Metalhead731

I guess it doesn't get much simpler than that. It would be a stupid thing not to get selected over after working so hard for these slots.

I wanted to ask a question that I keep getting mixed responses to. I've been invited to a few interviews at ANG units but, so far, no offers. Like any good applicant, I've been reflecting on my responses, trying to improve my talking points for the next one, and asking for feedback from the boards (although most have not given any). I think I am fairly well qualified on paper and I've been able to practice and develop good responses highlighting my strengths and experience that, I think, make me competitive. One thing that I have been wondering, though, is about appearance. I'm currently a working professional. In the office on a daily basis I keep a closely-cropped beard. In today's professional world no one would even bat an eye at that. When I come to an ANG interview, I usually dress in a nice suit and tie, shined shoes, hair cut, to the nines. I also clean up my beard but I don't shave it off completely. I usually trim it down very short and use a razor to clean up the lines so that it looks very clean and professional. But I've heard from other applicants on the circuit that it may actually impact me negatively. Obviously, military standard is clean shaven. But coming in as a civilian, I didn't think it would be such a big deal. Having a beard doesn't mean a person is sloppy, under-qualified, or have any bearing on their character. It's just a stylistic choice. In a way I'm "being myself" and expressing my style. I would think by dressing professionally, having a solid resume, and speaking well in your interview would be what's really important. But I can also see how that can be perceived as, "you're applying to be in the military, you should dress for the part." I know that every unit is different, perceives applicants differently, and focuses on different things that are important. But I wanted to ask the forums here and possibly get feedback from any pilots currently on boards what their experiences were. If anyone has interviewed with facial hair and never experienced any trouble? If anyone had been explicitly told to come clean shaven or that it was the reason for not being hired? If any current panel pilots specifically reject applicants that do not show up clean shaven?

I just got some routine bloodwork done with my PCP for an annual physical and the results showed higher than average ALA aminotransferase and aspartate aminotrans numbers. Some later blood work and an ultrasound eliminated some common/serious causes (not hepatitis, diabetes, etc) but doctors are recommending a biopsy to figure out what the cause could be. Besides that no other abnormalities on the blood tests and I am in good, healthy physical condition. No drug use or significant medical history besides an appendectomy. I’m currently waiting for the 6-month post-LASIK period to even go to MEPS but I wanted to ask if this is something that that can potentially raise some flags at MEPS or flight physicals when I am able to go? Is it a disqualifying condition? (29-year-old male if that matters)

I received an email on Saturday.

Thanks! I appreciate the perspective. Definitely gives me something to think about with flying heavies. By the way, if anyone from the 731st in Colorado Springs sees this and is willing to shoot me a PM, I’ve tried calling and emailing the unit with the Bogidope info but haven’t had much luck. Would love to visit the unit and apply.

C-5 would be awesome. I've been getting my application ready for the 709th as well since seeing it on Bogidope. I would love to fly that thing. I got an interview with Reno actually and I see they do a lot of forest firefighting. I've actually considered that as a long-term flight goal for myself for a while if the opportunity ever presented itself. That seems like very cool flying too.

Sounds like the Herc is a fun one to fly. What about the C-17? Does that one combine turbine power of a jet with the flying of the airlift missions? Any experience in that one?

I've read through a chunk of the "How do you feel about your airframe and mission" post in the general discussion but that forum seems to be more focused on deployments and lifestyle. I'd like to get a little more information on the flying specifically. Things like maneuvers, challenges, cool experiences in flight, that sort of thing. Just want to get a better feel for the actual pilotage of the aircraft and missions. YouTube has some videos of the interesting stuff like airdrops and flare shows and fighter refuels, but I know that's basically a highlight reel. It seems like the C-130 is an exciting plane to fly from the forum post. Basically, where this question is coming from is my hope of being a fighter pilot wrestling with the reality that I'm 29 years old, low-time, student pilot and not likely to get selected. While I would appreciate the opportunity to fly either mission, I feel like I would want to lean towards something that will satisfy the adrenaline itch a little. I've been very fortunate to get offered an interview at both a refueling unit and an airlift unit this round and I wanted a a better idea of which would suit me better and which to pursue further. I would like to do some challenging technical flying in my career. Hope that makes sense.

