I posted over a year and a half ago and after many delays I have more things to show but do want to gauge where I stand in all this.
Goal: F15 Unit. I think I'd also find enjoyment with an F22 unit but there are a small handful of these on the Guard & Reserve side combined. I've also given some thought on to applying for a C-17 unit (heavy) or a UH-60 unit (rotor).
Age: 26 1/2
College & GPA: 3.66 GPA, Criminal Justice
AFOQT: P: 98 / CSO: 73 / ABM: 95 / AA: 86 / V: 70 / Q: 90
PCSM: Not taken yet, anticipating a decent score due to hours
LORs: Board member from CA POST Commission, Chief of my city's Police Department (the letter was written to me directly, I do not think I can have it re-written to a unit like some units ask for), Ex-Fire Chief of my city's Fire Department, my city's Sheriff
Flight Hours & Experience: 230+ w/ PPL Single Engine & Instrument. Commercial & CFI scheduled in 2 month (I expect a unit will be open for applications once I have about 400/500 hours and as a CFI)
Extracurricular: Competitive & Non-Competitive Swimming (not college-level), Non-Competitive Snowboarding 10+ years
Volunteer Experience: Police Department Volunteer (non-sworn, 4 months) & Reserve Deputy (non-sworn, 1 year and ongoing)
Leadership Experience: Leadership role in a private non-profit flying club with multiple aircraft (not official yet but including it now as it will likely be official when I apply)
The "negatives":
1) I have some concern over the Verbal since I've read that units want 90+ in Pilot and 80s+ across the board otherwise. I like to think I did good enough to get looked at considering English is not my first language (I am a native US Citizen with US Citizen parents) although I'm a bit apprehensive with mentioning that to any squadron in my initial letter. The CSO score is also close to that Verbal score but I don't think that it will be heavily looked at since I'm not trying to be in such a position where that score would really be applicable.
2) I am starting to push into my late 20s which means the clock is ticking but I'm not too stressed about the age specifically whereas employment history... My employment history compared to others my age is probably not very good and might raise an eyebrow or two with units. I worked for one employer for 3+ years and got laid off due to COVID, I have not since returned to work since I wanted to focus completely on advancing my aviation career and finishing university. I've been able to sustain myself financially thankfully but I do worry that units will think negatively of my lack of work experience.