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iRobot

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Posts posted by iRobot

  1. On 8/22/2019 at 9:11 AM, iRobot said:

    Figured I'd post my timeline for the Civilian to AFRC studs:

    AFOQT/TBAS: July/Aug. 2018

    Sponsored: Sept. 2018

    MEPS: Jan. 2019

    MFS/FC1: April 2019

    AFRC Sponsored Board (submitted): May 2019

    AFRC Board Results (hired/acquired): June 2019

    OTS: Jan. 2020  **Could've been Oct. 2019, but pushed I it out. 

    UPT: TBA

    Understand my timeline is kind of unique, I had a recruiter (squared away professional) who help me from out of state, so I could've been done A LOT sooner. 

    **Update** 

    AFOQT/TBAS: July/Aug. 2018

    Sponsored: Sept. 2018

    MEPS: Jan. 2019

    MFS/FC1: April 2019

    AFRC Sponsored Board (submitted): May 2019

    AFRC Board Results (hired/acquired): June 2019

    OTS: Jan. 2020  

    UPT: April 2020 - May 2021

    • Upvote 1
  2. As stated above, definitely keep that in mind, however, myself and one other guy that got hired with me were both the eldest in our group. I'm 30 myself, but age wasn't really a factor... Standing out is what can and/or will make the difference. If they like you a lot, you fit in and are not weird dude/dudette, they'll go to bat for you. 

    Good luck!

  3. On 1/7/2020 at 2:22 PM, tarheelaviator said:

    Hate to resurrect an older topic but I'm in the same boat formatting a resume for a few Reserve units.  One even requested a single page PDF resume with nothing else.  I've made plenty of these for civilian jobs and Guard boards but given we only have one page and can't include anything else not sure what's essential and what can be left off.  I'm assuming you want to fit your flying hours/quals, PCSM and AFOQT on there at minimum correct? 

    I would make the most and put as much info as you can. Focus on putting in pertinent information (obviously), like your objective, work experience, education, scores, etc. I had a place for my hobbies and skills as well. i.e. Computer hacking skills, nunchuck skills... Lastly, put a picture on your resume, helps to put a face to an application.

    Hope that helps, good luck!

    • Upvote 1
  4. On 12/9/2019 at 12:19 PM, Jetpower said:

    For the AFR folks, the UPT pipeline is currently backed up and the 340th is still trying get seats for folks who were selected early this year. I'm not sure how long it will take for the UPT pipeline to unclog but I'd highly recommend saving at least 5 months of your pay to sustain yourself and your family if you're coming off of active duty. 

    I am slated to EAS in late Jan 2020 and got a tentative UPT date of 23 June. However, nothing is official until I in process with the 340th and receive the orders. :banghead:  

    So how does that work?

    Do folks just get released from training/duty (go back to their respective workplace(s)) until it's time to return or will they go to their sponsoring unit, even though they aren't technically gained until after UPT graduation? Also, as a reservist, will there still be a requirement to do my weekend drills during that timeframe, if so, with whom? (340th or Sponsoring Unit)

  5. To tac on to what the others mentioned...

    I was already sponsored by a heavy unit, but my situation was a little unique. I had wanted to be a fighter pilot since I was a teenager, but things didn't work out, so I (very graciously) took what I had available to me until another opportunity came up (long story).

    As for what you said, it's not an absolute bust if you "wouldn't mind flying a Herc or C-17"; as a super nerd, I'd be down to fly a Space Shuttle if I had the chance, especially if it had the GAU-8/A Avenger :M16a2: 

    If you do say what @N730 stated along the lines of, "I've always wanted to fly the Herk since I was a wee little lad", then maybe your interviewers would think you're heart isn't completely in their fighter/attack mission.

    The folks at your interview will snuff you out if you're not genuine; that's the most important factor I'd say. Be yourself and evaluate why you want to be a fighter or attack pilot and what mission speaks to your identity/calling/(insert whatever here). Just as importantly, you're not just hiring for the position, you're hiring into the unit/family.

    Unit cohesion is key and "fitting in" with the right unit plays just as importantly a role as having the fighter pilot aptitude. Remember, they are hiring someone for at minimum 12 years... they're gonna want to be able to put up with you for the long haul.

    As for your packet, it looks way better than mine did, but I count my blessings cause I have a great network of friends/family who have helped and supported me through this process, especially in tailoring/reviewing my packet.

