cagg011

It doesn't sound like there's an acuity standard anymore, as long as the refractive error standards are met (page 9 in the link, toward the bottom). Also, I think the standard waiting period for PRK/LASIK has been reduced to 6 months. Not a doctor, though. Gig 'em and good luck!

I'm from the tiny town where Air Tractor is based. The impact it would have on the community would be huge, if it were selected.

The search function is your friend:

Klamath definitely hires off the street, so don't feel like you have to enlist to have a shot. Both in 2015 and 2016 a civilian was hired. However, if you're dead set on joining only that particular unit, it may not be harmful since you're only 23. In my opinion, you should also do research on other units, because you may find missions you like even better than purely instructing. Keep in mind you will do upgrades and have the potential to be an IP any place you go (albeit not teaching someone how to initially fly the F-15 - more so for the mission side of things).

After retaking the AFOQT, you'll need to also take the TBAS to gain your PCSM score. I called up a ROTC program at a nearby university to set it up through them. For Guard, you'll follow the instructions for what the unit wants included in the application package and ship/email it directly to them without the help of a recruiter. My advice would be to scatter-shoot applications and take as many interviews as possible, since you don't have a lot of time to be very picky with locations and airframes. Guard does not do unsponsored boards. If you have the time and means, make sure to finish your PPL, since most folks I had met on the interview circuit have this in common with one another. I haven't been through the Reserves process, but I do know you work with a Reserves recruiter for unsponsored boards. I believe for the sponsored route, you meet a board after getting sponsored by a unit, and from there you'll find out if you're a "select" or not. Hopefully someone can chime in that has experience on the Reserves side.

For those that haven't already submitted, the 148th FW must have application packages received NLT 30 June. Interviews will be held in the July time frame. http://www.148fw.ang.af.mil/About-Us/Careers/

Yes, it is personal but it started with a SG waiver. I'd prefer not to discuss the entire situation in a public setting. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

While my situation is probably going to be far different than most, I was picked up by a fighter unit in October 2015, ran into some hurdles, reapplied to a different fighter unit, and interviewed/was hired by them in August 2016. Overall, I applied to 8 fighter units and interviewed at 6 of those. First and foremost, if there's ever a meet-and-greet or cookout hosted by the unit, go to it. I cannot stress enough how important it is to show face and prove you want to be there, much less make sure you're a good fit with the unit. Obviously, this will also let the folks in the unit see what kind of person you are outside of a "rehearsed" interview. I made an effort to talk to every pilot there during the meet-and-greets, but I never once tried to blow smoke up their butts - they will see right through it. I genuinely wanted to know how they got to where they were and any advice they might have for training. In the end, it's all about being a good and genuine dude/chick that can prove they can get the job done. PM me if you have any specific questions or want further details on anything in particular.

Bringing this back from the dead. In my last post, I was evidently given bad information, as I found out today that I was able to obtain an approved SG waiver for mild chondomalacia! Although, it did take a lot of work and persistence, but what seemed to work was having a very supportive and patient unit and also a second opinion on hand from another orthopedic surgeon saying everything was clear.

When I was rushing, a couple of my letters were from an old boss and my flight instructor that got me my ratings. I tried to make that aspect show I was a well-rounded person aside from opinions of someone in the military (which I had, also).

Just got word back that a history of chondromalacia, no matter how many years ago it was, is considered a non-waiverable condition military-wide, not just Air Force or Air Guard. Thus, NGB/SG did not approve my waiver.

Prepare to hurry up and wait... And wait some more. In all seriousness, check out airforceots.com. They have pretty good information on there.

That's great to know, thank you! The surgery was recommended since I was going into my senior year of high school with a full schedule of sports ahead and because there was already a decent amount of grinding due to the frayed cartilage. I originally went to a PT who thought there wasn't much he could do (I don't think he knew what was going on), so he referred me to my surgeon. I did an MRI and the decision was made after the results came back to do the surgery. All of my ligaments were noted to be intact during arthroscopy, and it was specified in my medical file as so. Ha, you were dead on with the pointless surgeon note, and that was my suspicion that it wasn't sufficient enough when I got him to write it a few months ago. I will be sure to have him write something similar to what you posted.

I've been told I need to get the SG to sign off on a knee scope I had almost 10 years ago for mild chondromalacia of the patella before I can go to MEPS. Does anyone know why this is a big deal? The only thing I can think of is my medical file is missing a sheet with post-surgery/therapy evaluation. I have an appointment with my doctor slated for next week to take care of that, but any advice on what is needed to get the SG to sign off on it would really be appreciated.

Every FW I interviewed with (except for the 177th), it seemed it was in your best interest to do so. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I was recently selected by a guard unit, and much of my success came from this thread alone. So, I thought I would return the favor. The board was made up of 5 pilots, ranging from Captain to Lt Col. The most important thing for them was how well we would fit in with their squadron, since our backgrounds/resumes were all outstanding and could get us to pilot training alone. Below are the interview questions: Tell us about yourself.Name these aircraft (15 or so, ranging from heavies to foreign fighters).Favorite movie?Why the interest in becoming a military aviator, other than it's a cool career?What are the challenges of becoming an F-16 pilot, and how will you handle them?Explain what you do for your civilian job (I am not in the aviation industry).What would you do for a living after seasoning?Favorite drink?Do you own any guns?Did you play any sports growing up? What was your favorite?When was the last time you flew? What did you do?Are you aware you will deploy?Are you aware you may be tasked with gunning down an airliner and killing civilians?When was a time your judgement was questioned?Tell us about our mission/what we do.Any questions or concerns for us?

I did. I haven't heard anything though. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I took the test a year ago and am just now starting the application process. Having some flying experience may help a little, but if you study hard enough, then it shouldn't be much of a factor. The TBAS, on the other hand, would be better to hold off until you get a little bit of flight time (again, not necessary though). Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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