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Hello all, Currently a Rated Pilot flying for the ANG. I recently discovered a small mass along my jawline that I had originally believed to be an inflamed lymph node. Not an area I would usually inspect on my person, so it was a bit surprising to notice something that seems to have been there for a while. To my ignorance I thought it was something that would go away. Several weeks later, and after no change, I decided to bring it up to my Flight Doc. Flight Doc suggested it was an irregular mass and issued a referral to an ENT of my choice. After my consultation with my ENT he described the mass as a tumorous growth on the parotid gland. I am currently waiting for a CT scan which will then lead to a needle biopsy of the mass. Regardless of the tumor being benign or malignant, I would eventually like it removed for obvious reasons. For those well versed on how the medical process works with the Air Force: what am I in for? I would also like to ask those well versed on the FAA Medical process: Will something like this affect a current Class 2 medical, or future applications for FAA medical certificates as I currently hold a Class 2 for my civilian job. Thank you in advance for any info you all might have!

Just left Vance not too long ago. If you are set on helos, let your flight CC know as soon as possible. Usually it's 1 per class, but I'm in a class now at rucker that has 3 guys from the same upt class from the same T6 base. One of the slots actually came from a guy in my class even though we tracked after them. He traded to a guy that was in the que for toners, so anything's possible. It can get competitive if they're unable to get more than 1-2 slots for your class and 4 of you want helos. The class sizes at rucker have increased however. Traditionally it seems that they've put through 6 guys on average, now its looking like 8 will be the norm. Best of luck.

Preferrably off base.

Hi guys, currently an ANG STUD in the UPT pipeline slated for the TH-1 track based off of my final MDS, so I'll be headed to rucker in the fall (September). Currently unmarried, but will be traveling with the significant other and dog (husky). For those that have recently gone, currently there, or just have something to add, please chime in! Looking for living recommendations around the area and general lifestyle (pace of training) to get a better idea of the future. Obviously still a couple months out, but any advice is appreciated. If anyone knows of pet friendly apartments or housing rentals within the BAH limit, that would be great too. Thanks!

Asking for a friend. What's the current availability/probability for tracking TH-1's for someone that wants to go the helo route on the active side?

They are in the process of combining COT with the rest of the population here at TFOT starting with class 19-03. Everyone will attend the same 8 week course minus a few COT AFSC's that will only have to do 6 weeks. From the way the staff here has been explaning it, the merger is still in the works and is an ongoing process to iron out some last minute details. But, sure as the sunrise, everyone will be mixed together this coming January. Also, Det 12 is no more, we're the last class. Leadership and Cadre from the 12th will still be around, but will no longer be autonomously owned like they have been for many years (separate leadership from the 24th and 23rd guys). Might explain why you're recieving these emails. Best of luck.

I've been ARMS (Aviation Resource Management) for the past 5.8 years. Short tech school, easy job for the detail oriented. If you get assigned to the SARM as a Squadron Aviation Resource Manager you'll work right up along side pilots! In my case, I worked with the pilots that sat on my UPT board. I leave for OTS next week and UPT shortly thereafter. Side note, we have a lot of prior E's as our pilots that came from within the entire Wing, not just the Squadron. Best of luck!

My wing recruiter said he works individuals into commissioned slots for any other open jobs (Intel, MX, etc...); granted they were interested in taking one of these openings.

Unfortunately either your recruiter or OIC of hiring should have a contact at your state HQ that has a contact at NGB. The whole system is a bit y. They should be able to get a hold of someone who can check the status of your application. I heard through the grapevine (so take this with a grain of salt) that NGB has a 45 day policy with applications. Within 45 days (no idea if its calendar or working days) they are supposed to review/check/update/approve pending packets. But, bureaucracy being what it is, stuff happens, things take longer. I was past the "45 day window" by about 2 weeks until I heard that my appointment letter, TFOT, UPT dates had been sent out. Best of luck!

