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Rycast

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    Turned 28... Keep Trying? Or GO ARMY?

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    15 hours ago, Unit#8192 said:

     I get cursed out by every Patrolman that comes through and witnesses us playing PS4 in the training room on a Saturday afternoon. XBOX elitists.

    I'm a "wannabe'  as well at 34.5 and just decided to dust off the dream because I gave up prematurely. Lots of great advice in this thread, I can also answer any questions about FD albeit it's not of FDNY caliber!! In the best drawl I can muster sober, Get Er Dunnnn young fella.

    Haha, that's awesome. It sounds like I haven't given FD enough consideration. It's also good to know there are guys older than me still pursuing this dream. I was starting to feel like the old guy, especially when considering doing ROTC (I'm almost a decade older than some of these kids).

     

    On 6/29/2018 at 4:57 PM, STOIKY said:

    The breadth of aviation and life experience I encountered at the last fighter unit I rushed/interviewed with was absolutely insane (and motivating) ... FWIW, I'd argue the Army isn't necessarily a mistake. But if you're not interested in helos, or Army aviation's mission, then that's just not route for you. 

    I agree, I rushed an F-15 unit and felt like a very small fish in a big pond. I was the only guy without at least a PPL, and most guys had their commercial and/or were flight instructors, airline pilots, etc... it made me feel like perhaps I'm being unrealistic about the ANG fighter dream.

     

    On 6/29/2018 at 5:26 PM, FlyArmy said:

    Army aviation is the armpit of military aviation. As an officer it is rare to get any credibility as a pilot. As a rotc guy slots may be hard to come by. And active duty army is miserable regardless of branch. People are leaving in droves. 

    What about active duty infantry? I was actually considering giving up the flying dream altogether and going all-out Army. I think I'd enjoy Ranger school, but I'd miss the flying. I do know of a fellow VT-grad who became a green beret officer, but his career ended in a horrible friendly-fire incident. Stories like that give me a lot of doubt.

    Another angle I could take is use the ROTC to pay for my degree and then just do 8 years of Army reserves with no active duty. Would this stop me from applying to ANG/AFRC units for a pilot slot?

    I thought about asking my recruiter these questions, but honestly I don't trust him. I'm not even sure I believe him in regard to my ability to get a scholarship... he said "I can get you a scholarship," but I've heard the deadline to apply for a 2-year Army academic scholarship was April 15th (which I missed). Right now I'm slated to spend a month in Basic Camp before really knowing if I have a scholarship. And this is a good month I could spend flying. If I go, I'll also miss the entrance exam for a really good police department I was looking at in Texas.

     

    On 6/29/2018 at 7:13 PM, FDNYOldGuy said:

    Yeah, I think that would be my angle, but there are lots of moving pieces. If you've got the free-o degree option, it's probably not a bad idea to do it. That said, the difference from in and out of state is not minor; 15 years ago it was ~$1300 for in and ~$4500 for out for undergrad. I can only imagine it's gotten worse. Definitely something to consider.

    Then again, as @FlyArmy said, will a MS really be worth it for you? I would say to go for the experience (FSU was awesome) and the extra step on the resume, especially if it's nearly paid for, but it might not pay off much if you're planning on rushing units and getting a PD/FD job. The experience will be fun, but the mileage gain may be minimal.

    I agree - part of me just wants to go back to school for the experience. I didn't have the best college experience, so it would be a chance for a do-over. But I did manage to finish school with no student loans, so I don't really want to make that mistake while getting my master's.

    I'm considering just moving to Tallahassee, staying there for a year to get residency, working odd jobs and flying ... then if I like the place, get my master's, all while applying to ANG/AFRC and PD/FD positions in Texas and other areas.

    I feel like I probably overthink my decisions, haha. Thanks for all the info! You guys are a great help.

    Turned 28... Keep Trying? Or GO ARMY?

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    Thanks for the replies, everyone. I think the general consensus is that the Army could be a mistake (at least as an officer). It's great to hear that several of you got picked up at age 28... I had pretty much decided I would either do active duty USAF or ANG fighters, but maybe that's kind of silly. I started rethinking active duty after reading a lot of the "Leaving for the Airlines" thread on this forum.

    STOIKY, was that for a heavy unit that you got picked up at?

