Nav to Pilot prior to 2.5 years?

[LoadClear]

I'm a "new" nav, home from Pensacola for a little over a year in my <unnamed> ANG 130 unit. I know about the 2.5 year rule. We have a UPT/UNT board coming up in this summer. Lots of buzz about J's or 17's running around the squadron. I really enjoy being a nav, a crew dog, and flying (both in the 130 and currently working on PPL), and am curious about a few things...

1. 35 year old rule, ass in seat at UPT... I'm 31.5 years old, so I know I'll need a 30+ waiver. If your guard unit is sponsoring you, is this waiver really even an obstacle? Or is it granted if they want you to go to UPT? Does being a rated officer affect getting a waiver or extend the 35 year old rule?

2. I am 1.5 years from wearing my nav wings for 2.5 years. I realize if I apply this summer, I may be a year from even going to UPT with medical, IFS (if I don't have my PPL done by UPT). Is it unrealistic to apply BEFORE the 2.5 years? I'm assuming its 2.5 years from pinning on nav wings to starting UPT, correct?

3. Lastly, opinions... As of today, we aren't getting J's or 17s yet, but lets be honest, slicks are getting older and automation is replacing our/CSO's seats in modern A/C. Am I going to piss off some people by applying a year out of UNT? I am well liked in my squadron and am busting my ass guard bumming and being around doing everything I can, I just want to ensure my career is on track and the prospect of moving a little farther forward in the cockpit is very appealing if possible.

Also, we have SEVERAL Nav to Pilots in my unit, so its certainly something my unit appears to promote/be open to.

Thanks.

[LoadClear]

Something I should also mention specific to my situation. I have 13.5 years TIS, 3 of which is commissioned. I know Navs inquire a 6 year commitment, Pilots, 10. If I were to apply to a board, are they going to look at my enlisted time and say, if we send this dude, he will have his 20 years TIS a few years after getting back from UPT? I have no interest in throwing in the towel with 20 years at age 37, and fully intend in sticking out many more years, god willing, as many commissioned years before they show me the door. I won't have the 5 years commissioned obstacle when applying, but definitely over the hump.

Is this going to slow roll my application vs a 23 year old college grad with zero TIS?

[hispeed7721]

I'm not smart on #1, so I won't throw chaff.

#2...it's 2 years from nav pin on to UPT Board date with the caveat that you must do 2.5 by the time you start UPT. You can ask, but I can pretty much guarantee those numbers aren't flexible. Also, since you've done CSO IFS, it doesn't matter if you have a PPL or not, you won't go to Pilot IFS (I forget the reg that's written in but can find it if you'd like).

So short answer, yes, it's unrealistic to apply prior to the 2/2.5 year mark.

#3...that is a very subjective question and very dependent on who you're talking to about applying and more importantly HOW you're asking/talking about it.

For your second post...the 10 year ADSC starts when you graduate UPT, so you wouldn't be able to get out at your 20 anyways, unless you VSP (ha, good luck). It won't slowroll your application timeline at all, but once the application hits the board (depending on who is sitting on the board) they certainly might take that into account when it's you vs shiny new LT.

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[LoadClear]

#2...it's 2 years from nav pin on to UPT Board date with the caveat that you must do 2.5 by the time you start UPT. You can ask, but I can pretty much guarantee those numbers aren't flexible. Also, since you've done CSO IFS, it doesn't matter if you have a PPL or not, you won't go to Pilot IFS (I forget the reg that's written in but can find it if you'd like).

Ok, makes sense. I'm not saying it hasn't happened but meeting a board and starting UPT 6 months later is definitely something that doesn't occur often. Most people seem to sit for about double that or with AMS/OTS and IFS, you'd have to practically leave for training right after the board meets.

I'm uneducated on the training regs and only know about the 2.5 year rule because its been hashed out over and over here on baseops. Does anyone know at least what reg it is and I can dig further?

Also, the not going to IFS thing having been a CSO program graduate is interesting. We have a Nav that is headed to UPT soon, doesn't have his PPL, and has been told he will be going back to Pueblo for the Pilot portion. I've been a guard bum and typically would never turn down pay days, but going back to Doss would probably be the first time I would gladly not take pay days... Either way, I'd like to know where I can find some more information on the time frame restrictions, IFS, etc.

Thanks again in advance.

[hispeed7721]

Your start date would be determined by the board...so if they picked you up and saw your specific numbers they would work it out so you could meet all time requirements.

AFI 36-2205 is the reg governing all rated boards. It goes very in depth on all guidance, and each year the PDSM supplements it with additional guidance.

I can't find it on my home computer but I know I've got the IFS reference at work, so I'll post that tomorrow. And yes, avoiding IFS is always a good idea IMHO as it's one less opportunity to get tripped up.

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[hispeed7721]

For the life of me, I can't find where I read about IFS, so I just called AETC/A3 because it will drive me insane not being able to find it.

From them...If you attended CSO IFS prior to 2008 then you are most likely exempt, if after that you'll have to re-attend and go through the pilot syllabus.

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[LoadClear]

For the life of me, I can't find where I read about IFS, so I just called AETC/A3 because it will drive me insane not being able to find it.

From them...If you attended CSO IFS prior to 2008 then you are most likely exempt, if after that you'll have to re-attend and go through the pilot syllabus.

F#CK me.... 2011. Better get that PPL done...