Last Chance after an IFC1 DQ

[HHE152]

I was selected at a fighter unit in 2020 at age 26. My father also served in the AF so the AF had all of my medical records since I was born. This made the process extremely long, and I was only able to get to my IFC1 in 2021 (17 months after selection). To my horror, I contracted Covid during the IFC1 and was unable to complete the physical.  

 

My unit did everything they could but obviously they couldn't do much with the failed IFC1, so I was dropped and lost my slot. I didn't do anything to leave on bad terms in my opinion and everything was amicable. Here is where I am at now.

 

• Age - 28.5
• AETC told me to resubmit medical documentation for review/reconsideration
• Pilot select on most recent AD board
• AETC told me they would use my original IFC1 so no need to go back to WP

 

I am now going through the process on the AD side but realllllly want to fly for the ANG unit I was originally selected by. Though, I know I am not young anymore, have an AD slot, and AETC is giving me another chance at my IFC1. My main questions would be:

 

• I understand 1 in the hand, 2 in the bush. Would I be stupid to risk and throw away the AD pilot slot?
• If I do risk the AD pilot slot, can I enlist as a crew chief at my original ANG unit, show them again that I am in it, work hard for a few years and get picked up again at age 30-31? 
• What would your opinion be as a fighter squadron hiring board member if you saw someone do this at your squadron?

 

Thank you for reading this.... the mind is moving at a million miles an hour. Feel like this is my last shot so really trying to find the best angle.

[7thokage]

I was selected at a fighter unit in 2020 at age 26. My father also served in the AF so the AF had all of my medical records since I was born. This made the process extremely long, and I was only able to get to my IFC1 in 2021 (17 months after selection). To my horror, I contracted Covid during the IFC1 and was unable to complete the physical.  

 

My unit did everything they could but obviously they couldn't do much with the failed IFC1, so I was dropped and lost my slot. I didn't do anything to leave on bad terms in my opinion and everything was amicable. Here is where I am at now.

 

• Age - 28.5
• AETC told me to resubmit medical documentation for review/reconsideration
• Pilot select on most recent AD board
• AETC told me they would use my original IFC1 so no need to go back to WP

 

I am now going through the process on the AD side but realllllly want to fly for the ANG unit I was originally selected by. Though, I know I am not young anymore, have an AD slot, and AETC is giving me another chance at my IFC1. My main questions would be:

 

• I understand 1 in the hand, 2 in the bush. Would I be stupid to risk and throw away the AD pilot slot?
• If I do risk the AD pilot slot, can I enlist as a crew chief at my original ANG unit, show them again that I am in it, work hard for a few years and get picked up again at age 30-31? 
• What would your opinion be as a fighter squadron hiring board member if you saw someone do this at your squadron?

 

Thank you for reading this.... the mind is moving at a million miles an hour. Feel like this is my last shot so really trying to find the best angle.

Whatever you do, do NOT do option 2. Since you already have the AD slot, I suggest taking it. Further, I’ve heard of people swapping out to guard/reserves in the beginning of UPT - that’s something you can look in to. Would probably have more success trying to swap back to the old into that way anyways.


Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network mobile app

[HHE152]

Now that you mention that, I do remember reading about that awhile ago. Do you know how those people did it? I was under the impression that once you accept your AD slot and commitment then there is no going back.

 

How would you even go about that during UPT? Ask for permission to leave during the weekend for a "personal matter"?

[7thokage]

Now that you mention that, I do remember reading about that awhile ago. Do you know how those people did it? I was under the impression that once you accept your AD slot and commitment then there is no going back.
 
How would you even go about that during UPT? Ask for permission to leave during the weekend for a "personal matter"?

To my knowledge, if you got a slot in the ANG/Reserves while in UPT you would have to acquire approval to be released from AD (not sure what approval authority is there).


Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network mobile app