I was hoping to get some input from the heavy pilots into the differences between the type of flying involved with airlift missions and air refueling missions and some pro/cons of each. Which is more interesting or fun to fly? I assume refueling is a lot of straight-and-level over long periods of time and airlift would involve a little more finessed flying but that’s just my impression as an outside observer. I’ve been submitting applications to both types trying to get a heavy slot. I’d like to know a little more about the ins-and-outs and the subtleties that people might not know about. What you like or dislike, etc. Thanks in advance!

This is all very insightful information. Thank you all for your responses.

I have a general question about flight training with the military translating into the civilian world. If someone enters UPT without a license and works their way through flight school, do they earn instrument ratings, multi engine ratings, etc. just like they would in the civilian world? How would that be applied if they don’t have a PPL? Are they automatically applied to their civilian ratings or would a pilot have to sit for a written/oral/practical exam as a civilian as well? I’m assuming the knowledge is the same or very similar. Military pilots have to know how to fly instrument approaches and multi engine aircraft. As a follow-up, does a military pilot require a commercial license as well? They are being paid to fly. Or is there an exception for the military? How does this translate to civilian? Thanks in advance for any input!

Is anybody here from the 174th Air Refueling Squadron in Sioux City? I was offered an interview and I wanted to reach out to someone to get a feel for the area.

Congrats on getting a callback! Good luck on the interview.

I applied but haven't heard back. Did they do callbacks yet?

Thanks, Iceborn! What kind of unit picked you up, heavy or fighter?

I’ve been hearing recently that the age limit increased to 33. Is it true?

An update on my original post. I took my TBAS on Monday and got my scores back today: PCSM: 97 with 68 hours 98 with 81-100 hours 99 with 101-200 hours 99 with 201+ hours. Hopefully, that's competitive enough despite my age.

Is anybody having trouble accessing the scores this week? I took the TBAS on Monday and the detachment told me my scores should be posted but I keep getting to that white screen with "If your scores are not posted here click this link". I've been trying for two days. Is the site down? EDIT: It's back up. Got my scores.

Hi all, I would like to apply for the various UPT slots this spring. I am 28 years old and civilian, turning 29 in March which is prior to many of the upcoming boards. My only military experience is a semester of AFROTC as a freshman in college 10 years ago. I did sit for the AFOQT during that time though and I was able to find my score. I'm currently working as a structural engineer. I have a master's degree and good GPA's. Hoping to apply for a fighter slot. I'd like to try until I hit 30 and then apply for heavies. I would appreciate any feedback on my info below. Also, I had a question about the AFOQT scores. Will the boards care that I took them in 2009 and didn't retake them again this year? I think my scores are pretty good and I'm a little worried about the risk of them dropping since the most recent one counts. Regarding flight time, I used to be an aviation major my freshman year (hence, the AFROTC). I had about 66hrs logged and was about to get signoff on cross country solo but the semester ended and I had to go back home. Due to financial reasons (2008 recession), I transferred to an in-state school and majored in engineering. I plan on starting again soon (flight scheduled for this weekend) and will try to wrap up a PPL ASAP, but I do not have one yet, although I have soloed. AFOQT Scores: Pilot: 98 Nav: 85 Acad: 93 Verbal: 81 Quant: 98 Should I retake given they are 10 years old? PCSM: 97 with 68 hours 98 with 81-100 hours 99 with 101-200 hours 99 with 201+ hours. Flight time: 66hrs (w/solo, no PPL, 10 years ago) GPA's: BS Undergrad 3.51 / MS Grad 3.10, Majored in Civil Engineering LORS: 1. CEO of the company I work for (Professional) 2. My direct supervisor (Professional) 3. Co-worker and climbing friend. I figured he can write about my personality and dependability as I've had his life literally hanging in my hands before. Thanks in advance for feedback!