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iRobot

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Posts posted by iRobot

  1. 4 minutes ago, FDNYOldGuy said:

    YMMV, but that was the gist for our batch. Only a few folks that had already been to SERE or had a PPL and didn't have to go to IFT started right up with UPT after OTS. Their goal seems to be to keep training rolling over paying us to sit in a casual job, so they'll fit in what training they can.

    Good to know. I was curious about IFT and if it had become mandatory regardless if one held a PPL (seems requirements change back and forth). As for times between schools, a couple of buddies of mine said the same. Thanks!

  2. Thought I'd recap and follow up with everyone. I've been super fortunate to have met some awesome people who have contributed to my success while I continued to pursue my passion for flying fighters. Not only did I finally get sworn in, but I also landed a fighter slot. Case and point, don't ever give up. :rock:

    • Upvote 7
  3. 5 minutes ago, HuggyU2 said:

    Story time:  when I was TDY to Al Dhafra, the U-2 pilots could go in to Abu Dhabi and get massages with an American chiropractor.  Apparently, the Emir was in Minnesota a few years earlier, used their services, and asked them to set up shop in Abu Dhabi because he was impressed.  

    I head downtown the day after a flight, and during my consultation with the American doc, I discussed my neck issues, explained that I had almost no feeling in my 4th and 5th finger in my right hand for the past 2 years, and he took x-rays.  Finally, I go back for my 1 hour massage with one of the four masseuses.  All four of them were from China, spoke almost no English, and apparently were pretty well trained.  

    After about 10 minutes of her working on my back and neck, she has me turn over, and in broken English asks which fingers are numb.  She proceeds to work my chest, pectoral and arm pretty hard.  After about 15 minutes, she sees the tears working their way out of my eyes and in more broken English says "too hard?" 

    "No!  Keep going!" 

    When she was done, I felt like my chest and right arm had been turned in to ground meat.  But it felt great.  

    About an hour later, on the drive back to Al Dhafra, the feeling in my fingers came back.  And it remained for many years.  I could hardly believe it.  

    That experience made me a believer in massage therapy and chiropractors.  

    Definitely a happy ending... 🤙

    • Like 2
    • Haha 1
  4. 17 hours ago, definitelymaybe said:

    Trying to get back on topic here -- I neglected to mention something:

    I have a bit of a criminal record - from 2003. Petty Larceny but dropped to a violation and I had to pay a fine. I was young and stupid. Other than that I have a couple of traffic violations from a year ago (following too closely and failure to merge. I was in traffic on my motorcycle and I wanted to get out of said traffic quickly). I have been a saint since that only thing in 2003. 16 years ago.

    I'm worried that I'm already too old and they're going to see that when they do a background check and just tell me to not quit my day job, so to speak. 

    Thoughts? 

    I still wouldn't worry too much. Unless you're quitting your job to make this opportunity come to life, then you have nothing to lose. If you give it an honest shot and don't get picked up for your criminal record, or low scores or *insert reason here*, then you can sleep at night knowing you did something about it i.e. tried to pursue your dreams. Keep applying and obviously highlight your strengths. No one is a saint and it may even show you are human if you don't have a perfect slate. 

    I had a record for "disturbing the peace" (school fist fight), which happened to be an entertaining story for the studs I interviewed with. Don't sweat it too much. Just work hard and hope for the best. 🤙

    • Like 1
  5. 10 hours ago, Yeeyee said:

    Anyone else applying to the 115th Airlift Squadron in Point Mugu, CA? They fly the C130J

    Met them last year and everyone was a riot; super funny and down to earth guys. Would be a great unit to fly with for sure. Be sure to rush their unit, increasing your chances of getting hired and you can't go wrong with the area (absolutely beautiful - grew up in SoCal myself).

  6. @definitelymaybe If you've had any flying experience or flew a simulator, then it's the same concept - testing your psychomotor skills. If not, then don't sweat it. Just do your best, stay positive and enjoy the experience.

    The flash cards are a great source and should be a given (free points to boost your score), so ace that section.

    You can find more info here at Baseops: https://www.baseops.net/militarypilot/tbas.html however, I don't know if this info may be dated (states 2016 at the bottom of the page). Either way, this article will give you a good sense of what to expect on the TBAS. Good luck!

  7. Quite frankly, your scores are better than mine (slightly in some areas). Previous military experience is a plus, but everything else looks good! Write a killer cover letter, rush squadrons and enjoy the ride. I'm sure you'll get it no sweat; good luck!

  8. 21 hours ago, Jetpower said:

    For all the reserve folks, has anyone received a UPT date recently from 340th? How long does it take to get a UPT date assuming you meet all the requirements (AFRC board, FC1, scroll)?

    Reached out to the 340FTG and was told that there isn't any information on class dates since they are waiting on upper brass to give them the go ahead. So in the mean time... hurry up and wait. 

    • Upvote 1
  9. 2 hours ago, Burger said:

    Has anyone heard if the 303rd in MO board is still postponed? Has a new board date been decided?

    Received the email from their POC a few weeks back and even rushed them early August. No hard dates but they mentioned to me (in person) it will be sometime in Spring of 2020. Hope that helps.

    • Like 1
  10. For all the reserve folks, has anyone received a UPT date recently from 340th? How long does it take to get a UPT date assuming you meet all the requirements (AFRC board, FC1, scroll)?

    Nothing yet. According to my sponsoring unit, it’s a bit backed up. I spoke to my 340FTG admin and she said I’d have to double check with the pipeline manager. I can try and follow up tomorrow.


    Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network mobile app
  11. CA ANG - Channel Islands is now hiring as well. I had rushed their squadron before and they are all solid, cool dudes. Having been born and raised in SoCal, you can't go wrong with living out there (Mountains, Pacific Ocean, Big cities, etc.) - Ventura is a gorgeous place to be, especially for the surf :rock:

    As @VigilanteNav pointed out, the MAFFS mission is something you will work toward later on in your career (Seasoned Captain/Major - from sources I've asked), but definitely worth the work. The dudes who did it said they love it and is one of the most rewarding missions. 

    As for a challenge getting in... I think that's anywhere you apply, haha. If you decide to go to the 115th, tell them "Dean Cain" says hi. 😛 

  12. Been a few months, but maybe my experience can help. LOR are very beneficial, especially when coming down to the wire on a interview or hire basis. Having someone of significance in an industry or who can attest to your piloting and/or professionalism is great. Thankfully I was and am fortunate enough to have met some very helpful people within the community (prior/current military aviation). If you can get a hold of someone who flew (or currently flies) in the AF and build a great relationship with them, then ask for a LOR. Being an older candidate doesn't make it more difficult, in fact, I think it's been beneficial to network and build relationships with people who may lead me in their flight formation someday.

    Key take-away: Don't let the age thing be a looming factor, especially with letters of recommendations, just get yourself out there.

    @SLeon_17 Agree with what @N730 stated, unless it was asked otherwise, I kept a generic "Dear Sir/Ma'am," so I didn't have to request a signed copy from my recommenders every time I applied to a new squadron.

    • Like 2
  13. They do differential the whole 5 year period? I could of swore the policy said up to 4 weeks?
     
    Anyone have any gouge on if Northrop Grumman has the same differential pay policy as Lockheed?


    It’s policy that was recently updated this year (and God willing stays that way).

    As for Northrop, haven’t been there for a few years, but last time I checked it’s as you stated, only for the weekend drills and 2 week training.


    Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network mobile app
  14. 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. 

    • Like 1
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