DinaMight

Any B2/B52/B1 pilots/CSOs can chime in on their lifestyle, deployments, training or bases?

Hi folks, I'm hoping to get some insight as I start looking into applying for ANG units. I've already taken the AFOQT and TBAS. My understanding is that you can take it only twice, these were my second scores. How do I look? BA in PoliSci (recent grad, 22 yrs old) GPA 2.75 Currently a restaurant server part time (worked various jobs in my college life and at once was working two jobs over 30+ hrs and full time student) 24 flight hours; No PPL AFOQT: P 98 N 87 A 62 V 32 Q 88 PCSM: 76 Letters of Rec include one from my college professor and my current restaurant employer Over the past few months, I have looked at many applications for ANG UPT and a good majority of them ask for the PPL. It's not mandatory but as always "it really helps." Since I don't have my PPL, just how much of a disadvantage am I from other applicants? I have just started paying off my school loans (amounting to 15k) and I still need to allocate some funds for flying and this would put me in a really tight spot financially so I am just really hesitant to go forward with getting my PPL. This isn't to say my desire to fly is any less than anyone else, but would it be perceived that way? These are my most pressing concerns at the moment, any feedback would be most appreciated. Look forward to hearing back from the community!

I got a feeling this is a huge shot in the dark ,but I''m currently looking into applying for the ANG and hoping for a position flying, but I know USAF medical standards can be pretty strict compared to the other branches. I've looked into all the other branches and AD or Reserve, but long story short, ANG is the direction I want to go in right now. I have an issue of corneal degeneration in my right eye at the moment that has never been a problem to my vision and last I saw the optometrist my vision was still good but I fear that this may not completely put me in the clear as far as flying for ANG is concerned. It's never been a problem as far as I can tell and I have seen a few specialists regarding my eye and reached conflicting conclusions. Some say it'll possibly worsen over the next 10-20 yrs and others say it won't worsen. Like I said, they're pretty broad conclusions. With this in mind, can I still be medically qualified to fly in the ANG? What do you guys think? Do I still have a shot? I'm of the belief that as long as there remains a way, it no longer becomes can't do, but just another problem to solve type of guy. I understand that there are several waivers out there, but I wouldn't even know where to start or if there is a hub with all that info. Who would I be able to speak to about all this? I've talked to a recruited but he couldn't really help me with my question. I think this could be more specific or pertaining to a case by case type situation. Thanks for the help!

Hi folks, I found out last November in my IFC that I had a condition known as Terrien's Marginal Degeneration. In addition, I have corneal thinning of around 50% of normal thickness. My CC told me last Friday that because of all this( or because of one of these things), I would not only be DQd from all rated but from also commissioning. USAFSAM determined that the condition was unstable with some 20% likelihood of worsening but when I sought second opinions, all came back saying that the condition was pretty stable with low probability of worsening since its been there since my youth. I'm in my early 20s and my vision is fine. I understand the risk assessment associated with this situation and them looking at it from a financial perspective but how does it DQ me from rated AND non rated? I am in my final year of ROTC with an RPA slot and these past few days have what I consider to be the most frustrating days of my life. I think much remains to be answered and all of the sudden a decision was hurriedly made on my future. I just thought this would all be a part of an on-going process, not just a talk with the CC and that's it. Also, all waiver and ETPs are out of the option for some reason. The big questions I have now is can they decide to drop someone on a dime without looking to get a reevaluation or another opinion? How did I pass the DODMERB but not the phyical for commissioning? If anyone could share their 2 cents on the matter I would absolutely appreciate it. - DinaMight

