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GDAL

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Posts posted by GDAL

    What are my chances - civ to fighters

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    10 minutes ago, cagg011 said:

    Considering I was someone who went through the interview circuit and was successfully picked up by a fighter unit, I’m pretty confident I have a better grasp on the the whole process than you do. When I say that getting a Master’s helps, guess what, it worked for me. Also, I know exactly what UPT is like, and I can say without a doubt it’s far more rigorous than most Master’s degrees.

    There’s nothing wrong with someone wanting to better themselves or what they can bring to the table. If that calls for getting a Master’s then yeah, let him go get it to offset his low undergrad GPA. He’ll make it work if he wants to interview badly enough. 

    @Desk Jobs Suck has quite the mouth on him for someone who hasn't even been hired by a unit. I'm sure he'd be a real pleasure to fly with. Probably why no one has given him a slot, considering the only requirement is to fog a mirror.

    • Like 2
    • Upvote 1
    • Downvote 5

    Yet Another "Rate Me!" thread, do your worst, gents!

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    STEM degrees are what's most competitive, and your GPA is low. So you don't have much going for you there. Good news is that's not the end of the world. But those are the only stats you've given, so you had better work hard to stand out in other areas. 

    1. No one gives a shit about your student loans. They might come up when you get your clearance, but it won't be a big deal if you don't owe exorbitant amounts of money.

    2. Get your PPL ASAP. You want to fly F-22s but you have 0 flight hours? I'm seeing a pretty big disconnect here. And no, I wouldn't consider a 2.8 GPA in information systems competitive for a fighter guard unit. But again, GPA isn't the end all be all. If you're a good bro with a well rounded application in other areas, you can still be competitive.

    3. Build flight hours, study/take your PPL written, study for AFOQT/TBAS, and then take AFOQT/TBAS.  Then come back and ask to be rated and you'll get a better answer.

    • Upvote 1

    OTS Chances...

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    3 hours ago, ARrado15 said:

    I would LOVE to be a pilot, but I'm also open to anything the Air Force has to offer. I'm going to list Pilot, RPA, and NAV for rated and then some non rated jobs that are in demand for the Air Force to hopefully increase my chances. Im just hoping that my awards don't take away from everything else I've done. I have never been one to stick my head out to get awards, and therefore only have a few under my belt. I'm hoping that my instructor experience and scores will put me over the top. I'm just gonna be super bummed if I'm a non select, and gave up my SRB for nothing. 

    Don't sweat the awards man (over-rated anyway). It's all about being well rounded. You've clearly made up for it in other categories. Stellar numbers.

    Honest feedback

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    3 hours ago, Petty Pilot 69 said:

    Straight up your scores don't look good enough for fighter units. The lowest I've heard for scores are like 60, PCSM seems really low too. I agree with the sentiment you should be content with the bird in your hand, 2 in the bush looks risky. 

    Thanks for your input. Very valuable.

    • Upvote 1

    Those of you who have retaken the TBAS: how much did it affect your PCSM?

    in Pilot Selection Process

    Posted

    5 minutes ago, HiAlph12 said:

    Looking for some advice on whether to re-take the AFOQT or not. I just got my PCSM, here are my numbers:

    PCSM: 83 (41 hours)

    AFOQT: P85/N86/AA85/Q83/V79

    I am an ROTC cadet and will be applying to the rated boards in Jan. When I first took the AFOQT I honestly just winged it and did very little preparation. By the time I apply to the rated boards my PCSM should be 91 (81-100 hour bracket). If I re-take the AFOQT and seriously prepare for the exam,  I feel like I could boost my PCSM up into the 96-99 Range at 81 hours with an updated Pilot Section score. My goal/dream is to get into ENJJPT, so a 96-99 PCSM seems like it should be what I am looking for. So, is re-taking the AFOQT worth the gamble for a high PCSM? Or, should I feel comfortable with my 91 PCSM? I have been told to both re-take it and to not, and am searching for some advice from the experts, you guys! Thanks!

    I'd say retake if your goal is ENJJPT and you are confident you can do better. If you do decide to retake, double down on your timed studying.

    • Like 1

    Bogi Dope

    in Q & A Forum

    Posted

    5 hours ago, Deuce362 said:

    In your opinion, is bogi dope worth the $$$? I'm thinking of having them review my packet.

    I'll review your packet for free.

    • Like 2

    Corneal Degeneration - ANG

    in Aviation Medicine

    Posted · Edited by GDAL

    9 hours ago, DinaMight said:

    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!

    I can't help with your specific question, but I recommend getting your AFOQT/TBAS done and start applying to units. Let them decide at the flight physical.

    • Like 1

    Change to Air Force Color Vision Policy

    in Aviation Medicine

    Posted

    1 hour ago, stuckindayton said:

    All true.  PRK/LASIK no longer requires a waiver as long as no complications.  There is still a mandatory 6 month period between surgery and when you can get an IFC I.  This was basically just a formality.  Everyone got indefinite waivers (for the most part).  Depth perception standard now 40 arc secs instead of 25.  It really has little impact on who gets in, it just means fewer people need waivers because the waiver criteria didn't change.  There were other changes related to eyes/vision, but they weren't as significant.

    So now all those poor bastards only have to get through line B on the OVT?

    Applying to Reserve/ Guard Units before leaving for OTS (Active)

    in Pilot Selection Process

    Posted

    28 minutes ago, Sit On Acorns said:

    I don't see anything in your post that is incorrect.

    Yes, I had everything complete except for the MFS. Just had to transfer everything over after declining. It was a pain.

    I must have removed the sentence stating it would be more difficult to transfer components after swearing it.

