Toxic

I would surely feel more comfortable with the timeline if I was home station but I am deployed until October. I could start the majority of the things while I am out here but will not have time to get my PPL before the due date. I also don't know how long it would take to get my official AFOQT scores back and added to my package. I think you are right though. I should reassess after I re-take the AFOQT and get some flight time. Thanks for the help!

Now knowing that we will be required to apply to all crew positions, should I wait to apply until next year? I want to become an RPA pilot but have a relatively low Pilot AFOQT score (41) and no flight hours. RPA would be by #1 choice followed by pilot, ABM, CSO. With my scores being lower I feel I would more than likely get picked up for the non-piloting AFSCs. My brain wants me to apply this year, but my gut is telling me to wait so that I can increase my pilot score and get some flight hours. Additionally, I think last year if you got something you didn't want and declined, than you were ineligible to apply to the board again. Any advice would be appreciated.

I am an O applying for the AD UFT Board. The no Time On Station requirement is good news. I could put in a package this November but I would rather wait another year to increase my PCSM. I am conflicted on which board to apply to. Some people are telling me to go for it and not to spend money on my PPL for an RPA slot. On the other hand, I will have extremely good letters of recommendation but don't want to waste those on a less competitive package.

I am looking to put in a package for RPA as soon as possible. I have a few questions though. I will be PCSing in Dec-Jan time frame. Is there any retainability issues with me putting in a package. I have heard that you have to be on station for a year prior to being released for cross training. I am hopeful that by the time I put in a package and hopefully get selected, that I would have been on station for a year at my new base. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks Chaff, I will start networking with those guys.

Thanks for the info Bobert. What is the application process? Do I apply to the same boards as other rated career fields? If I just put RPA on my list, is there a chance I will get something else? When does the next package role around?

I am currently a 13M (Airfield Operations dude) with 3 years experience. I am stationed at Ellsworth and am seriously interested in becoming a RPA. I have never been in a cockpit so I don't think I would be missing anything being in GCS. If anything, it would be more hands-on than what I am doing now. I have a few questions for you guys: -Do I apply to UPT or is there a separate board for RPAs? -I know there is IFS, RIQ, and then some other schools. Where does UPT fit into this? -I have relatively low AFOQT scores. How competitive is it for RPA selection? Should I retake the AFOQT? -I have no flight hours. I know anything helps but is it necessary to be competitive? - I have led a 120+ personnel flight during my time on AD and one the OG Flight CC of the year. Does this matter at all in the selection process? Thanks for all the help guys!