Good morning to all, In late September, I went up for the Rated Supplemental Board and unfortunately, was not selected. I found this out in late September. The thing is, I retook my AFOQT awfully close to the Supp. Board date. Although most might dismiss the possibility of my scores still making the board, it should be noted that my scores actually came out in 6 days, as such, that possibility should be increased to some respect. My PCSM went from a 59 to a 76. Here's the timeline to help with my story. Timeline: 16 Feb - Received RPA (PCSM was 57 when sent to board) 9 Aug - TBAS retake (PCSM improves from 57-59) 13 Sep - AFOQT retake 19 Sep - Find out my AFOQT scores (PCSM improves to 76) 29 Sep - Receives call from CC. Not selected. When I found out I didn't make it, a question that was really on my mind was whether or not the new PCSM got factored in. I asked my CC and he was quite confident that my scores were in fact NOT factored in citing the fact that AFOQT scores take two weeks to come out and that close proximity (probably intersecting) with the time the board meets makes it not likely that my scores made it in. At the same time, he does not believe that even had I notified the cadre immediately (on the 19th) that they would have made it to WINGS. What is WINGS... On the 19th, I checked the PCSM site and sure enough, my PCSM was updated. Because the PCSM site showed my scores had been updated, I had no reason to assume that WINGS would not have updated it. As such, I made no further effort to double check and inquire if my scores were ready for board simply because I did not know that there was even another way (and what turned out to be the only way that mattered). I believed I had all avenues covered. I personally beat myself for not having been more proactive about ensuring my records were up to date, but I feel frustrated with my cadre's handling as well. The decision to retake my AFOQT was fraught with postponements and 1 on 1 conversations between me and the cadre, as such, one would assume my decision to go with retaking the AFOQT to be something they were aware of. Even a few days after I took it, one of the cadre members came up to me asking how I think I did, (again re-ensuring the idea that they knew about me retaking the AFOQT.) My question is, if they knew about it, why too did they not be more proactive in getting my scores up to WINGS, knowing that this is something that is quite personal and essential to me. With their knowledge both within and outside ROTC, they would definitively have much better position to see whether or not I was on track or not. The big questions I have for you all really is to understand how PCSM scores go into WINGS. Does the CC fill out a Form 22 to update PCSM onto WINGS? Is that the job of the CC or the NCOs? Can cadets check their PCSM on WINGS? Does WINGS display the date a change was made to your PCSM scores? I have tried to make this as comprehensive as possible so that you guys can have every aspect taken into consideration. Other than that, that is all. Thank you folks! Respectfully, DinaMight

The thing is if I fail the AFOQT, I could potentially lose my commissioning in the AF. Mind you, this is the second time I'm taking the AFOQT. If I fail this, depending on my Commander, I will either be dropped from the program or have to push back my commissioning date which would then probably result in also being dropped from the ROTC program. So yeah, no worries here.

Here were my AFOQT scores: Pilot: 75 Navigator: 68 Acad Aptitude: 46 Verbal: 34 Quantitative: 60 As for Flight hours, I had 22. To get to 80, I'd need over 200 hours. I see a lot of people ask your first question. Why does that matter? Is it a measurement of the score or something?

I probably shouldve posted my scores earlier. They're on the original post now. As helpful as getting a loan can be, it isn't something I can do at the moment? Anything else?

Hey extender10, I've flown 22 already and with the $$$ I have, making it to 40 isnt something I'll be able to pull of anytime soon. I probably shouldve added that.

Hi folks, I'm currently starting my final year of college also seriously considering retaking my AFOQT to try and improve my PCSM. AS of the moment, I am planning on commissioning FY18, but that may all change. Hear me out. I'm not really one to be tact so I'll just say this the best that I know how. At the moment, I have an RPA slot and as glamorous as the future of this career looks, it's not something I think I want for myself. That whole idea of flying in a box, disconnected from everything that has defined flying for the past century is something I am still not sure about. As of right now, my PCSM is at a 59. I've taken the TBAS twice and AFOQT once. I know that taking the AFOQT and doing better on the pilot sections can help raise the PCSM score, but I also recognize that failing any section of the test means losing everything I've worked towards these past few years and throwing away a big career I've longed for since my youth. However, if I retake the AFOQT, I can raise my PCSM and hopefully get picked up on the supplemental board for pilot. Maybe it may happen even if I don't retake the AFOQT, but still, maybe it won't and really all I want to do is maximize the variables that I can control and one such variable is that AFOQT. At least once I have done all I could can I have a peace of mind and say to myself that I gave it everything you know? I recognize that getting a higher AFOQT does not necessarily secure my chances of getting a pilot slot, but it would also hurt to not take it and have this lingering thought in my head. That "what-if" scenario, what if I had taken that AFOQT and done better? I've spoken to friends and my cadre about this and all are against this move simply because of what I can stand to lose, a commission in the USAF and a job for next few years. My cadre specifically noted that as an RPA I stand a higher chance of getting upgraded to a pilot than a CSO (can anyone confirm this?) and as such, the best course of action for me is, and should be, to remain still and let it play out because you know sometimes the best course of action is do nothing. What do you guys think? I If anyone has been or is in the same shoe, I'd very much like to hear your input on this. Thank you. Should I retake it? How much weight does the AFOQT pilot scores have on the PCSM? If you've done better on the pilot section after your retake, how much did it affect your PCSM? Is RPA more likely to be upgraded to Pilot than CSO? Here were my AFOQT scores: Pilot: 75 Navigator: 68 Acad Aptitude: 46 Verbal: 34 Quantitative: 60 As for Flight hours, I had 22. Anyways, any help really is appreciated. Thanks guys.