    For reference, how long did it take for all your paperwork to transfer over? My case happened relatively quickly (3 weeks), but I had not sworn in.

    Applying to Reserve/ Guard Units before leaving for OTS (Active)

    in Pilot Selection Process

    Posted · Edited by GDAL

    29 minutes ago, TotableMink said:

    Is it possible to get selected and subsequently switch to a reserve or guard unit before you leave for OTS if you get an active duty pilot slot? Background info, I have been applying to guard and reserve jobs for about 2 years now and while that is definitely my preference, I would like to get in the air as soon as possible so now I am considering going active. My recruiter informed me that its about a 1.5 -2 year wait to start training even for active. So I was wondering if I should still apply to units in the meantime while I am waiting for things to happen on the active side of things, or if doing so would burn any bridges. Any info is appreciated. Thanks!

    You can apply for AD/guard/reserve simultaneously. The caveat is that only one component can "own" your MEPS records at a time. So if you get hired by a guard/reserve unit, you may have to submit a "notice of declination" or something similar to your AD recruiter. It can then take them quite some time to release your paperwork to another component.

    My suggestion would be to get your application rolling with the AD rated board (if you haven't already) while you continue to search for a guard/reserve unit. If you land an interview, just mention that you're also exploring the AD route. It's no big deal and will probably bode well for you, it's an indicator that you're dedicated.

    EDIT: I should add that if you get apply for, receive, and subsequently decline an offer from an AD rated board, you will not be considered again for another AD rated board. 

    Conflicting information from recruiters about hearing and vision retesting

    in Aviation Medicine

    Posted

    20 minutes ago, mp5g said:

    Dude I get it. I started out with the dream to fly as well but I want to make sure you understand one thing first, if you don’t already. Your number one priority for signing up should be to serve, not strictly to make a means to an end. The reason I say this is that the path to wings and even to an operational squadron is an arduous journey, filled with plenty of pitfalls. What if you get picked up to fly fighters for a Guard or Reserve unit, but don’t qualify in T-6’s for the fighter track because your class ranking is so low? What if you fail out of IFF, or an RTU? Would you be willing to work a different job that isn’t a pilot position within that unit if you couldn’t be a pilot in that unit? 

    I get that you may not want to enlist if you don’t medically qualify but apply that to what could happen if you weren’t able to make it back to the bros with wings on your chest if you got commissioned.  You need to know if you’d be happy, and still have job satisfaction if you were serving in the military even if it’s not what you originally envisioned yourself doing.  Nobody likes working with the dude who hates his life everyday and is counting down the days until he can leave the base in the rear view for good. 

    I agree that your first priority should definitely be to serve, but I think it's somewhat typical (at least in the Guard) to setup your contract such that it explicitly states you are enlisting/commissioning for the sole purpose of becoming a pilot with that particular squadron. I've seen guys wash out of UPT and given the option to take a non-rated job or just give up their commission entirely and move on with life. 

    What are my chances

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    7 hours ago, Slick said:

    In 4 years of applying I have had 1 interview.  My scores are good, GPA is good, LOR's are good, PPL etc.  My problem is that I will need waivers/ETP's for medical, moral, and now age standards.  

    I've been trouble free for 7 years now, but I've been arrested 5 times in my teens and again when I was 21.  One of the arrests resulted in felony charges, and 2 arrests resulted in misdemeanors.  The other 3 arrests I was released without charges.  I have not been convicted of anything since I either did community service or my lawyer got the case dismissed.  I also have 10 traffic violations but all of those were taken care of with drivers safety school.

    I was on medication for anxiety/depression for 1 year in 2010 and I had PRK surgery in 2014.

    I've sorted all my behavioral problems out.  Still, nobody wants to touch me and I don't blame them.  I recently got rejected again by the air force reserves applying as unsponsored, but the recruiter told me if I can find a Lt Colonel willing to help me with the ETP's then the recruiter could work with me.  But I'm not sure how to do that since I've applied to pretty much every ANG unit and many reserve units and the feedback is always the same about the concerns with my background.

    I knew this was going to be a big uphill battle before I even started putting my application together but I feel my calling is to military aviation and so it is worth it to try no matter how slim the chances.  I've given up several times only to find myself mailing out applications again.  I've given up again but yet here I am asking for pointers.  What approach would you guys take if you were me? 

    I'd say you're SOL as far as the Air Force is concerned.

    Upcoming Boards

    in Air National Guard / Air Force Reserves

    Posted

    "You're very right that the hiring board isn't going to be at all impressed with his package. Just because you visit a unit doesn't mean anything either. 500 applicants, his scores aren't good and just because he visited doesn't mean he will get an interview. He can try but he just does not have a package to be competitive for fighters. I'm just saying he shouldn't waste his time pursuing that exclusively when he has a slight chance with heavies. Sometimes guys also need to realize that they aren't competitive for UPT and might need to pursue CSO or ABM, there is absolutely no shame in that and that might be his only chance to get picked up as a nav or ABM."

    -Buckley Viper Hopeful

    PRK and LASIK Information

    in Aviation Medicine

    Posted · Edited by GDAL

    1 hour ago, sotallytober said:

    Someone offered to fund a lasik procedure for me and I would like to do it now and get it over with, as I am currently putting a package together for a UPT slot at various guard units.

    Can someone please confirm that the form in the above quote is the most recent?

    I do not want to do anything that would DQ me for a fighter position, so if anyone has any specific advice I would appreciate it (I have lurked on this thread a while and the only important thing seems to be meeting the pre-op requirements)

    Edit: spelling

    Most recent form substantiated by the Air Force Waiver Guide. Google is your friend.

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