[AFRES/ANG path most conducive to becoming Astronaut]

Howdy all,

I am a prior service infantryman finishing undergrad in a STEM field. I would like to commission to continue to serve the taxpayer, but also gain experience relevant to human spaceflight.

Ideally, I'd like to find a sponsoring unit to send me to OTS+UPT. Then I would start a PhD program after seasoning and becoming MWS qualified.

Some things I am curious about:

• Is there anyway to become a T-38 FAIP for Reserve/Guard? As a companion trainer for 'X' unit?
• Could I attend TPS as a civvie flight test engineer, even if I am a rated pilot in ANG/AFRES?
• Will there ever be an AFRES route to the U-2? NASA has been using another high-altitude air-frame (WB-57) to supplement astronaut candidate training. Pretty unique skills, plus I'd love to support ISR missions. 
  (https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2187171/making-history-reserve-pilot-flies-u-2-dragon-lady/ )
• EDIT: Just for fun... could I wear my CIB on my flight suit instead of wings?

[Current A-10 retirement status?]

On 8/14/2020 at 5:08 PM, Hawg15 said:

They are removing ~44 aircraft from service. The rest have/are receiving a rewing to extend their lifespan. The aircraft removed are mostly AD because the guard has mostly lower hour jets. Some of the guard units are receiving F-35s/other aircraft and their A-10s are going to AD. If you get in the A-10 you will likely do a few ops assignments if you don’t try to transition, and then eventually transition to the F-35. If you desire to play the role of CAS/CSAR/FAC(A) then it is, by far, the best aircraft to go with.

Things are currently winding down in COIN, but the A-10 has been the most kinetic jet in the COIN fight, with the 354FS recently returning the most kinetic deployment (OFS 2019) since the early days of the Afghan conflict. The first time you are at a TIC, employing the gun within 20-50m of friendlies is a pretty rewarding experience. We were regularly winchestering the jet during Syria (a jet that has 11 hard points and carries more weapons than the whole formation of vipers).

We grunts who fought the COIN fight down below appreciate the TIC service.

[U-2 Dragonlady info]

*hat tip to the driver who made the news recently*

[U-2 Dragonlady info]

12 hours ago, HuggyU2 said:

I don't know, but it would seem unlikely.  The FACT program has been a test program and only two pilots were brought in through it.  It will be while longer before they are ready to interview.  

As I understand it, once they have gone through the entire process, the Wing will look at whether or not to continue the FACT program.  

Do you think there is utility in the unit having a FAIP program for the companion training T-38's? Whether or not the FAIP T-38 instructors successfully do their interview sorties in the U-2?

[U-2 Dragonlady info]

Hello,

 

I had the pleasure of reading through this thread today.

Ive been trying to reach out on the commercial (non DSN) line to the recruiting staff at Beale. Haven’t made contact yet, but will continue trying.

I’m interested in knowing it it is possible for the 9th Reconnaissance wing to accept a reserve component pilot for the FACT program? 
 

Thanks

 

(Also, after reading this entire thread: Huggy, you are a kick ass civil servant.)