25 replies to this topic

[magnetfreezer]

bottlerocket, on 20 March 2012 - 09:13 PM, said:

No I'm not looking for a magic answer. I'm just looking for something that isn't the same thing that in reality gives me nothing. I don't mentally have one foot out the door of UCT, I am just trying to plan ahead and anticipate what is down the road. Yes I understand I need to do well here, yes I know I need to do well at my FTU and at my MWS, there is no reason to talk down to me. If you feel the urge to do so again, I really suggest you take it elsewhere. I really don't have time for useless ignorant posts such as this.

I made the mistake of not planning for the future when I was in school ... I am curious as to other's actual experiences.

And yes, Rainman, I can face a brutal truth. But there is no brutal truth here, only rumors and speculation.

Here's some brutal truth: if you read the VSP/RIF/many other threads on here, the AF can't even figure out how many hundreds of thousands of people it'll need next year, much less the number of WSO to pilot transitions in 2 years. Nobody on this board will give you a percentage because not even AFPC knows. Strike eagle guys go through the same boards as everyone else as well. The best method of planning for the future is to do what everyone has been advising you; since timing is everything, being the best you can be keeps the door open to jump on the opportunities when they pop up, whether it be UPT, WIC, TPS (yes WSOs can do the last 2 although they got their jobs due to poor grades), or just the sweet liason tour in Germany.

[Beaver]

Never trust a WSO who doesn't wear glasses.

[Rainman A-10]

I get it, you want facts.

I have a fact for you that you can actually use to make a decision and take appropriate action:

Your SA is too low to become a pilot. That's a fact.

[HerkNav]

Bottlerocket,

First off be grateful that you are in the operational community at all. I spent 5 years of my life in CE and while I didn't completely despise mission support it was not where I wanted to be. I worked hard and applied to get into any flying program(Pilot, CSO, ABM) and was accepted into the CSO program and will never scoff at it. I wanted to be a pilot above everything else but the AF decided this was best for me and I was more than happy to take the position.

There was another individual in my flight at Pensacola who had the same experience as me but he still wanted to pursue the pilot program. He was 28 when he started the CSO program. He made his intentions known to leadership and tried just about every angle to get in to UPT while still enrolled in UCT. He even put together an application package and submitted it. It never left Pensacola...

Don't slap the AF in the face for a good thing that has been given to you...it could be worse. There are waivers that you may be able to get for a Guard/Reserve unit. From what I have seen from the guy I know who was trying to do the same thing as you no units will really even talk to you until you finish UCT and the schoolhouse for your MWS (whatever you end up getting.)

If you have specific questions feel free to PM me. But as for the goings on down at P-Cola; do well in academics and the flightline and keep your head down. If you make your intentions public the word will get around and it won't be looked upon very favorably....

Cheers

Edit: spelling

Edited by HerkNav, 25 March 2012 - 08:55 PM.

[Fuzz]

HerkNav, on 25 March 2012 - 08:53 PM, said:

Don't slap the AF in the face for a good thing that has been given to you...it could be worse.

Best advice yet (no offense Rainman).

[lazlo]

bottlerocket, on 14 March 2012 - 05:58 PM, said:

Greedy? Gotcha, ok well if I am ever an Eagle WSO and you happen to be flying some heavy, gimme a call and I'll trade you.

.

We don't want you...