    Now, for your B/B+ GPA, I was in the same boat, and frankly, my unit didn't ask about it (Electrical Eng. - 3.1 GPA); so I think you'll be fine.

    As what others have said, throw that packet out there, compete and be yourself., you should do just fine. All the best! 🤙

  6. On 10/17/2019 at 3:14 PM, Nino said:

    Hi all, positive news here. However I was discouraged today from the Ang recruiter saying  that he has never seen any age waivers go through for the fighter squadron I was interested in applying. I am 31 and am prior enlisted aviation, avionics technician and flight mechanic on Coast Guard helicopters. He also said the squadrons don’t bother with anyone who don’t have their private pilots license. Although it seems that I have seen a lot of success stories with people getting age waivers here, but I haven’t been able to seem to find any units that will acknowledge that this is a possibility. So I should I just apply anyways, or keep applying at other units until one takes me? Please share your guys’ approach.

    Age cut-off is 33, you don't need an age waiver so you're solid. As for what the others have said above... Let the board tell you "no", so throw you're app at anyone and everyone that you wanna fly with/for.

  7. 1 hour ago, Pizza_Toast said:

    Hey iRobot,

    Thanks for replying. I'm not joining AF-ROTC for the scholarship, I'm joining to become an officer. But because I cant get a scholarship through AF-ROTC I  drcided to join ARNG to get help with paying for college.

    I was also told that I can use ARNG TA as soon as I swear in and that I do not have to wait to reach 5 level in my AFSC to go to college.

    I want to avoid DoDmerb so 422/IMR would help me do that.

    Understood you want to be an Officer, however, your initial post gave the impression you were concerned with having college paid for, not necessarily a medically focused question. 

    As for "being told" vs. what is stated on the CA National Guard webpage, I'd opt to go with what's in writing. By the way, nothing I've researched states you need to be a 5-level AFSC to go to college; the webpage specifically states: "Be an active member who has served two (2) years in the California National Guard, the State Military Reserve, or the Naval Militia;"

    Lastly, 

    55 minutes ago, Pizza_Toast said:

    Yes but meps doesnt reject you because you were misdiagnosed with something you never had.

    It seems you've done your homework, so roll the dice on MEPS then. As for 422/IMR, I believe it is for current military members who are scheduled for a medical readiness review. [https://www.sheppard.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/639304/individual-medical-readiness/]

    So unless you are already in the armed forces via ROTC Graduate or Enlisted AirNG, then I don't know how you'd bypass the DoDMERB. Maybe someone else can chime in...

    Now, if you have a question regarding medical disqualification and how to receive a waiver, it may be best answered in the appropriate forum(s).

  8. Just out of curiosity but why pursue both at the same time? If you are hoping to get the medical waiver and then go for the AFROTC scholarship, then wouldn't the age requirement (without a waiver) still prohibit you? From my limited knowledge and internet searching, the cut-off is commissioned by the end of the year of your 31st birthday, should you go the "enlisted route". [https://www.afrotc.com/what-it-takes/enlisted/]. 

    As for California AirNG, they have the California National Guard Education Assistance Award Program (CNG EAAP), which states you must have been an active member for at least two (2) years, [https://nationalguard.csac.ca.gov/]; a program similar to Tuition Assistance in the AF Reserves [https://www.afreserve.com/benefits]. Might be beneficial to look into both options quite frankly, however, expect to take some time off in your studies when you enlist (Basic, Tech School, two (2) year minimum active service, etc.). 

    Lastly, depending on your major, you may be eligible for a scholarship regardless of age - for instance Pre-med, Nursing, etc. - through the HPSP program. 

    Hope this information helps.

  9. 2 hours ago, VFRDirect said:

    What everyone above said is correct... your "free time" is about to get nuked.  Its not as bad as it sounds... but you will be rather focused on other things for the next few years.  That's okay... its still a (mostly) kick ass time.

    Having said that... working out to recover from stress is absolutely vital.  I have never been a Ninja Turtle, but being part of a gym and working out will help you maintain balance.  This is coming from both a former UPT student and a UPT IP and FLT/CC.  Assuming your FLT aren't a bunch of numskulls... you may be able to "lobby" for gym time after the first portions of T-6s.  If that sounds like a good idea... make sure people know their boldface.  Like... perfect.  Also... don't do dumb things, show up on time, yadda yadda.

