mar96 Posted March 23, 2015 Posted March 23, 2015 Hi, I admit this is kind of a "what are my chances" question, but not really. Please read my entire question before removing it. I am graduating high school this year. I've thoroughly exhausted all of the forums on this website and I am an expert on the ANG pilot selection process works and how to get there. First of all, I have recently taken the ASVAB and I have found out I have very high scores, enough to get the job I want when I enlist in the ANG-Aircrew Flight Equipment(life support specialist). I want this job so that I can have tons of face time with the pilots so they can know me. I thought this job would be best. I know everything else about how to become a pilot. I want to become a fighter pilot. However, there are currently two units hiring for this position. I am not sure which one would be best to join and give me the greatest chance of getting a UPT slot. One is the Maryland ANG and the other is the Ohio ANG. I am fine with moving to either state. There are a lot of factors to consider. One of the things I thought about was the number of aircraft each unit has. The 175th wing MD ANG has only one A10 squadron, and the Ohio 180th FW has 2 F16 squadrons, which I assume has more aircraft and therefore a better chance of having more UPT openings when I finish college. I assume the 180th hires more often and has more UPT boards more often? Is this true? Can anyone give me some suggestions? This is not a question where I can search onto the forum for, its more of a "help me decide" question.
DFRESH Posted March 23, 2015 Posted March 23, 2015 I approved this thread to allow some folks to mentor young mar96. I know it appears he knows everything already, but I bet some of you old balls types could help square him away. Thanks in advance. 1
Learjetter Posted March 23, 2015 Posted March 23, 2015 Mar96, To be a fighter pilot... - Pass UPT and be lucky...and good -To qualify for UPT you must pass a physical and a screening program -To be a go to screening/physical you must be an officer and be selected and qualify for UPT -To be an officer you must have a commission -To get a commission you must complete a commissioning program -To enter a commissioning program you must have a 4-yr degree You're a senior in HS thinking about steps 6-9 in a years long process. Highly recommend you re-think. Any advice you get here will NOT help you get a fighter in 4-6 years from now. Highly recommend you consider alternatives to enlisting (just go to college, do ROTC, take scholarship or PELL grants or limited student loans) and work side jobs to make ends meet. Do not marry or procreate or do drugs/weed/commit crimes. At all. Focus focus focus on grades & doing well in ROTC. Another alternative: skip ROTC, go to college, volunteer, work, play sports, get straight As, do not marry or procreate or drink and drive or smoke week or commit any crimes...work a side job and focus focus focus on grades. After college rush units and get hired, then sent to OTS, IFS, and UPT. Option 3: Enlist because you want to enlist and serve. Use your GI Bill and get your degree. Do not marry, procreate, or commit crimes or do drugs. Serve honorably and well, then attempt to get hired for OTS/UPT, even after enlistment term is up. My personal opinion is the ROTC option ups your odds in your favor the most. Whatever you decide, focus your efforts on each rung in the ladder at its appropriate time. Good luck!
slc Posted March 23, 2015 Posted March 23, 2015 Except, in 6-9 years, fighter pilots will be non-existent....
olevelo Posted March 23, 2015 Posted March 23, 2015 You have seen all the news about trying to retire the A-10 right? You really want to bet your future on a unit that flies an aircraft that may not be here next year, much less in 6-9 years when you finally finish your part time degree? I'm with the others, go to college and do ROTC. I was an OTS guy myself, but if I had actually planned on joining I would've gone for the ROTC scholarship and maybe not still be paying off my loans 14 years later. There is something to be said for being free from the shackles of the military for as long as possible, but you'll have a MUCH better chance of actually getting a pilot slot through ROTC than betting on OTS.
dvlax40 Posted March 23, 2015 Posted March 23, 2015 Nobody on this forum tells someone to go AD. haha shhhhhhhhh ;)
lloyd christmas Posted March 23, 2015 Posted March 23, 2015 How did you do it Scoobs? You should offer lots of advice.
