[Aero Engr]

oneagleswings, on 20 July 2010 - 04:14 AM, said:

Hey man,

I just came out of the 32E career field into CSO (Nav) training. I applied for the first 3 years as strictly pilot. The first year I applied and checked the Nav box (STS) I made it. I'll tell you the numbers are significantly better to get into a Nav/ABM field rather than Pilot for those who aren't already rated. I don't have the exact stats but that's what I've seen over the years. Hope this helps!

Cheers,

Matt

I don't doubt the numbers are better if you're a rated guy looking for a pilot slot. What I do wonder about is how the numbers look for someone in your/my position. Meaning, if you serve a few years non-rated, then get picked up for a rated slot (Nav or ABM) and are still looking to go for that pilot slot, what are your chances? I understand the UPT requirements for age and time in service apply only to non-rated candidates, but I can't help but think that time in service will play a factor when the "selection board" meets. If I'm off the mark on this, please feel free to correct me.

Disclaimer: I am most certainly NOT trying to say there is anything wrong with the route you're taking.

Let's say I'm in you're position and I get a Nav slot and start training at 27 years old with 4 years of active service. I am not eligible to apply for UPT until 2 1/2 years of being a qualified Nav (again, if I'm wrong on this, please advise). That puts me somewhere around 30 years old, which is not an issue, even for non-rated applicants. However, it does make me a mid-level Captain, and how likely is it that I'll be picked up for a pilot slot?

I'll do whatever I need to do (STS, I have my limits!) to get a pilot slot, but I'm worried that taking a Nav/ABM slot might hurt me later on. Are there any pilots or pilot candidates out there that have taken the same path to UPT?

Also, I'm fishing for successful Form 215s. If anyone out there is willing to email me theirs, I would greatly appreciate it.

In the interest of not receiving spam...
-In the GAL
-At Edwards AFB
-1st Lt
-Chris
-Henry

Thanks in advance!

[hispeed-lowdrag]

Aero Engr, on 28 July 2010 - 12:38 AM, said:

Let's say I'm in you're position and I get a Nav slot and start training at 27 years old with 4 years of active service. I am not eligible to apply for UPT until 2 1/2 years of being a qualified Nav (again, if I'm wrong on this, please advise). That puts me somewhere around 30 years old, which is not an issue, even for non-rated applicants. However, it does make me a mid-level Captain, and how likely is it that I'll be picked up for a pilot slot?

I'll do whatever I need to do (STS, I have my limits!) to get a pilot slot, but I'm worried that taking a Nav/ABM slot might hurt me later on. Are there any pilots or pilot candidates out there that have taken the same path to UPT?

I personally know of a Major who is a current UPT student. Also, I know SEVERAL guys that were non-rated, went NAV/ABM, and are now either in UPT, or graduated from UPT.

I personally started as a 21R and am now in UNT. I also plan to reapply for UPT as soon as I am eligible to. All my friends that are in/graduated from UPT said the guys that went the UNT route then came to UPT were head and shoulders above the guys straight out of college; simply because they had been in the rated lifestyle for years.

[thoma015]

Wait......the 30 year old age limit/5 years in service does not apply if you are rated? That is only for non rated applying for UPT/UNT? If thats the case then I am going to apply for Nav also.

[Justshootme]

Chaff warning!!!

the Total Commissioned time cannot exceed 5 years without a waiver. You must be no more than 29 1/2 years old at the start of UPT; Otherwise, you need a waiver.

If you have an example of someone who doesn't fit the above rules, THEN THEY HAD A WAIVER.

To correct one other misconception. You have to have served 2.5 years as a Nav before you START UPT, not before you apply.

[Born a Longhorn]

Minor change to what justshootme said... from 2011's message, these people do not need a waiver:

Date of Birth after 1 Apr 81 (max age 30)
Total Federal Commissioned Service Date (TFCSD) after 1 Apr 06

So you don't need an age waiver as long as you turn 30 after 1 Apr 2011.

[Aero Engr]

Got it. Thanks for the clarification.