Update: TFOT dates recieved today (31 Jul) - TFOT 19-01: 12 Sep. - 9 Nov. Pending everything else.

To the extent of my knowledge, no, there is no way to slide into an ANG pilot slot if you still have time left on your AD commitment WITHOUT palace chasing or separating from AD. In other words, the ANG can't just "pull" you from your Active contract. Applying for active commissioning opportunities is a different story though. In your case, I would start building a package for active --> OTS. I think you can apply within 6 months of degree completion*. (Too lazy to research)*. Did I feel limited? Not necessarily, but, there are a lot of factors to consider when separating from active duty and transitioning to Guard/Reserves. Have a plan, have a backup plan, and have a backup-backup plan (Work, school, living accommodations, area cost of living, etc.). PM me directly if you have any specific questions, I'd be glad to answer them! You have time on your side currently being active. You have a lot of resources, use them to your advantage. Was it a cookie-cutter transition? No. Was it a decision that I'd make again? Yes. Everyone's situation is different, but, if you have the motivation/determination to achieve ________ (insert dream goal here), good things will come your way! *Oh, forgot to mention, I only applied to my unit.

Pretty much exactly what I did. Still had time left on my AD contract, palace chased into my prefered ANG unit with the aircraft I wanted to fly. Used my GI Bill to finish school, worked my butt off, interviewed and was hired last October. Now I'm just going through the motions waiting for class dates. Word of caution with palace chase, nothing is guaranteed. I had to apply twice, and only with the help of my superintendent, was released on the second go. 8 months of wait time. Enlisting into the unit that you'd like to fly for gives them a chance to get to know you, and likewise gives you the opportunity to feel out the vibe. Who knows, you may get there and completely hate the dynamic/mission. But, if you're smart, I'd reach out to a recruiter beforehand and schedule a visit. While you're still active, and if you already have your degree, I'd look into taking the AFOQT and TBAS. Never hurts to knock those out beforehand. Maybe get some flight time... Best of luck!

Are you already an Officer? No OTS dates. Looks like there is finally some movement up at NGB.

Dude, chase the fastest and most direct way to get into UPT. Whether that be a Guard or Reserve slot. You're 29, and it sounds like you've met all the requirments to meet a UPT board (degree complete, afoqt etc...) Don't waste your time trying to enlist first and then get hired from within UNLESS that is exactly where you want to be. If you just want to fly, chase the most immediate route. As a sidenote, I enlisted at 22 and worked ARMS for a total of 6 years now (4 active, 2 guard), transfered to the guard and was recently hired as a pilot for my squadron (currently waiting to start the pipeline). If you're placed in a squadron as a SARM, it will give you face time with aircrew, and in my opinion, is a priceless benifit of the job. Whether it be 6 years or 2 months. You get to meet and shake hands with members you might be flying next to one day. I agree what Cork said, straighten out what you 'want' a little more, then attack.

Speaking from the Guard side of the house, and with a very basic understanding of the process: HQ and NGB are two different things that I think a lot of individuals confuse with one another and use interchangeably. Once your package leaves your Wing (Your assigned base), it heads up to your respective state headquarters (HQ). It is reviewed, and if you're lucky, kicked back for corrections. If not, it's approved and sent on to NGB. Once it's approved at HQ, its sent to NGB in Washington D.C. Everything SHOULD be 100% by the time it gets to NGB (but hey, sometimes, AF gonna AF). They give it a final once over, align dates, approve funding, and publish your appointment letter. Bingo, bango.

CAANG Hired: Oct 2017 FC1: January 2018 Package to HQ: Feb 2018 Kicked back for missing initials and resubmit: Mar 2018 Kicked back again for one missing set of initials (interestingly enough, it was to acknowledge that I'm not a line officer. Not sure what that means.) - and resubmit - Mid May 2018 Approved and sent to NGB: End of May 2018 Pending OTS/Pipeline dates: 23 May 2018 Prior-Enlisted (4yrs), transfered to my unit 2 years ago. Hired from within.