matmacwc Posted March 23, 2015 Posted March 23, 2015 (edited) Hi, I admit this is kind of a "what are my chances" question, but not really. Please read my entire question before removing it. I am graduating high school this year. I've thoroughly exhausted all of the forums on this website and I am an expert on the ANG pilot selection process works and how to get there. First of all, I have recently taken the ASVAB and I have found out I have very high scores, enough to get the job I want when I enlist in the ANG-Aircrew Flight Equipment(life support specialist). I want this job so that I can have tons of face time with the pilots so they can know me. I thought this job would be best. I know everything else about how to become a pilot. I want to become a fighter pilot. However, there are currently two units hiring for this position. I am not sure which one would be best to join and give me the greatest chance of getting a UPT slot. One is the Maryland ANG and the other is the Ohio ANG. I am fine with moving to either state. There are a lot of factors to consider. One of the things I thought about was the number of aircraft each unit has. The 175th wing MD ANG has only one A10 squadron, and the Ohio 180th FW has 2 F16 squadrons, which I assume has more aircraft and therefore a better chance of having more UPT openings when I finish college. I assume the 180th hires more often and has more UPT boards more often? Is this true? Can anyone give me some suggestions? This is not a question where I can search onto the forum for, its more of a "help me decide" question. For being an expert you are completely wrong. The 180 FW has 1 fighter squadron, not sure where you are getting your data. To your second point, AFE might get you "face time" but that doesn't get you the job, especially when you think you are already an expert, that will make you.......the butt of all jokes/the whipping boy/looked down upon/receiver of jobs all unholy. To your third point of knowing everything of how to become a pilot, fuggggg off. Apply to the unit you want, try your best, you know nothing. (Finish college then come back). For being an expert you are completely wrong. The 180 FW has 1 fighter squadron, not sure where you are getting your data. To your second point, AFE might get you "face time" but that doesn't get you the job, especially when you think you are already an expert, that will make you.......the butt of all jokes/the whipping boy/looked down upon/receiver of jobs all unholy. To your third point of knowing everything of how to become a pilot, fuggggg off. Apply to the unit you want, try your best, you know nothing. (Finish college then come back). Allow me to quote myself while I quote myself, from quite a while ago, "Go away, f-you." Well, it wasn't quite like that, but he's been trolling for a while and DFresh didn't catch it. Because in OCT 14, you said this..... Its stupid and ignorant to lock my thread because I asked a simple question. @ high speed, ###### you, u are full of shit!!! That same month you posted this..... Hi, can you become an Air National Guard fighter pilot with a degree in aviation? Would they rather take someone with a worthless aviation degree or an Aerospace engineering degree? I think I could continue, but F-OFF. Edited March 23, 2015 by matmacwc
Buddy Spike Posted March 23, 2015 Posted March 23, 2015 The 180 FW has 1 fighter squadron, not sure where you are getting your data. Their other squadron is a SPECOPS fighter squadron that is part of the...... shit I've said too much.
Insubordinate & Churlish Posted March 23, 2015 Posted March 23, 2015 (edited) You're hurting yourself by limiting your options to just AFE. Many enlisted guys get hired out of jobs that don't instantly provide them "face time." Edited March 23, 2015 by Port Dog
dvlax40 Posted March 23, 2015 Posted March 23, 2015 For being an expert you are completely wrong. The 180 FW has 1 fighter squadron, not sure where you are getting your data. To your second point, AFE might get you "face time" but that doesn't get you the job, especially when you think you are already an expert, that will make you.......the butt of all jokes/the whipping boy/looked down upon/receiver of jobs all unholy. To your third point of knowing everything of how to become a pilot, fuggggg off. Apply to the unit you want, try your best, you know nothing. (Finish college then come back). Allow me to quote myself while I quote myself, from quite a while ago, "Go away, f-you." Well, it wasn't quite like that, but he's been trolling for a while and DFresh didn't catch it. Because in OCT 14, you said this..... Its stupid and ignorant to lock my thread because I asked a simple question. @ high speed, ###### you, u are full of shit!!! That same month you posted this..... Hi, can you become an Air National Guard fighter pilot with a degree in aviation? Would they rather take someone with a worthless aviation degree or an Aerospace engineering degree? I think I could continue, but F-OFF. was wondering when someone would catch on
scoobs Posted March 24, 2015 Posted March 24, 2015 How did you do it Scoobs? You should offer lots of advice. I thought you liked my sarcasm :) Rainman was the only one on this forum who preached AD over the Guard/reserves.
Bergman Posted March 24, 2015 Posted March 24, 2015 I thought you liked my sarcasm :) Rainman was the only one on this forum who preached AD over the Guard/reserves. Rainman was right 99% of the time, but I think on this one he missed the boat. IMHO you'd have to be an idiot to go AD right now. Those dudes have no control over their lives for the next 12 years. With the current AD USAF mindset and deployment rate, that would be a miserable existence - provided you even made it to an actual airplane and not an RPA. Beyond that, and despite what Butters may say, right now is just the beginning of the most robust airline pilot hiring in history. ARC bubbas can still serve in the military yet retain the ability to get a decent additional/follow-on career much, much sooner. Advice to OP: It's a time-proven formula...pick the unit that you think meets your needs and will be around the longest, and enlist in the unit. MX or something in Ops seems to work best (70% of our pilot hires are either crew chiefs or boom operators, 20-30% off the street civilians and 0-10% other areas from base). Be good at whatever job you end up in. Have a good attitude. Go out of your way to meet the pilots and express an interest to them. Go get your pilot's license. Take the AFOQT and do well. Go to college on the GI Bill. Start applying during your last semester and hope for the best.
