Muscle2002

Attached is an AIAA article written by Bill "Evil" Gray, USAF TPS Chief Test Pilot, about the new-at-the-time selection process. It is a good read for learning more about what the test community seeks in aspiring test pilots. USAF_Test_Pilot_Selection_for_the_Next_Generation.pdf

I need to check the latest PSDM for the TPS selection board, but I am fairly confident that Engineering Management was not considered a qualifying degree.

And if you graduated with > 3.5? Whether you received a GPA above or below 3.5 is somewhat immaterial in the grand scheme of things. The question you need to ask yourself is: even if I don't get into TPS someday, will I think my time spent working on a Master's was worthwhile in its own right? If you enjoy learning and think you can devote extra time to an advanced degree, in a relevant field, then pursue one. If, on the other hand, you are merely trying to grasp the golden ring that is TPS, I would advise against such a pursuit, but I have a different philosophy. To answer your question, having a Master's will generally help your package regardless of undergraduate GPA as long as the Master's GPA is sufficiently high (above 3.25 or so) and in a relevant field.

I have not heard that and have recently hit card anniversaries on two cards plus an additional cardholder without fees being applied. About three months ago, I was reimbursed for three years of fees for a different account. This does not mean they have not changed policy, but my experience suggests that they have not reversed course.

Thanks for bringing the app back to working order. Of note, the app does not keep me logged in like it used to. It seems if I go more than 15 minutes the app logs me out. Even more odd, the app shows I’m still logged in despite behavior (i.e. nothing showing in unread; no reply capability) indicating to the contrary.

Hylete makes a limited line of workout apparel that I have found to be durable and useful for the gamut of my workouts ranging from powerlifting to sprint exercises. I would normally refrain from referring on this site, but Hylete offers 40% on all purchases to military members. Shameless referral link: https://share.hylete.com/x/LDeAx1 ETA: The above link gives 40% off for the initial purchase. To get 40% off for all purchases (50% off for 15 or more items), you need to sign up with their Service League. Much like AMEX's SCRA verification, you enter your name and email, they verify your affiliation and you are good to go.

According to the Kadena Air Base historian, none of the above is true.

My first question: what exact problem are you trying to solve? Sent from my iPad using Baseops Network Forums

You will receive a Known Traveler ID when you get a Global Entry pass. As long as you enter this number when you make your reservation, you should be good with TSA Pre-Check. Just note that not all airlines participate in TSA Pre-Check. Sent from my iPad using Baseops Network Forums

Historically, USAF TPS has been an option only for AD. I cannot access myPers right now, but I think last year's call for applications may have allowed for Reservists to apply as long as they were willing to reenter AD (or something to that effect). This year's board message is not out, but given the state of pilot manning, which mirrors the AF writ large, I doubt AFMC and TPS will entertain using slots for ANG/AFRC that could be used for AD. ETA: The above represents the current state of affairs. By the time you qualify for TPS, about eight years from now, the policy could change. If TPS is your ultimate aim, then AD provides your best bet.

I would argue that "we" do not do a great job of advertising our contributions even now. Sent from my iPad using Baseops Network Forums

Negative, OSD has to report on the actions behind and the repercussions of implementing a single-salary system by 1 Jan 18, so then Congress may deliberate. I would expect a change, if one occurs, NET the 2018 NDAA. Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network Forums

USAF TPS used to use an F-106 and the venerable Tweet, but no longer. Sent from my iPad using Baseops Network Forums

Agree, but as in all things, timing also matters. I flew with a couple of dudes who never flew in combat up until 2012, in part, because they came from AK where their squadron only did PACOM rotations. Their lack of combat time was only exacerbated by then being assigned to the FTU. Sent from my iPad using Baseops Network Forums

It would probably have some affect, but it depends on the flying community, right? From what I've heard from MAF friends, even the best pilots have slightly bloodied FEFs whereas, in the CAF, one has to try to get anything worse than a Q1 with a discrepancy or two.

Not to sidetrack: SAASS is a school for nerds, but it was probably the best year I've had in the AF. That's because of the people in my class, the faculty, the curriculum, and not least importantly, SAASS (ahem, super nerd school) provided a chance to throttle back after flying for the previous 13 years. Still a sidetrack, but related: The Dutch student in the junior class at TPS did exactly what you noted: he scoffed at the "Black Striped Region" and tried to loop in the upper-20s to low 30s. And like others have noted, apparently if you're a foreigner, or in the case you mentioned, a dude in leadership, mistakes seem to be quietly swept away from the light of public knowledge.

Seems to be true. I just learned that an old Academy squadron mate was picked up for Major on his 5 ABZ board. Sent from my iPad using Baseops Network Forums

Said every Viper pilot in history. Actually, it would be extra bullets in the F-15C. Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network Forums

The article doesn't mention the fact that the upgrades are for both C-models and E-models as they move to a common OFP. So while the author focuses on air-to-air, there are key capabilities coming with the improved hardware and software for the air-to-ground role.

Your advice is probably true for any pilot. That and learning to fly without a HUD, flight director, FPM et cetera...that is, refresh the skill of flying by looking outside.

My humor detector was Code 3...cheers.

It (Strike Eagle) doesn't fit in the mix. At least during my time in the FTU, we never had other fighter airframe washouts. I'm fairly confident ACC deems washing out of a fighter as disqualifying for any other fighter, even the two seat variant.

Count me as a satisfied repeat customer with NBKC. I recently closed after working with Dave Nichols. As with my previous experience, Dave and the bank were on-point. I received a 3.25% and $6k in lender credit. No other bank could come close after shopping around.

Looking at his bio, it would appear that he washed out of the demo upgrade. ETA: This is merely speculation

Beyond maximizing the remaining years of service before mandatory retirement, why does the USAF need to make GOs so early? If by accelerating an officer, the service necessarily truncates meaningful joint time, and that lack of joint time is a reason the USAF often loses to the other services in filling key joint GO billets, then would it not make sense to slow the timeline ever-so-slightly? Superficially, the reasoning for a pole year at 24 years reads like a tautology. The USAF needs GOs at the 24-year point because it needs GOs at the 24-year point.