     

    TL;DR... heavy/high time commitment stuff is not very conducive during UPT.  At the same time, some type of working out will most likely help you out tons.

     

    edit:  To answer your question... Laughlin had nothing outside of a local "Tae Kwan Do" gym when I was there... but that was 7 years ago.  They did have crossfit when it was "the thing"... but I am not sure that is exactly what you are after.  Probably same for the other bases... try google.

    Figured as much. Mentor of mine did say that I should learn to balance some "me time" (gym, reading, nose picking) from time-to-time. I've looked around and seen a few Jiu-Jitsu academies, but I am definitely more curious if there was any community involved much on base, especially with regards to some "uncharted" places like Laughlin 😏 


    Who knows, maybe in my free-time I can teach some of my classmates how to choke people out in case the Bar-Hop Op goes south...

  10. 5 hours ago, Yeeyee said:

    For the 176th FS (WIANG), are you all going to make that video that is optional? Just wondering if people will do it.

    You absolutely should, and don't forget to post a link here for us to watch and give feedback 😉 

    In all seriousness, I highly recommend it because it's a chance for the hiring board to put a face and personality to an application.

    • Upvote 1
  11. Pretty good scores, but I wouldn't say stellar (namely AFOQT); heavies are definitely within reach, but fighters might be pushing it. Depending on your choice of airframe, I wouldn't worry too much about retaking anything unless you want pointy, fast ones. PCSM, GPA and your FC1 (definitely helps to have) are all great, my PCSM was 95 max but I, at the very least, brought it up to an 80 with completion of my PPL (something I'd recommend you knock out). Your AFOQT scores are decent, but 90's are going to make you stand out for sure (at least on paper). Like most folks have said, rush units, cast a wide net and build a solid packet (Cover Letter, Resume - highlighting how awesome you are, and solid Letters of Rec.). Otherwise, I think you'll be fine. Good luck!

    • Like 1
  12. 2 hours ago, Nova1976 said:

    Eagle,

    My other scores are average (I have been told that its not worth retaking to risk giving up the 97 pilot). I'm not against branching out but my hometown unit is my obvious first choice. Is there a better enlisted route that would get more pilot exposure? Like flight equipment or Intel? If not, I will just plan on attending as many UTAs as possible. They hold a board every 2 years and the last board was this summer so I was assuming I had enough time to enlist and get back from tech school by the time the next board rolls around.   

    If you've got a hard on for going in now and enlisting, then go for it. As for better jobs to get exposure to meet pilots I wouldn't know for sure (Intel could be a good one). But dude, you've got nothing but time, something I (and some others dudes) didn't have. Eventually I got picked up and although it's not in my local area, I couldn't be happier than with the dudes who hired me, it's a glove-like fit and really a God send. Get out there and meet other squadrons, you may be surprised to find yourself fitting in with an entirely different airframe/mission than your hometown unit. Just my two pennies.

  13. What @EvilEagle said is spot on. I only know of two former crew chief's getting picked up (from the few squadrons I've rushed and visited). Would suck to enlist and think you're going to have so much time with the pilots when you've got other duties to take care of, and you may not even have the "right personality" for the squadron you're attached to - not saying this is always the case. Like everyone else has said, don't put all your eggs in one basket.. Cast a wide net and apply EVERYWHERE; the Guard/Reserve is literally the best kept secret, and since you're 22 years old, you've got plenty of time to gain valuable experience i.e. job experience, soft skills, etc..

    • Like 1
  14. A few questions:

    Are you looking at applying for Active Duty (AD) or Guard/Reserve? Also, what's your maximum PCSM score (+201 hours). Lastly, does airframe matter? (Fighter/Heavy)

    With that being said, you shouldn't have a problem getting a slot - you're scores are good in some areas, but can be worked on in others. Your GPA is low and verbal is low, but I didn't have stellar scores either (in the verbal section, at least). In the meantime just get applications made up (Resume, Cover letter, Letter's of Recommendation, etc.) and apply to various units. Best bet, if you haven't already, check out BogiDope.com and see the job listings and start applying/rushing the various units you wish to apply to.

    If you have any other specific questions, browse the forums and ask around, this place is a gold mine - use the search function. Good luck!

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