Hi folks, This is a repost from the ROTC lounge room. I'm currently starting my final year of college also seriously considering retaking my AFOQT to try and improve my PCSM. AS of the moment, I am planning on commissioning FY18, but that may all change. Hear me out. I'm not really one to be tact so I'll just say this the best that I know how. At the moment, I have an RPA slot and as glamorous as the future of this career looks, it's not something I think I want for myself. That whole idea of flying in a box, disconnected from everything that has defined flying for the past century is something I am still not sure about. As of right now, my PCSM is at a 59. I've taken the TBAS twice and AFOQT once. I know that taking the AFOQT and doing better on the pilot sections can help raise the PCSM score, but I also recognize that failing any section of the test means losing everything I've worked towards these past few years and throwing away a big career I've longed for since my youth. However, if I retake the AFOQT, I can raise my PCSM and hopefully get picked up on the supplemental board for pilot. Maybe it may happen even if I don't retake the AFOQT, but still, maybe it won't and really all I want to do is maximize the variables that I can control and one such variable is that AFOQT. At least once I have done all I could can I have a peace of mind and say to myself that I gave it everything you know? I recognize that getting a higher AFOQT does not necessarily secure my chances of getting a pilot slot, but it would also hurt to not take it and have this lingering thought in my head. That "what-if" scenario, what if I had taken that AFOQT and done better? I've spoken to friends and my cadre about this and all are against this move simply because of what I can stand to lose, a commission in the USAF and a job for next few years. My cadre specifically noted that as an RPA I stand a higher chance of getting upgraded to a pilot than a CSO (can anyone confirm this?) and as such, the best course of action for me is, and should be, to remain still and let it play out because you know sometimes the best course of action is do nothing. What do you guys think? I If anyone has been or is in the same shoe, I'd very much like to hear your input on this. Thank you. Should I retake it? How much weight does the AFOQT pilot scores have on the PCSM? If you've done better on the pilot section after your retake, how much did it affect your PCSM? Is RPA more likely to be upgraded to Pilot than CSO? Here were my AFOQT scores: Pilot: 75 Navigator: 68 Acad Aptitude: 46 Verbal: 34 Quantitative: 60 As for Flight hours, I had 22. Anyways, any help really is appreciated. Thanks guys.

Hi folks, I'm currently starting my final year of college also seriously considering retaking my AFOQT to try and improve my PCSM. AS of the moment, I am planning on commissioning FY18, but that may all change. Hear me out. I'm not really one to be tact so I'll just say this the best that I know how. At the moment, I have an RPA slot and as glamorous as the future of this career looks, it's not something I think I want for myself. That whole idea of flying in a box, disconnected from everything that has defined flying for the past century is something I am still not sure about. As of right now, my PCSM is at a 59. I've taken the TBAS twice and AFOQT once. I know that taking the AFOQT and doing better on the pilot sections can help raise the PCSM score, but I also recognize that failing any section of the test means losing everything I've worked towards these past few years and throwing away a big career I've longed for since my youth. However, if I retake the AFOQT, I can raise my PCSM and hopefully get picked up on the supplemental board for pilot. Maybe it may happen even if I don't retake the AFOQT, but still, maybe it won't and really all I want to do is maximize the variables that I can control and one such variable is that AFOQT. At least once I have done all I could can I have a peace of mind and say to myself that I gave it everything you know? I recognize that getting a higher AFOQT does not necessarily secure my chances of getting a pilot slot, but it would also hurt to not take it and have this lingering thought in my head. That "what-if" scenario, what if I had taken that AFOQT and done better? I've spoken to friends and my cadre about this and all are against this move simply because of what I can stand to lose, a commission in the USAF and a job for next few years. My cadre specifically noted that as an RPA I stand a higher chance of getting upgraded to a pilot than a CSO (can anyone confirm this?) and as such, the best course of action for me is, and should be, to remain still and let it play out because you know sometimes the best course of action is do nothing. What do you guys think? I If anyone has been or is in the same shoe, I'd very much like to hear your input on this. Thank you. Should I retake it? How much weight does the AFOQT pilot scores have on the PCSM? If you've done better on the pilot section after your retake, how much did it affect your PCSM? Is RPA more likely to be upgraded to Pilot than CSO? Anyways, any help really is appreciated. Thanks guys.