LoadClear

F#CK me.... 2011. Better get that PPL done...

Ok, makes sense. I'm not saying it hasn't happened but meeting a board and starting UPT 6 months later is definitely something that doesn't occur often. Most people seem to sit for about double that or with AMS/OTS and IFS, you'd have to practically leave for training right after the board meets. I'm uneducated on the training regs and only know about the 2.5 year rule because its been hashed out over and over here on baseops. Does anyone know at least what reg it is and I can dig further? Also, the not going to IFS thing having been a CSO program graduate is interesting. We have a Nav that is headed to UPT soon, doesn't have his PPL, and has been told he will be going back to Pueblo for the Pilot portion. I've been a guard bum and typically would never turn down pay days, but going back to Doss would probably be the first time I would gladly not take pay days... Either way, I'd like to know where I can find some more information on the time frame restrictions, IFS, etc. Thanks again in advance.

Something I should also mention specific to my situation. I have 13.5 years TIS, 3 of which is commissioned. I know Navs inquire a 6 year commitment, Pilots, 10. If I were to apply to a board, are they going to look at my enlisted time and say, if we send this dude, he will have his 20 years TIS a few years after getting back from UPT? I have no interest in throwing in the towel with 20 years at age 37, and fully intend in sticking out many more years, god willing, as many commissioned years before they show me the door. I won't have the 5 years commissioned obstacle when applying, but definitely over the hump. Is this going to slow roll my application vs a 23 year old college grad with zero TIS?

I'm a "new" nav, home from Pensacola for a little over a year in my <unnamed> ANG 130 unit. I know about the 2.5 year rule. We have a UPT/UNT board coming up in this summer. Lots of buzz about J's or 17's running around the squadron. I really enjoy being a nav, a crew dog, and flying (both in the 130 and currently working on PPL), and am curious about a few things... 1. 35 year old rule, ass in seat at UPT... I'm 31.5 years old, so I know I'll need a 30+ waiver. If your guard unit is sponsoring you, is this waiver really even an obstacle? Or is it granted if they want you to go to UPT? Does being a rated officer affect getting a waiver or extend the 35 year old rule? 2. I am 1.5 years from wearing my nav wings for 2.5 years. I realize if I apply this summer, I may be a year from even going to UPT with medical, IFS (if I don't have my PPL done by UPT). Is it unrealistic to apply BEFORE the 2.5 years? I'm assuming its 2.5 years from pinning on nav wings to starting UPT, correct? 3. Lastly, opinions... As of today, we aren't getting J's or 17s yet, but lets be honest, slicks are getting older and automation is replacing our/CSO's seats in modern A/C. Am I going to piss off some people by applying a year out of UNT? I am well liked in my squadron and am busting my ass guard bumming and being around doing everything I can, I just want to ensure my career is on track and the prospect of moving a little farther forward in the cockpit is very appealing if possible. Also, we have SEVERAL Nav to Pilots in my unit, so its certainly something my unit appears to promote/be open to. Thanks.

Youll get BAH for your UPT location, because its a PCS. If you can wait, i would seriously consider holding off on buying the house. You will be renting at UPT, which your BAH should cover, but if you aren't renting your new house out, you're paying the mortgage out of pocket. If you don't mind renting it out or have a trustworthy family member, etc, that can cover the mortgage, go for it. But if not, on a new 2LT's salary, you may be stretched thin with mortgage and rent in two places.

thank god for AROWS or my filling cabinet would be busting at the seams.

PCola isnt headed towards the traditional "tracked" syllabus like it was at Randolph. They are planning on doing a top off program. A couple weeks before you graduate, all graded material is done and graduation is assured but you pair off after your drop according to your airframe. If you're headed to 130s, you're going to be doing enroute navigation, using your wiz wheel, etc. EWO? Beeps and squeaks for a few weeks. Strike? Playing video games.

Yup, you're alone.

No. If you are living on base your BAH will be based on that location because its a PCS. So if BAH is $1100 a month, and you live on base, expect your "rent" to be $1100. Didnt bring your family? Their rent/mortgage costs will come out of your pocket. So what if you're a guard or reserve dude that owns a house, moves to UPT and can't find a renter at their home or doesnt want college kids or crackheads renting it while you're gone? Again, its a PCS so get ready to shell out some coin. Its a situation that totally blows. Rent your house, sell it, have some family move in for half your mortgage to at least bring something in, etc. Good luck.

Crew Chief, intel, and life support would be great jobs with good exposure to those on the airplane beyond a Loadmaster slot. You're correct, if you don't pass the Loadmaster FCIII, you aren't gonna pass the FCI or FCIA physicals as its the same physical with a few additions.

You will get your initial physical for entry into the AF/ANG/AFRES at MEPS. Once you pass that, you would be eligible to head to basic training and tech school for most jobs. The extra physical for Loadmasters and Flight Engineers is a Flying Class III physical which involves a few more things than a basic entry physical. Nothing crazy, but they just want to ensure you don't have depth perception issues, arent deaf or blind, etc. Its very basic in comparison to Pilot (Flying Class I) and Nav (Flying Class IA) physicals. You will end probably end up enlisting before you pass your FCIII physical but after your initial physical. Its understandable your recruiter wants you to have a backup job. Is there any other jobs you might be interested in? If your goal is to be a bus driver/pilot, there are more jobs besides being a loadmaster than gives you plenty of exposure to the airplane and those who fly them.

Any idea what this might mean for the ANG/AFRC H model work load?

+1

start looking online and figure out what youre going to do with your family before you get there. you'll get 5 days to move and 5 days to in process. its totally bogus and really outdated. did i mention unrealistic? if you were an active duty stud, you'd probably be there months in advance on casual status to get settled in before training starts. if you're a guard/reserve bubba, you'll be unpacking, in processing, and getting your life in order in a handful of days before the fun begins. with that being said, good luck!

Have you brought this to the attention of your VA rep at your college and whoever handles VA stuff for students at your base? Probably the retention person in customer service. They may have more answers.