ANG pilot slot from ROTC

[sloatm]

Thanks for anyone's help before I explain below.

I am an AS400 In ROTC that got picked up for RPA instead of pilot. I was talking to someone and they told me that their is the possibility of getting picked up for an ANG pilot slot or reserve slot and commissioning into the guard instead of active duty. I've looked into the process for applying to guard units and understand that it requires a lot of work and also a lot of heartbreak but there is still perhaps a chance. I have also heard that getting a cso slot into the guard is a little easier than getting a pilot and might better help chances of getting a pilot slot later on.

So essentially I have two questions.

1. Does anyone have information on the application process into the guard or reserve for pilot slots?

2. And, would it be more wise to go in as a cso compared to Rpa?

Thanks for your inquiry into this!

[dvlax40]

Thanks for anyone's help before I explain below.

I am an AS400 In ROTC that got picked up for RPA instead of pilot. I was talking to someone and they told me that their is the possibility of getting picked up for an ANG pilot slot or reserve slot and commissioning into the guard instead of active duty. I've looked into the process for applying to guard units and understand that it requires a lot of work and also a lot of heartbreak but there is still perhaps a chance. I have also heard that getting a cso slot into the guard is a little easier than getting a pilot and might better help chances of getting a pilot slot later on.

So essentially I have two questions.

1. Does anyone have information on the application process into the guard or reserve for pilot slots?

2. And, would it be more wise to go in as a cso compared to Rpa?

Thanks for your inquiry into this!

so let me get this straight: you get an RPA drop in ROTC and you wanted pilot, so you ask if you should go join the guard or reserve as a CSO?

[SurelySerious]

Being an RPA operator is kind of like being a pilot. Being a CSO is not like being a pilot.

[sloatm]

so let me get this straight: you get an RPA drop in ROTC and you wanted pilot, so you ask if you should go join the guard or reserve as a CSO?

That is sorotive what I am asking. Basically I still want to become an Air Force pilot in the future. I competed for Pilot slot but instead got picked up for RPA in ROTC. Apparently there are people who got picked up for RPA out of ROTC who wanted pilot and then searched out a guard unit prior to their commissioning and got hired on as a pilot which broke their ROTC active duty commitment. I would be interested in this route, as I would rather fly than be an RPA. Let's say for example that I am not able to get hired on as a pilot in a guard unit but do have the option of getting picked up as a CSO. Since I would still like to be a pilot in the future, would being a CSO make me have a better chance at becoming an air force pilot vs. being an RPA?

I am mostly interested in what is going to give me the best shot at becoming a pilot

[dvlax40]

so let me get this straight: you get an RPA drop in ROTC and you wanted pilot, so you ask if you should go join the guard or reserve as a CSO?

That is sorotive what I am asking. Basically I still want to become an Air Force pilot in the future. I competed for Pilot slot but instead got picked up for RPA in ROTC. Apparently there are people who got picked up for RPA out of ROTC who wanted pilot and then searched out a guard unit prior to their commissioning and got hired on as a pilot which broke their ROTC active duty commitment. I would be interested in this route, as I would rather fly than be an RPA. Let's say for example that I am not able to get hired on as a pilot in a guard unit but do have the option of getting picked up as a CSO. Since I would still like to be a pilot in the future, would being a CSO make me have a better chance at becoming an air force pilot vs. being an RPA?

I am mostly interested in what is going to give me the best shot at becoming a pilot

the best shot at becoming a pilot is going after a pilot slot.

[Blue]

I'm no expert, and my time in ROTC was long ago. But here's the way I remember things working.

If you get picked up by an ANG or Reserve unit while still in ROTC, then it's up to ROTC as to whether or not they want to let you go.

If you get picked up by an ANG or Reserve unit after commissioning, then it's up to AFPC if they'll let you go.

The process to get interviewed and hired in the ANG and Reserve is kinda lengthy. If you're an AS400, then I'm guessing you have somewhere between 6-18 months before you commission (depending on if you're going to do a 5th year or not). 6 months might be kinda tight, but do able, if you start now and the interview dates line up.

Back in the early 2000's, Active Duty was hard-up for people, and they weren't allowing anyone out to pursue ANG or AFR opportunities. Now a days, it seems like they're more willing to let people go.

Probably something you could schedule an appointment with your Colonel and ask about.