[Chances of Airborne School]

I hear the window at the academy is pretty small. I know of at least 3 at our det that got selected. First one almost got DQ'd for missing the window on his second jump. Second one got DQd before he even got there for being allergic to peanuts. Third one got sent back home after one (or two) jump(s) because he missed the window I think. Probably not as easy as most think...

[ROTC: Two/three vs four year program]

I did the 4 year route, but know a few that did the 2 year program.

FT isn't a problem, as you will be taught in a 6 week program where they will try to get you up to speed.

As far as jumping right into a POC position, the wingstaff should put you in a position where you will be able to learn the ropes and still show your worth. Don't worry if you don't know anything about your job, you should have someone helping you or a binder telling you what and how to do your job.

From what I have seen, the 2 year cadets often do a better job then most and care about ROTC more b/c they are on their first year, whereas other cadets are on their 3rd, and are in some stage of burnout.

Good luck.

[Chances of Airborne School]

A guy at my det got accepted into the AAT program, but was jipped out of it once he got there.

Rumor has it the army had way more people slated for the program than they could accomodate. The army guys there pulled some shady stuff and ended up getting the cadet DQd from the program saying he failed the PFT when he hadn't, and was subsequently sent home.

He was in good shape, and a high speed cadet (he did get picked up for AAT) so I find it hard to believe he didn't meet the fitness requirements when he got there, but who knows.

Anyone else hear of this happening?

Illini52 you might have to verify my story, at least thats the version I remember...

[USAA]

the loan in question is actually something that came out within the past few weeks. Had some USAA guys come to our det and handed it out to a ton of guys. He made it quite clear it was unsecured, and if I wanted to (and he strongly discouraged) I could take it to vegas and gamble it away...

Prior to that though, it was 20k secured, 5k unsecured...combined for those who took the 25k loan.

I don't think it's on the website as they said it was relatively new, but would be probably within a few weeks...

[EWO Questions]

is it possible to go from EWO or NAV to WSO? If so, how difficult? By the sounds of the whole CSO thing, it might go that direction, but there is still so little information compared to the pilot stuff out there. Any info would be appreciated.

[USAFA (Academy) or ROTC]

The saying I always heard was something like "at the academy, they discipline you, in ROTC, you discipline yourself"

Different strokes for different folks...

personally I would just smile and nod...with an attitude like that someone will eventually straighten him out...

[Pets in the military (dogs, cats)]

Hello,

I did a search for pet information while in the military, and it pretty much came up dry for what I'm looking for.

I was wondering how easy it is to have a pet while in the military, especially within the flying community. I am pretty much looking for any advice, as to when would be best in your career to deal with a new pet, how easy it is to PCS/TDY with pets, etc. Anything would be helpful.

Also, please share what(if any) type of pet you have, and how well it works out for you, and any problems you have run into while on active duty.

I am really wanting to buy a puppy right now, but don't want to regret it a few months from now when it becomes a headache...thanks in advance!

[Does your degree/major matter?]

You don't fix a problem for the long term by jamming the schools full of comm officers, it should be a gradual process. The military is based around quick fixes...there are too many people in charge who want things fixed now...and those who are "fixing" it are the ones wanting it to be on their OPR. Its a cycle of over-reaction to problems. Thats why we are overmanned right now, and in 3 years we will be throwing money at people to come into the AF, and 4 years after that we will be kicking them out by the handfull again.

[Does your degree/major matter?]

Physics major, asked for space and missiles, got communications. Aero engineer, asked for engineering aquisitions, got communications. I realize the needs of the air force are #1, but why keep whining about an engineering shortage when you just assign them to other career fields? Plus rumor has it that they are overpacked with Comm assigned cadets, and are looking to switch their AFSC. I realize the AF might have needed comm officers, but I just find it hard to believe that they ran out of majors that would apply to Comms a lot more than physics and aero engineering.

[Does your degree/major matter?]

