Latest curriculum for Reserve/Guard going to heavies?

[fatyellow]

"The service has also begun reviewing training for the AC-130J Ghostrider, the Air Force’s newest gunship.

It’s trying to fast-track special operations flight school by sending students straight to AFSOC training units after they earn their wings on the T-6 Texan II. That cuts out the intermediate phase of flying the T-1 Jayhawk, which is heading into retirement after serving as the stepping stone to mobility and special operations aircraft.

That decision can shorten pilot training time by six months, AFSOC spokesperson Lt. Col. Becky Heyse said.

Around 30 airmen are expected to go straight from undergraduate pilot training to AFSOC to learn to fly the U-28 Draco reconnaissance plane, the C-146 Wolfhound transport plane and the AC-130J gunship in fiscal 2024, Heyse said."

https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2023/09/19/old-is-new-again-as-air-force-special-ops-branch-revamps-training/

 

Is anyone able to confirm that heavy/AFSOC hires are skipping T1 and going straight to FTU?

[stlpilot11]

Currently at UPT- Yes, I know a few people who have already done this. There was even a test run of a few studs who went to KC-135's and C-21's after skipping T-1's. It's mostly AFSOC that is taking advantage of this. They did it for about 6-8 classes in a row and have since paused the direct to FTU stuff. 

[fatyellow]

@stlpilot11 was this reserve/guard too? Any word on if its coming back? I'm headed that way soon

[Arkbird]

3 hours ago, fatyellow said:

@stlpilot11 was this reserve/guard too? Any word on if its coming back? I'm headed that way soon

No guard or reserve. They still had to do the traditional or T-1 sim but some guard/reserve folks were able to do XPW.

[stlpilot11]

22 hours ago, fatyellow said:

@stlpilot11 was this reserve/guard too? Any word on if its coming back? I'm headed that way soon

I have not seen it come back yet but there's only been a few other classes track since I did. I'd imagine it will but probably just with AFSOC. It seems like the other MAJCOMS aren't a fan. Probably never Guard/Reserve.