Q & A Forum Latest Topics

AFIT as Rated

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 19:56:42 +0000

Do rated officers typically have the chance to attend AFIT with having to maintain ratings and proficiency?

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U-2 Pipeline

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 21:47:42 +0000

Are people still going through the U-2 pipeline, I want to know how feasible it is to pursue this or should I wait on if they have a replacement or pursue another airframe similar to it?

UPT Graduation Events

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 16:00:10 +0000

I'm just curious...

When I went to UPT, we did a winging ceremony on Friday in the base theater with family, and a mess dress dinner at the Club. It was a large time.

I've heard that has changed quite a bit.

What is being done now for UPT graduation? And how did it look 2 years ago before the Wu-Flu changed things?

Laughlin UPT

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 19:40:02 +0000

Howdy folks, I just graduated from school and I'm on my way to Laughlin to Await Pilot Training (APT) pending an IFT/UPT class date. I'd sincerely appreciate any and all wisdom y'all have on PCSing, inprocessing at a new base - especially Laughlin/UPT, the IFT/UPT pipeline itself, etc. Thanks a bunch!

- Ike

Post Career Options

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 02:42:36 +0000

I tried searching the threads for this but is it possible to become an engineer after flying? For those who have followed this path what is some advice you can offer?

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AFR to AD UPT? Is it Possible?

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 20:00:10 +0000

Here's my situation: I'm currently ineligible to apply to AD UPT because I was previously an officer in a different branch and still hold a commission in the IRR. However, I have spoken with an AFR officer recruiter and have confirmed it would be possible for me to execute an inter service transfer to the AFR. Does anyone know if it would be possible for me to apply to AD UPT as an AFR officer? Another thing to consider is I would incur a 3 year obligation in the AFR and would need an approved conditional release to apply for AD UPT. The recruiter said these are almost always approved but I am naturally skeptical. Appreciate any insight others may have.

EDIT: Just had an AD recruiter tell me this would require an IST. The AFPC website that describes ISTs says it's a program that allows "currently commissioned officers from other uniformed services to apply for transfer." Is the AFR really considered a different uniformed service than the ADAF for the purposes of an IST? I'm skeptical.

Does being a non-rated AD AF O make it harder to get a guard/reserve pilot slot?

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 16:18:29 +0000

AD AF non-rated LT looking at possibly applying for a guard/reserve pilot slot down the road. I would've thought that being an O already would be a benefit, since you wouldn't have to go to OTS and could go to UPT and subsequently be back at the squadron flying quicker than off the street hires, but in talking with some other folks it sounds like this may be the opposite? Any folks who have sat/currently sit on hiring boards have any insight? I wouldn't let this dissuade me if I decide this is a path I want to pursue, but I am curious on yall's thoughts.

Possible pathways to B-21?

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 20:57:28 +0000

This is a total spitball question just because I’m curious, but what hypothetical pathways exist to eventually get in a B-21? Current B-2 pilots? B-52 WSO’s? I have no idea and I don’t know if anyone on here does, just thought I’d throw it out there.

Re-Class from Rated to Non-Rated

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:18:40 +0000

I am currently attending one of the flying trainings but unfortunately do not see myself being able to to finish. I have one more assessment and if I fail I completely wash out of the training. I have a couple questions about what the reclass process looks like.

Background: I am a 1st Lt that started his career in acquisitions. To be completely clear I do not want to go back. I would much rather gain experience leading airman and the 63A career field just doesn't provide that because it is very civilian heavy. I saw the list of "air force needs" and I feel like I would THRIVE in Security Force, Force Support, Logistics or Finance.

My questions are:

1. Will I be forced back into the 63A (previous AFSC) career field if I wash out of flying training or would I go through the normal re-class process?

2. Because of my grad degree I do meet all of the qualifications for a specialty career (41A-

Healthcare Administrator). Is this a possibility?

3. Is overall retention even on the table? I have been told that it is not from a couple others but want to put it out to the masses and see what is said?

Thanks for any help!

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T-1 Sim only UPT

Tue, 02 May 2023 13:00:33 +0000

Is there still a T-1 sim only (no t-6 phase) UPT syllabus? if there is, is it only for high civilian time pilots?

Been to a lot of air force training programs, a short UPT would be nice

I will be going reserve heavies if that helps.

C-130 Flight Engineer tech school

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 00:33:49 +0000

Currently waiting on tech school dates to become a c-130 FE. Any prior or current FEs wanna give me some advice? What should I expect and really focus on? How long is the tech school? Thanks.

AD RPA to Reserves UPT, will I keep my flight pay?

Thu, 04 May 2023 19:30:35 +0000

Going reserves from AD, wondering if I will keep my fly pay when i transition from RPA to manned? currently getting 700 bones a month, so hoping I wont lose it...