    FDNYOldGuy, it's awesome to hear from someone who has lived in both places. What are the chances of that? Haha. From the sound of it, you would suggest going to Tallahassee to get the degree and finish my flying, but not do the Army? Then move to Austin later... that sounds like a viable option.

    I have an assistantship offer through the school of Communications, so my degree is more or less paid for either way (barring out-of-state tuition, but at least it will pay for most of it). I've found a flight school in Tallahassee that has a fleet of Piper Warriors, which I prefer flying compared to the C152/172s that most schools have. It's also pretty unique in that all of the flight instructors are either ex-military or highly experienced instructors. I think having an experienced flight instructor really helps... I did notice that the airport in Austin was pretty far away from town, with no real brick-and-mortar flight school available.

    The most immediate concern is money, considering that I've been throwing my flight training on loans. I figured with a PD job (or at least one lined up), I could help pay for the flight training and living expenses. Doing ROTC doesn't really fix the money problem, since they would only pay me $450 a month for the 2 years I'm at FSU (besides paying for the degree).

    I had even considered moving to NYC a few years ago, but the cost of living there is even higher. I've considered FD as well, but maybe not as much as I should have. How does the pay compare to police?

    I'm still kicking myself for not applying to the Navy for a pilot slot before I was 26... hindsight is 20/20, I guess. Thanks again.

    Turned 28... Keep Trying? Or GO ARMY?

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    Age: 28 (will be 28.5 in October 2018)
    AFOQT: 1st Try: 82 Pilot / 72 Nav / 64 Acad Apt / 83 Verb / 45 Quant
    TBAS: 2nd Try: 68 (up to 92 at 201+ hours; currently at 21 hours)
    LORs: 1 Retired Air Force pilot, 2 College Professors, 2 Former Employers
    GPA: 3.63 (Dual B.A.'s from Virginia Tech)

    I applied active duty USAF as pilot only in 2016 and was not selected. I have been applying to ANG fighter units with no luck. Now the Army is offering me a scholarship to get my master's as long as I do it before I turn 31. I think I'd rather have a non-flying Army job than Air Force.

    My options:

    1. Go to Florida State University and do Army ROTC. Upsides are that I'll get my master's for free, hopefully have fun at FSU, and get to commission as an officer. The downsides are that I'll have to give up flying, Tallahassee kind of sucks, I'll have to commit to 10 years with the Army (2 in school, 4 active, 4 reserve), and the degree is a somewhat worthless Master's in Communications.

    2. Go to Austin or Dallas, where I've found several police jobs that I think I have a good chance of getting. I've always wanted to be in the military or be a cop. The pay is better than the Army (up to $63k starting). I could fast track my PPL next month and apply for a few more units before I'm 29. I could also pursue my MBA online at Liberty University (got accepted for the MBA there, but not for the MBA at FSU).

    In case you can't tell, I'm leaning toward Texas. But part of me feels like if I don't do something in the military, I'll always regret it. Then again, I want to finish up my PPL. I hate quitting stuff and flying is in my blood (3rd generation pilot, haha).

    Questions:

    Is Army aviation as an officer worth pursuing? I've also considered enlisting, but it seems dumb to do it at 28 with two degrees.

    I've searched around about ANG age waivers, and the general consensus seems to be that they are long shot. Correct?

    I still have one AFOQT retest available. But is this a waste of time now? I'd almost certainly be 29 by the time a board meets.

    Thanks in advance for any advice / wisdom. I know this is a very personal choice, but maybe you've had similar.

    MEPS Briefing Form for OTS Applicant (Oath/Contract)

    in Q & A Forum

    Posted

    Hey everyone, I'm applying active duty for the 2nd time. My first time was pilot only. I'm on the fence about whether to apply for all officer positions or pilot only again. My recruiter is really pushing for me to apply for all officer positions. I'm not sure I want to.

    Anyway, I have to redo my medical at MEPS and she has a new form for me to sign before I get there. It says, "I understand that I am going to the MEPS to join the Active Duty Air Force, take the oath of enlistment, sign a contract and I will enter the Air Force Delayed Entry Program (DEP)."

    I never had to sign a contract or take the oath of enlistment while at MEPS last time I applied for a commission. I asked her about this and she says "this only applies to enlisted applicants." If that's the case, why am I signing this? I'm paranoid about signing things after having been ripped off in the past, so if anyone can ease my mind about this, I'd appreciate it.

