I'll be leaving AD for an instructor pilot ART position later this year, and I have a line number for Major. Is it worth the effort to try and knock out ACSC before I switch over? I hope to eventually get an AGR position with the unit, so I plan on being in place for a while once I get there. Is it smarter to get it done now, or wait until later? Or is it even worth completing at all at this point? As far as career aspirations, I'm not exactly motivated by obtaining a senior leadership position, and the airlines aren't really an option (RPA).

Thanks for any feedback!

Currently wrapping up F-16 crew chief training, and I want to check the current ANG fighter hiring climate.

Age: 28 (turning 29 in January)

F-16 ANG Crew Chief: Enlisted 9/24, shipped to BMT 4/25, heading back to home unit in about 3 weeks. 

Day Job: Legacy Airline 737 FO

5600 hours

E145, E175, B777, B737 Type ratings

Warbird and formation time (Pilatus P-3, Nanchang CJ6, Yak 52, T-33 Shooting Star (type rating expected Q2 2026)

Volunteer SAR pilot, instructor, FEMA Incident Commander qualified (CAP)

Bachelor's with a 3.8 GPA

Current Scores:

P:99 CSO:99 ABM:97 ACAD:89 VERB:94 QUANT:76

PCSM:88

I've posted here regularly over the years, but unfortunately, I still haven't gotten any interviews.  Thank you to those who have answered in the past, and I apologize for being a broken record.  

I have a trip coming up, and am really excited as it is my first time out the door. However, with me still trying to fly raptors for my home squadron, It made me curious.

what are some do's and don'ts?

My supervisor who is also trying to fly raptors told me that the pilots like to take us out sometimes and I really don't want to mess anything up. Although I have built somewhat of a rapport the last couple years, I want to connect with the guys even further without hindering what I already have. I'm sure I am overthinking this, but was just wondering if any of you fighter or heavy guys could share your 2 cents.

I appreciate the help as always gents!

-vvikz

In other news, 104th recruiters say letters and call's should go out this week. Best of luck to all.

Here's my info:

Hire date: June 2009 (for fiscal year 2011)

Package submitted to guard bureau: October 2009

Brooks dates received: 16 December 2009

MFS at Brooks: 5 Jan 2010

As of now I still haven't received any dates for AMS, IFS or UPT

It's weird because I know some people are getting their dates for Brooks, AMS, IFS and UPT all in one shot and some people aren't.

I understand this would require attending RPA training and mission qual and then further training if I ever want to fly manned aircraft again.

https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2025/06/new-pay-claims-active-duty-federal-employees-possible-after-supreme-court-decision/406131/

I'm a sucker on AD and definitely not smart enough to understand court speak but seems like it might apply to some of y'all to go get some extra pay. 

"The court ruled on April 30 in its Feliciano v. Department of Transportation decision that military reservists called up to active duty during a national emergency are entitled to the difference between their military and civilian salaries regardless of whether that service was substantially connected to the emergency in question."

We’ve got 2 positions on the west coast (NorCal and Hawaii) available for a Category E IMA position (non flying) with Civil Air Patrol -USAF.  We provide congressionally mandated oversight of Civil Air Patrol and serve as liaisons between CAP and the Air Force.  Unique job, must be self-motived. All the regular readiness items (CBTs and fitness test…).  Great opportunity to make a difference with motivated CAP cadets.  
 

Pros

Very flexible, low/no threat of deployment

MPA is normally available if you want to be more involved.

O-5 promotion possible (I’m proof of that) with PME and above average participation. 

Limited paid Category B IMA slots for flying or leaderships positions.

Cons

Can’t buy Tricare or transfer the post 9-11 GI bill.

Low/no pay.  Expect 10-15 days of MPA for travel outside your local area per year.  More MPA is normally available if you want to do more.  Rest of your points are for no pay.

It’s an IMA job.  You’ll have to be able to work independently and get stuff done.  Takes about a year to get it figured out.  Works better if you live close to a base.  

Must live in NorCal or Hawaii.  Must have 3 years retainability.  No UIFs.  
 

PM me if you want to talk about it.  Thanks for reading this far.

-Ed

For any guard pilot, past or present board member, or anyone that has some gouge on this, what other things in my free-time can I do to make my application for fighter squadrons more appealing?

Thanks in advance bros!

 I was talking with a friend who brought up a valid point, at least to my untrained civilian brain, of what would happen if you are hired by a unit, specifically if you are hired by a fighter unit and you cannot mentally make the cut. Reasons such as motion sickness, not liking pulling G's, etc, what happens if someone gets into training, was hired by a fighter unit and the candidate says "I cannot do this, I am not for this job?"

I saw one current HC-130J pilot who was hired by an A-10 unit had something come up to where this was a decision he made to leave fighter training, but that is my only data point. 

-RANDOM

Age: 28

Day Job: Legacy Airline 737 FO

5600 hours 

Bachelors with a 3.8 GPA

Warbird and formation time (working in a FAST Card and T-33 type rating, expected Q2 2026)

Current Scores:

P:99 CSO:99 ABM:97 ACAD:89 VERB:94 QUANT:76

PCSM:88

Old scores for SA only

AFOQT: P99 CSO99 ABM96 ACAD70 VERB79 QUANT56

PCSM: 94

Wanted to share something that recently happened and see if anyone here has insight or perspective on whether this kind of experience is common, or if I just caught a bad break.

I applied to a squadron and was told I’m permanently disqualified. The reasons given were that I “called too much” and that I had a “bad attitude.” I’ll own the first part—I followed up more than most, but only because communication was practically nonexistent. No updates, no notifications, no visibility on where things stood. I thought I was being persistent and showing genuine interest, but maybe that didn’t land well.

The second part—that I had a bad attitude—really caught me off guard. I’ve reflected a lot on every interaction, and the only thing I can figure is that my tone or awkwardness might’ve been misinterpreted. Still, a permanent disqualification over something that vague feels pretty severe.

Not here to vent—just genuinely trying to understand: Is this typical? Has anyone else had similar experiences with other units or recruiting in general?

Appreciate any honest feedback.

Could someone please shed some light on the process of transfering ANG units. If you are sponsored by a unit but haven't attended UPT yet can you transfer units? Would you do this before UPT, while there, or after UPT? Can you transfer from the ANG to the AFR, or visa versa? I'm not in this situation but was wondering what logistics are involved.

Thank you

Any info or ideas would be really helpful. 

Background:

Legacy FO

5k+ hours (not that it matters)

Bachelors with a 3.8 GPA

AFOQT: P99 CSO99 ABM96 ACAD70 VERB79 QUANT56

PCSM: 94

apparently, scorpion (the company making this helmet) stopped by the shop recently showcasing their new design that they're wanting us to use since we are the only guard f22 base. I must say, this is a sick ass helmet.

I'm going to enlist in a fighter unit and wanted to know if there was such thing as a "best" job in regards to getting the most face time with the pilots. I've really only heard crew chief or avionics. Would it hurt someone if they enlisted and did the planning and scheduling? Want to make sure I'm getting the best job to increase my chances. Thank you!

Current UPT student set to graduate T-6s in near future. With fighter drops out of T-38 becoming few and far between for AD guys/gals, I was curious what options/if any exist to get picked up by ANG/AFRC unit.

I have seen prior postings for units listed as “UPT” and other for “Rated only.” I am curious if any ANG/AFRC units view a soon to be UPT grad as worth investment in speeding up the hiring timeline and could pseudo fill those “rated” slots because of the more aggressive timeline?

Does such a thing exist? I still have a 10 year service commitment but not sure if that could be moved to service in the guard or reserves.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks in advance for any help or insight.