Originally posted by Sebastian:

]Out of the ones that did get comm only 1 had it on their list at all.

I don't know if this is the way it goes, or even if it applies to the cadets at your det, but rumor has it that only the top 50% of cadets in ROTC actually have someone at AFROTC HQ look at their papers and assign them a job. The bottom 50% basically fill in the holes.

Have seen a lot of horribly assigned AFSCs in only my 4 years of ROTC. Wouldn't suprise me.

Sometimes the good cadets get pushed to the bottom though, b/c they don't want to be pilot/nav...and sometimes rankings will be altered to help those trying to categorize, while hurting others. Who knows...

[Info on OTS (Officer Training School)]

Originally posted by Merqutio:

Thanks for the info everyone, I had one last question. How often do ROTC cadets get either their 1st or 2nd choice as far as careers are concerned? Is it rare to get your 1st or second choice? Also, do you get to specify what you want to do, like airlift pilot? I read that they have a new CSO career choice for Navs. Does this mean there are no longer any Nav specialties, and you just learn to do a little bit of everything?

Typically it all depends on the cadet's merits, and the PAS. If you are a good cadet, and you are really interested in ### career field, then typically the PAS can work things out to where you can get it. Although, I have seen good cadets get passed up for AFSCs because their majors were more attractive to the critically manned career fields.

You need to be selected Pilot/Nav before you get selected to go to different tracks to specific jets and such. One hurdle after another really...the first is getting selected for initial training.

[Info on OTS (Officer Training School)]

Originally posted by Merqutio:

Can someone please point out the pros and cons of each commision method? I will be a graduate student soon, and the school I will be attending offers a two year ROTC program. Has anyone been through the two-year ROTC program? Is it basically the same at the 4-year ROTC program, but with a faster pace? I heard it is easier to get a pilot or nav slot via ROTC than OTS, is this true? How hard is it to get a pilot or nav slot through ROTC? Do you need a PPL for a pilot spot if you are going through ROTC?

You will probably be at a disadvantage though. If you were to join a 2 year program, you would be categorized within a year of entering the program. You would really need to work hard to get your scores up, mainly the commanders rating. It's not impossible though, seen it happen.

One time a cadet joined the two year program, but talked to the det early...the cadre pushed him through a 1 week crash course on AFROTC and somehow he got bumped into a 6 week FT slot the summer before he even started ROTC. He ended up graduating DG. Didn't go pilot route, didn't want to...but he did get AFIT right out of ROTC which isn't easy so i hear. Don't get your hopes up though, with the way they are screening people before getting FT slots, I doubt they will do this any more. Talk to the det though, who knows.

This past categorization there was a pretty high percentage of people who wanted rated get it. Our det we had like 13/14 people get pilot nav that wanted it. It was a good year for ROTC, and I think I read somewhere that ROTC was getting more NAV slots for the next few years, thanks to the academy.

IMO go ROTC, enjoy yourself. If you want it bad enough, you should get it. If you don't end up getting one, you can always try after going active.

In reference to c17wannabe: I was always told ROTC was the easiest way, even above academy...mainly because while they get more slots, typically more (% wise) want pilot slots...and then you add on the large cadet body, which I assume would affect commanders rating. Who knows though, just heresay. Any thoughts?

[Car loans and interest rates]

Originally posted by guard/reserve hopefull:

I’m probably getting ready to buy a new or used car. Is there any extra benefit to being in the military when I go check out loans? Such as: better availability of interest rates or just a company I should check out (beyond the dealers finance department) for getting a loan?

Since we are on the subject, does anyone have an opinion on buying now verses buying in 1.5 years from now? Just wondering if everyone is under the opinion that the interest rates might be a bit higher by the middle of next year.

Thanks!

USAA is the greatest. You can do anything and everything from their site. Lots of benefits to take advantage of...check it out though, you won't regret it!

(I know I sound like a salesman now)