    Thank you.

    Retake the AFOQT? Help!!

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    I would never consider going in as RPA in the hope of being upgraded to pilot - but that's just me.

    Retake the test! You should be able to raise all of those scores, especially verbal.

    Yes, the PCSM matters a lot for pilots. 80 is good, 90 is better.

    You don't need to post your topic 3 times, once is enough.

    Navy/AF/ANG

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Judgesmails: Speaking as someone who started studying/applying to boards 1.5 years ago and has yet to get picked up, I think you need to stop "considering applying" and start applying. Apply Navy, USMC, USAF, ANG - everything. Apply for pilot only, if you like. Take your best offer. In all likelihood, you'll have to apply more than once to get anything. I waited a little too long on the Navy and just hit the 27 year age limit, so don't make the same mistake.

    That being said, a lot of the guys on this board are/were active duty pilots in the USAF, USMC, etc. - I'd take their opinions over your gut feelings. I too was initially more interested in the Navy, but the more I read, the more I realized USAF is probably a "better deal" if you just want to fly jets. And ANG is the "best deal."

    When a USMC pilot like VMFA187 tells you that the Air Force generally has more proficient pilots and might fly more - as well as that prioritizing the ANG is a good idea - I think that should be enough to make you reconsider your preferences. Or at least, it should make you consider applying to multiple branches. After all, if you're like me, your initial preference might be based on what color of wings you get, the movie Top Gun, and that letter by Bob Norris that everyone has already read.

    I just checked your profile and it looks like your 19 years old and don't have your bachelor's? In that case... apply as soon as you can, I guess. Time flies.

    • Upvote 1

    Apply with These Scores or Wait? (Active Duty)

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    Reviving my dead topic again. I was planning on applying for Active Duty again, last month. My recruiter said it was too close and to wait for the next one.

    Now it's time for the next one, but she basically has told me that she won't work with me unless I apply for all officer positions (not just pilot only). She said she cannot "make me a priority" if my goals do not align with the "needs of the Air Force." I tried contacting Air Force recruiting and they routed me back to her.

    I'm weighing my options. I know I can get my PCSM up by retaking the TBAS. Can I retake it without a recruiter? I'm considering going along with her BS just so I can retake the TBAS, then apply to ANG units. I should have my PPL soon - then I might retake the AFOQT as well. But I'm 27 - turning 28 next April. If I do want to go active duty, this may be the AD last board I'm eligible for without an age waiver (correct me if I'm wrong).

    If I apply for all positions and decline a non-pilot position, I'm assuming this looks bad for ANG units as well. Any input is appreciated.

    ANG Application Packet Mailing

    in Q & A Forum

    Posted

    Hey all - dumb question: when applying for an ANG unit, what should I put the required documents in? A manila envelope?

    I've applied Active Duty before, but this is my first time applying ANG. Everything was done via email for AD.

    Thanks in advance!

    Upcoming Boards

    in Air National Guard / Air Force Reserves

    Posted

    Is there any chance of the 192nd FW hiring, ever? Because they're right on my doorstep... and they fly F-22's...

    Should I call these people, or am I wasting my time and theirs?

    Location isn't the end-all for me. I do have this conception (perhaps incorrect) that it would be a lot easier to go AD and get paid to go anywhere they tell me, whereas if I go to a specific base for ANG / Reserves, I'd have to pay my own way to get there and have to worry about getting a day job at the new location. I can totally understand doing that to fly fighters, but ANG doesn't really pay much, correct? So if I go that route, I've got to forget doing this as a career?

    Upcoming Boards

    in Air National Guard / Air Force Reserves

    Posted

    Thanks for the info. I wondered why I wasn't seeing much in the way of Reserves discussion on this board. There don't seem to be many ANG opportunities in Virginia (where I currently live). I'm not sure how viable it would be for me to relocate to a state to be in an ANG unit. Do units offer any kind of help with that? Sorry if this is a dumb question.

    Upcoming Boards

    in Air National Guard / Air Force Reserves

    Posted

    Just got off the phone with a Reserves recruiter. She told me point-blank that no Reserve fighter units are hiring (i.e., Hill AFB, UT or Homestead AFB, FL - both F-16). I'm guessing this means Elmendorf, AK (F-22's) and Carswell NAS/JRB, TX (F-16) are not as well.

