Force Officer. It's also been suggested that you take a sentence or 2 to explain some of your negatives, for example your low GPA or what not. Do your best to explain them but spin them in a positive way and show how you've become a better person blah blah blah. Again, search around the interweb for more stuff on the personal statements. Here are a few examples.

I'll wrap things up by reiterating that you need to take your time (if you can) and do it right. Start early and have someone look over everything before sending it to the recruiter. This is your package, a reflection of you, make it as good as possible. Recruiters are there to either push the good candidates along or resist the bad candidates. If you feel your recruiter is stalling or is trying to tell you to enlist instead, you have 2 choices: Find another recruiter or convince your recruiter that you're a good choice. If they're slacking, take initiative yourself. You can schedule the AFOQT and TBAS without the recruiter. Find the nearest testing center and call them yourself to schedule. They will have to escort you on base if you don't have an ID but that's OK. I scheduled and took both tests without a recruiters help. MEPS and the interview you can't do on your own, but the rest you can. So do what it takes to get it done. Be honest on all your forms. They will find out.

PM or ask here if you have any questions. It's all still fresh in my mind.

Personal Interview Record.doc

APPLICATION_CHECKLIST_OFFICER_PROGRAMS.doc

Interview Questions.doc

[Guest IFR_pilot]

Wow CA thanks a lot for that detailed timeline. That answered a lot of questions that I've had for awhile about how the application process goes. I've talked to my recruiter once and have been studying for the AFOQT but everything is still ahead of me. I'm actually scheduled to meet with my recruiter tomorrow to get the ball rolling. Thanks for all the good info and I might PM you with some specific questions after I talk to the recruiter. Thanks.

[Guest Yakamo]

I am currently in the process of putting my package together and I've received my AF form 56 from the recruiter. I've been toiling over the past few days on what exactly to put into my personal statement to address any weak points that I may have. However, I was wondering if anyone could point me to some examples of others for reference. I've searched the forums but have found nothing on the subject as far as examples go. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[topdeadcenter]

Hey guys, I'm gonna slide this question into this thread, save the fine people of this website some space on the server..

I'm an enlisted guard guy, shooting for a fighter slot in the ANG/AFRC. I'm a junior in college right now and I was wondering what you all thought would be a worthwhile endeavor that reflected "leadership experience".

I know there's clubs and stuff out there but it's really a joke. I have the time right now to undertake something challenging, but I really can't think of anything good or that a UPT board would think is impressive.

Any ideas?

Thanks