AD SOF to ANG Pilot

[FT...TOML27]

Hey guys/gals,

Thanks for taking some time to review my situation and offer inputs.. much appreciated:

- I am a 6-yr Air Force Capt in a HD/LD SOF career field looking to apply to ANG UPT positions (anyone that will take a look at me, but ideally fighters)

- I can separate in late 2018 (at 29 yo), but will be within 3-4 months of turning age 30 at that time

- Thanks to some help from medical contacts, I'm approved for a FC1 physical (albeit with a couple medical waivers for eye issues)

 

Some of the hurdles I'm tracking....

- Will likely need a prior commissioned service waiver as well as an age waiver IF (big if) I am hired

- I have a very old PCSM score (from college days) that was "renormed" from a 90 to a 59... worth retaking the TBAS? I have an 85 AFOQT Pilot and 9 flight hours.

- Due to my small career field, I'd rather not 'open the kimono' to my bosses to keep from burning bridges or being cast away... so I'm looking to explore opportunities without leadership support.

 

Questions for the experts out there:

1. Given my age and prior commissioned service, am I even remotely competitive for an ANG/AFRC UPT slot?

2. Can I/should I reach out to units and apply for slots now in order to compete for a CY19 slot?

3. Anything out of the ordinary that I can do now to improve my fighting position and help my chances? 

 

Most importantly... Immediate family considerations and personal reasons have reaffirmed my desire to join the flying community. I have done my best to search for similar posts / situations on this board, but haven't found much to go off of. Thanks again.

[F16Rooster]

Coming from a -135 perspective...

1.  Yes.  These are pretty small issues and the timing couldn't be better for you.

2.  That's probably a question for the DO (who's usually in charge of hiring).  It's definitely not too early to start getting your shit in a sock.  I think you would want to get hired about a year prior to being able to start UPT which means applying 1.5 years prior.  (those are extremely rough numbers but you get the point).  Already having a FC1 will help tremendously. 

3.  You may be able to get hired without leadership support.  I couldn't.  I was in a similar situation and was getting zero interest until I got my SQ/DO and SQ/CC to write a letter of rec. 

Regarding the PCSM: It may be different in the pointy world but that's pretty much a pass/fail item for us.  A 59 would definitely be a pass.

[tk1313]

I don't know if you took the BAT or TBAS. But if it's the former, you will have to take the TBAS anyway.

PCSM 2.0 relies VERY HEAVILY on flight hours... I don't want you to think that you have to post your scores here, but just look at the 201+ hours column. If that column is 80s/90s, it depends on what unit you're applying to as to how much they hold that against you.

Hope that helps even a little, and good luck!

 

[FT...TOML27]

Rooster/TK,

Thank you for the inputs, very much appreciated... 

Rooster - C all.. timeline seems to check for me, I'll get on the horse and start getting my shit together for submitting applications. I'm still hesitant about bringing my leadership in the loop due to the repercussions....but I understand that some units could take that as one foot in/one foot out. Tough decision.. 

TK - Ahh, thank you... wasn't tracking the heavy influence of flight hours for PCSM 2.0. Makes sense. I confirmed I took the TBAS and my current 201+ hours column is an 88... I'm assuming that looks favorably? Regardless, I'll try get some hours in as well.  Thanks for the input.

 

[tk1313]

It depends on the unit. If that's something they want you to bring up a little, they'll most likely let you know. In the meantime, get that PPL... that will help you get into a higher bracket and makes your whole packet way more competitive... also, you get the option of skipping IFT/IFS

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