Navy or ANG

Sat, 11 Mar 2023 08:01:37 +0000

Good afternoon aviators. apologies in advance if this is a dumb question, but I am looking for some Navy and ANG pilots to shed some light on this topic.

I am a senior in high school, and am stuck choosing between which branch I want to create a career in. Like every other person in this site, I want to pursue jets. I love the Navy's mission and I was inspired by the Blues at a young age. It would be a dream to inspire others like I was. But acquiring jets in the Navy is like "dark magic" such as where your placed for primary, your NSS, or how ever many slots are open in your squadron when you select that week, etc. (Needs of the navy). I dont know much about the national guard, but Ive heard rumors of choosing what you fly before going to flight school, and horror stories that ANG fighter pilots only fly a few days out of the month. My mother is also a flight attendant for Hawaiian Airlines and told me about a pilot who thought flying commercial was boring and became a fighter pilot for the guard. made it sound so easy. Here's the dumb questions...

Being a (HS) senior I would like to know where I should go if id like to fly jets before committing to a branch such as NROTC in college? (which ive already applied to). I spent a lot of time engrossed in Navy and was wondering if I chose to pursue becoming a NA--but with luck of the draw I didnt pick up tail-hook in primary--and got my second choice--after I serve till the end of my contract in the Navy not flying jets--would I be able to transfer to the national guard and try for jets and go to flight school again? apologies for not knowing much about ANG, but I do plan on reading all forums to learn more.

My favorite T-shirts

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 20:16:57 +0000

Ya authorized a stupid question..so here's one.......I was trying to get some storage under control and found some truly classic crew dog T-shirts One from the FIRE EMPIRE ...one form GEORGE the CROOKS (Pria) and one from THE GREAT ALASKA BUSH COMPANY where we took our class trip...supervised with at least two full birds of course.....ANYBODY got a truly classic T-shirt they want to mention?

Buying a PIT PAD/IFF/TDY Crash Pad

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 17:49:56 +0000

I am interested in buying a house for the purpose of being a crash pad at either Randolph or Sheppard. Does anyone here have experience with this? I had a few questions if anyone is willing to DM.

Best,

Mighty

Mil Comp after SUPT 2.5

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 02:12:52 +0000

Looking for any 2.5ers who have 'graduated' and/or finished phase 3 and hit up the FAA for those Commercial/Instrument tickets. Any issues with the FSDO not liking the new syllabus/documentation? Trying to stick you with a ASEL instead of AMEL? Good gouge on what exactly to bring with (aside from the written test cert)? Thanks all.

Scheduling TBAS between Active Duty and Guard/Reserve

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 00:59:25 +0000

Hi,

I'm applying for both active duty and guard/reserve (OTS and hopefully UPT) to maximize my chances of a pilot slot. But I'm a little confused on how it works when taking on both routes at once. It's important to note that I'll be 32 years old in September so I'm really trying to get a lot done at once.

I took the AFOQT through active duty (99 pilot) . My recruiter scheduled it for me at a MEPS station. Now I'm ready for the TBAS. And the Medical.

He can schedule the TBAS for me, at the earliest, for mid July. He told me that I'm kind of "locked" to the MEPS station I took the AFOQT at and he wouldn't be able to relocate me to another one without a lot of "red tape". The next active duty rated board is in September.

I'm close to finishing up my guard/reserve package with LORs and everything else (PPL check ride in a couple of weeks). Just waiting on the PCSM score because of the TBAS and flight hours (my recruiter told me he'll add them later).

The issue really is that I want to take the TBAS earlier at a different location. A lot of the guard units I want have UPT package submission deadlines between mid to end of July and I'd really like to have my PCSM before that.

My question is:

Should I tell my active duty recruiter about this? That I'm applying for guard/reserve as well and would like to have my MEPS / TBAS at a different location if it can be done earlier?

Or should I just ask individual guard unit recruiters about that?

And if I did somehow manage to take the TBAS through a guard unit or AFROTC detachment, will that automatically be combined with my AFOQT and flight hours on my active duty profile? In other words, is there a central database of PCSM scores and Medical Screening that is shared among active duty and guard/reserve?

Sim Instructor San Antonio

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 13:46:52 +0000

Looking for some info on being a sim instructor in San Antonio. T-6 or T-38, typical schedule, compensation etc. Thanks in advance.

