touro

I love this post...because so many aspiring military personnel are swindled by recruiters (some are good, some are bad) and it sounds like you stumbled across a good and honest one. In order to put things into perspective a little better... I wanted to go aviation in either ANG or AFR and was told by both enlisted and officer recruiters in 3 different states that it's better to enlist then to apply for the deserving airman program after basic/tech school. BTW, I had all of the requirements and 4 years ROTC under my belt too. So, I sat on this info for 6-10 months while emailing and connecting with as many rated AF Officers as possible in order learn what was out there/what they were looking for. I received a few responses but nothing concrete. Fast forward...I ended up enlisting and taking a HUGE gamble because I'm over 30, my time is limited, was really anxious and if I didn't get a good shot as a rated officer...ultimately I'd still get to serve which is most important. Also, I knew that I could rush BMT and Tech school, get back home and apply for Officer positions and still make the age cutoff although I'd be cutting it close. On the other hand if I wanted to delay enlistment I'd have 12 months before leaving for BMT so I'd planned use that time to complete my SF-86 and getting into DEERS, study for AFOQT etc. (all admin type things) and making connections from the inside. Ultimately, the email from a year ago that I blasted out to rated officers got into the hands of an officer in my unit and I just got picked up for a C-130 Nav spot. So...could I have applied without enlisting? SURE THING but I had little time to wait because of age! Would I have had a rapport with the Lt. Col. without enlisting...possibly but less of a chance had I waited. Would I have people in the unit to vouch for me somewhat? Not at all. Could I have enlisted, gone to BMT/Tech School and gotten stuck with a 6 yr enlistment and been too old to apply for Nav after enlistment...HELLS YEA! In conclusion, I say: do your research and know what YOU want out of the experience. You can choose to do this anyway you want but be fine with the outcome whatever you choose. Whether it be waiting and applying from the outside or going in and working it from that angle. I hope this helps you or some other person who's struggling with a similar issue.

Minimum scores? I've been informally selected (only one other person who is still finishing his bachelors applied) for a Nav/CSO spot pending my AFOQT scores. I was told that I just need to make the minimum scores on the NAV portion. I've taken the AFOQT recently and scores should be in next week and I'm crazy nervous. So, what exactly are the minimums? I've seen min: NAV-25 and PILOT-10, totaling 35 but also minimum 50 combined on those two sections. I didn't take it aiming low and I felt good during but whatever my scores are I'd just like to know that I'm good to go but meeting the requirements. thanks