scoobs Posted March 24, 2015 Posted March 24, 2015 (edited) Rainman was right 99% of the time, but I think on this one he missed the boat. IMHO you'd have to be an idiot to go AD right now. Those dudes have no control over their lives for the next 12 years. With the current AD USAF mindset and deployment rate, that would be a miserable existence - provided you even made it to an actual airplane and not an RPA. Beyond that, and despite what Butters may say, right now is just the beginning of the most robust airline pilot hiring in history. ARC bubbas can still serve in the military yet retain the ability to get a decent additional/follow-on career much, much sooner. Advice to OP: It's a time-proven formula...pick the unit that you think meets your needs and will be around the longest, and enlist in the unit. MX or something in Ops seems to work best (70% of our pilot hires are either crew chiefs or boom operators, 20-30% off the street civilians and 0-10% other areas from base). Be good at whatever job you end up in. Have a good attitude. Go out of your way to meet the pilots and express an interest to them. Go get your pilot's license. Take the AFOQT and do well. Go to college on the GI Bill. Start applying during your last semester and hope for the best.How is that different than any other service? I know it's a crapshoot, will see how long it last. Has the US gone 10 years without airlines laying people off? And what if he doesn't want to fly for the airlines? The whole officer first thing has gone out the window in the AF. Edited March 24, 2015 by scoobs
Bergman Posted March 24, 2015 Posted March 24, 2015 How is that different than any other service? I know it's a crapshoot, will see how long it last. Has the US gone 10 years without airlines laying people off? And what if he doesn't want to fly for the airlines? The whole officer first thing has gone out the window in the AF. The way the AD treats people is vastly different than the way the ANG treats people. I can't comment on other services, but my empirical evidence would suggest that they are worse than AD USAF and as such, should be avoided. You can probably research this and prove me wrong, but off the top of my head...UPS is the only major US airline to lay people off in the last 10 years. That was more due to management being stubborn than a legitimate business need from what I've been told. The airlines have also gotten their shit together since 9/11. It isn't the same industry as it was back then...better management, better long term planning, better overall business models. I'm not trying to rehash the age old military vs. airlines topic...just pointing out that if someone were to go AD tomorrow, they're basically out of options for 12 years. There are other avenues available to serve as a pilot in the military without giving up control of your life and career.
scoobs Posted March 25, 2015 Posted March 25, 2015 (edited) The way the AD treats people is vastly different than the way the ANG treats people. I can't comment on other services, but my empirical evidence would suggest that they are worse than AD USAF and as such, should be avoided. You think the Navy/USMC is worse? The folks at Airwarriors would beg to differ. Of course they seem proud of their branch and encourage people to join. Edited March 25, 2015 by scoobs
HuggyU2 Posted March 25, 2015 Posted March 25, 2015 The way the AD treats people is vastly different than the way the ANG treats people. I watched a relative join the Guard recently off the street, and was NOT impressed. Way worse than AD. UPS is the only major US airline to lay people off in the last 10 years. UAL
dvlax40 Posted March 25, 2015 Posted March 25, 2015 I watched a relative join the Guard recently off the street, and was NOT impressed. Way worse than AD. elaborate?
Bergman Posted March 25, 2015 Posted March 25, 2015 (edited) Scoobs, you're trying to pick a fight and it won't work. I am and always have been proud of my branch of service, whether it was during my AD or ANG time. I just don't believe in the way the AD is treating its folks lately nor do I think it's going to get better any time soon. Therefore, I personally recommend against it. FWIW I had an awesome 7 years on active duty and I wouldn't trade my time there for anything. But times have changed. My opinion is that the other branches of service are about the same, although the size, shade, and smell of the turds is just different. Some people are into living in tents or on boats or in crappy barracks and/or walking everywhere. Perhaps I've gotten soft in my old age, but I've held this opinion since I was 18...the other branches just aren't for me. FWIW I have immediate family and many close friends who have served in each of the other branches and I'm not dogging them; it just isn't for me. Just like they argue the USAF isn't for them. My main point that by joining active duty right now, a person who goes in as a pilot would be limiting their options for ~12 years. Maybe things will get/are better than what I've seen. I sure as hell hope they do. Edited March 25, 2015 by Bergman
scoobs Posted March 26, 2015 Posted March 26, 2015 (edited) No,I'm not here to pick a fight. I'm just trying to figure out why everyone on here is bitter and other branches are not. If you check out Airwarriors as an example you have folks who encourage people to join. You have old timers telling stories and exciting the next generation. You don't have that here. So,is AD not as bad as people on here make it out or are the Navy/USMC prouder of their sevice? You tell me. Edited March 26, 2015 by scoobs
Marco Posted March 26, 2015 Posted March 26, 2015 I live in a Navy town, drink with plenty of Navy bros. Don't believe everything you read on the Internet. They're just as jaded and pissed off as we are. They're just worried about something they type on AW potentially affecting their real-world career.
hispeed7721 Posted March 26, 2015 Posted March 26, 2015 Just for you scoobs...I legitimately like being AD. My career thus far has been awesome, albeit much of that has been luck and timing. I don't have experience with the other aspects so maybe I'm just naive, but not everyone despises AD life Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
herkbum Posted March 26, 2015 Posted March 26, 2015 I watched a relative join the Guard recently off the street, and was NOT impressed. Way worse than AD. UAL I am also curious as to what happened
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