IFE help from an American crew

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 09:17:55 +0000

Long story short our crew just experienced a land as soon as possible IFE crossing the ocean recently and had to turn off all radios but one and received help from an American crew on 123.45 to pass position reports to Santa Maria until we were in VHF range of Lajes. I just wanted to know if someone can get me contact information to reach out to American to thank that crew for the help. Anything is appreciated. Thanks

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On base vs. off base at UPT

Sat, 15 May 2021 18:44:27 +0000

Is living off base a significant disadvantage during UPT? At my UPT base, housing is in short supply both on base and off base. I'm considering renting an apartment around 19 minutes off base for the months that I'll be on casual and at IFT while on the waitlist for something roughly 9-10 minutes off base and moving into that closer housing before or just after I begin UPT.

I'd prefer to be off base so my girlfriend can come down and join me for at least part of the time I'm in UPT, but want to get a read on what people who have been through UPT think of living off base.

Other Branches Enlisted to Guard/Reserve UPT

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 17:44:47 +0000

Just to make this short, some ADHD/mild depression stuff is in the Air Force system for me due to a rule change, so I'm looking at enlisting in other branches just so I won't have to risk it with waivers. The question is, when I get my bachelor's and PPL and start rushing squadrons in a few years, how would being enlisted in an Army Guard or Navy Reserve unit affect my chances with fighter squadron UPT boards as compared to someone who was already enlisted in another fighter squadron or even that same fighter squadron? I have a lot of respect for helo people, but flying fighters has always been my dream. Thank you in advance to anyone who can provide some advice or insight into this.

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What is the actual formula DFAS uses to calculate gross retired pay? SOLVED!

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 15:05:56 +0000

I understand High-3 is the average of the highest 36 months of base pay.

Turns out replicating that calculation to match DFAS turned out giving me more headache than anticipated.

First, I grabbed base pay amounts from the DFAS tables that covered my last 36 months of service: '18, '19, '20, '21.

Then, I created a spreadsheet that calculates retired pay as follows:

From Date: Date I started receiving a certain base pay

To Date: Date that base pay ended (i.e. new calendar year w/NDAA-directed raise).
# Days = From - To.
- [Excel will calculate 10 Sep - 1 Sep as 9 days. Does DFAS include the last day, making it 10?]
Time factor = # Days / 365.
- [Does DFAS use 360 days in a year? Or do they use a 31 day month? Leap years?]
Total = Base pay * time factor

I made a row using the above columns for each change in base pay.

Then, I summed all the totals, divided by 3 years, and multiplied by the retired percentage.

Does DFAS prorate per month / year for the 2.5? For instance, 20 years and 3 months would be 50.25%? How about extra days?

My calculation ended up close, but not exactly as DFAS calculated.

I called DFAS and they are going to send me some paperwork on the calculation, but if there's anyone who already figured out what the actual formula is, I'd be grateful.

Otherwise, I'll update once DFAS gives me some insights.

EDIT to add: Chida's reference helped me fix the issue.

Looks as though DFAS only counts whole months vice days, except in months when you have a pay change, then they go by the day. However, all months must total 30 days. Once you've found your pay base (rounded to the cent) then you apply the retirement multiplier and round down to the nearest dollar. I'm sure the government saves millions a year using this method as all those pennies no doubt would add up.

Thanks again Chida.

AF Form 24

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 06:30:49 +0000

So on Form 24 and the AFOQT section, the category breakdown is Pilot, Nav tech, AA, verbal, Quantitative.

However my AFOQT scores from the website has different categories, it's Pilot, CSO, ABM, AA, verbal, Quantitative. My question is what do I put for Nav Tech on my AF Form 24?

Is it Wrong that I Only Want to Apply to Certain Regions of the Country?

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 17:41:27 +0000

Usually when it comes to applying to guard units, the common advice given is "cast a wide net." This is fine and I understand it. However, I'm very interested in a few regions of the country such as the Northeast, Great Lakes and mountain states. I've been only applying to units in those areas. I have hobbies I love doing and want to continue to do such as playing hockey and snowboarding. I also enjoy having four seasons and I look forward to winter. I've been hoping that maybe having certain hobbies that pilots in those units will too and it shows I can bond or click with them. It seems a lot of groups I am part of, people just apply everywhere and flat out say they don't care where they live but they don't seem to have many interests outside of flying or the military. But to me, location does matter a lot. I'm happy with either heavy or fighters (I actually have a preference for heavies). I'm also biracial and did live in the south for a few years when I was younger and had a few bad experiences, which still bother me.

GA ANG SCORE Officer Selection Board

Fri, 21 May 2021 19:50:45 +0000

GA ANG as a whole has officer boards that cover rated positions with the SCORE (Streamlined Commissioning Officer Recruiting Effort). Does that mean that the 158th and 116th wont have their own separate boards anymore?

Anybody have any updates with the summer rated board? Other than it was delayed. The SCORE process is supposed to be like active duty right? Where they see who's best for what position and you ultimately dont get to decide pilot or nav or what unit?