    She did say if I wanted to fly Reserves, these are the units hurting for pilots:

    Westover AFB, MA (C-5's)
    Pittsburgh ARS, PA (C-130's)
    Dover AFB, DE (C-17's, C-5's)

    If this info is true, I guess ANG / AD is the only way to go if your heart is set on fighters? Obviously not a guarantee either way, but I'd like a chance.

    She encouraged me to send in letters to get interviews, but mentioned that the Reserves only hold boards in May and November, and that I would need to have interviewed with a unit and gotten sponsorship. She said that if a unit told me I would have to apply unsponsored, I should just forget about applying... and that even if a Reserve fighter unit had an opening, I shouldn't waste my time applying - because the slot would go to the son of a General or something. :bash: If any of this sounds fishy, please correct me / her.

    Gun Talk

    in Squadron Bar

    Posted

    I was considering buying an "Urban Carry" holster as well, until I saw that video.

    There are a shitload of Kydex holster-makers to choose from, but these guys offer endless options: http://www.huckleberrytacticalshop.com/category-s/141.htm

    They're one of the only places to offer a light-bearing XDM .45 holster (for a Surefire X300, among other options), IWB or OWB.

    Multiple mounting options, including G-Code clips... RMR optic cut optional, threaded barrel cut, level II retention options, etc...

    Apply with These Scores or Wait? (Active Duty)

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    FishBowl, what were your scores like, out of curiosity?

    I finished and submitted a pilot-only application in June. My recruiter finally came around.

    I'm supposed to hear back on August 31st (this Wednesday). I'm excited, anxious, conflicted, etc.

    What is the notification process for civilians? I searched the boards for info; a lot of guys mentioned MyPers, which I've never used.

    • Upvote 1

    Apply with These Scores or Wait? (Active Duty)

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    Hey everyone, I managed to convince my recruiter to let me apply pilot only (I thought I did, anyway). Apparently she didn't know it was allowed.

    I just interviewed with a colonel; he said I did well and that he would recommend me. He seems to think I should put down enlisted jobs as well, but he said he wasn't sure how this works with OTS, since he did ROTC.

    However, my recruiter is now saying that I should list 4 non-rated jobs along with the 4 rated choices (or just list pilot and 4 non-rated choices).

    Any advice on this non-rated stuff? These are choices that are tacked onto the end of the AF56 form. She just emailed all of her OTS candidates and told us to list jobs. I'm guessing I should stick to my guns on this. Thanks again.

    Apply with These Scores or Wait? (Active Duty)

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    Well, I let her know I wouldn't apply with these scores unless it was for pilot only. I haven't heard back from her.

    I didn't realize it was an automatic disqualification from a future board if I declined a selection that I put down. I'd definitely rather apply with more hours.

    ... I'm hoping Table 1.1.27 in that giant wall of queep you linked me to (p. 19, "Requested withdrawal of application") doesn't disqualify me, either. I didn't exactly finish it, so that doesn't count as a withdrawal, does it? Now I'm being paranoid.

    Anyway, thanks for the info. I'm trying to find a decent flight school that won't break the bank and that actually has flight instructors who can find the time to fly. It's cool to know that you managed to move from CSO/Nav to pilot. From the sound of it, I would rather do that than RPA any day.

    Apply with These Scores or Wait? (Active Duty)

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    Viper, out of curiosity how long did you get to fly manned before being assigned to RPAs?

    I've been reading in the "Leaving the Air Force for the Airlines" topic and I'm now re-evaluating my active duty desires.

    My recruiter already scheduled my MEPS physical and got me an interview contact. Part of me would like to go forward with the application with all 4 jobs down, but I also feel like it would be risking a non-pilot selection -- more so than if I waited to retake the TBAS and got more flight time.

    I'm assuming turning down a selection narrows your chances for a future board, so I'll probably pass on the June board. Thanks again for the input.

    Apply with These Scores or Wait? (Active Duty)

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    Thanks guys. I had a hard time finding an officer recruiter at all. Apparently there are none in my area. I'm having to drive 3 hours every time I meet her or take a test.

    The first recruiter I talked to was an enlisted recruiter. I asked him about pilot slots and he said, "how does that work?" :banghead:

    Maybe I can find a new recruiter in Florida after I (hopefully) move this fall.

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