Age, School, and Commissioning

[Wk05]

Hi guys, been lurking around the forums for a while and have decided it's time to start taking things a bit more seriously. A little bit about myself - I'm beginning my 4th semester out of a 6 semester Bachelors Degree (Construction Engineering - 3.97 cGPA, AGC chapter VP, Pre-Law Club, Competition Leader Student) at a school without AFROTC and at my time of graduation, I will be 20 years old. Ideally, I would like to commission into either the ANG or Active USAF as a CSO/ABM (I know it's not popular, but I'd love to talk to some ABMs about the field as well) or into one of the Engineering/Construction Officer AFSCs. The general consensus I have gathered is to start speaking with a recruiter now, and most likely begin paperwork in 4-6 months. I wanted to know, given my schooling and age, do you think commissioning straight out of school is plausible for me? Im in the SE USA, and would be willing to relocate to any guard units in the area that had openings as well. I just wanted to get some no-BS answers before I go to the recruiter. I've researched the CSO field HEAVILY, and that is my first choice, as becoming a pilot is a no-go. Any information about my situation, and the actual chances I would have to commission out of school in any of the AFSCs above would be really helpful! My overall goal is to be an AF Officer, if aircrew doesn't work out, so be it - just pinning on the gold bar is my goal.

Edited December 9, 2013 by Wk05

[PlanePhlyer]

WK,

If your hell-bent on being a CSO then Active Duty is really your only option. The B-1 and the F-15E have CSOs. The guard probably has ABMs, but I'm not completely sure. Commissioning is plausible, but if you take the Active Duty route, then you'll deal with a recruiter and he'll get paperwork ready for the OTS (Officer Training School) board. If you get accepted, then it could be a long wait (1 yr) before you even start. If you want more info on that whole process, I suggest visiting Airforceots.com . When I went through OTS back in 06', and that site provided me some good information on the entire process from beginning to end. If you have any questions on being a B-1 CSO, message me. Cheers

Planephlyer

[jcollins]

The only flying ABMs in the Guard that I know of are in Georgia. There are non-flying ABMs in the various Air Control Squadrons scattered around the country as well as some of the other non-flying units such as Air Operations Groups.

If you are interested in being a CE officer you have a good shot coming off the street, those slots are typically difficult to fill due to degree requirements.

[Wk05]

I have been reading through the CE officer requirements, can anybody verify that a non-Engineering but still technical degree will work (ABET Accredited Construction Management Degree).

[Droppin_Loads]

OP,

I was selected as a CSO right off the street into the ANG. If that is what you want to do go for it. Get your degree, continue researching the career field, and start preparing for AFOQT. Possibly wouldnt hurt to get some local flying under your belt also, would help you somewhat with the AFOQT and your pilot should be able to give you a quick run down of instruments and aeronautical terms. If you have any more questions PM me and good luck!

[Wk05]

Ideally I would like to get a slot (ABM wise) at the 116th Air Control Wing with for JSTARS. Anybody have contacts at the 116th?

Also, I've heard conflicting reports as to when you can begin applying for OCS/ANG Rated Jobs. I had a family friend tell me their son began applying (actually doing the paperwork) at the start of his senior year, is this possible?

[motox3005]

Ideally I would like to get a slot (ABM wise) at the 116th Air Control Wing with for JSTARS. Anybody have contacts at the 116th?

Also, I've heard conflicting reports as to when you can begin applying for OCS/ANG Rated Jobs. I had a family friend tell me their son began applying (actually doing the paperwork) at the start of his senior year, is this possible?

The POC for last years pilot board was CPT. Sniadecki, Cezary...

I dont have his number any more, but i hope the name helps.

[Wk05]

motox, do you fly with the 116th?

[motox3005]

Nope, just invited to interview...

[Ziplip]

Wk05 PM me if you want to talk JSTARS ABM (AD).

[HiFlyer]

Current plan is for all C-130Hs to go to Guard (maybe Reserve?) units, and the H model does carry a CSO (Nav), so that might be another option.

[Marlboro BLACK]

Why is becoming a pilot a no-go? (you don't have to answer here)

Reason for asking: Because a few issues (mostly medical) that cut you off the running for pilot can pretty much cut you out of the running for other officer aircrew positions. Depending on why pilot is a "no-go", CSO may or may not even be an option. Just something to note.

Secondly... you have quite a bit more CSO (and ABM) options on Active Duty than you do the Guard

[Wk05]

Eyesight is the main issue. I've hear that sometimes waivers can be granted but we will see. Eyes are around -3.00

Edited January 4, 2014 by Wk05