7thokage
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Posts posted by 7thokage
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Now that you mention that, I do remember reading about that awhile ago. Do you know how those people did it? I was under the impression that once you accept your AD slot and commitment then there is no going back.
How would you even go about that during UPT? Ask for permission to leave during the weekend for a "personal matter"?
To my knowledge, if you got a slot in the ANG/Reserves while in UPT you would have to acquire approval to be released from AD (not sure what approval authority is there).
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I was selected at a fighter unit in 2020 at age 26. My father also served in the AF so the AF had all of my medical records since I was born. This made the process extremely long, and I was only able to get to my IFC1 in 2021 (17 months after selection). To my horror, I contracted Covid during the IFC1 and was unable to complete the physical.
My unit did everything they could but obviously they couldn't do much with the failed IFC1, so I was dropped and lost my slot. I didn't do anything to leave on bad terms in my opinion and everything was amicable. Here is where I am at now.
- Age - 28.5
- AETC told me to resubmit medical documentation for review/reconsideration
- Pilot select on most recent AD board
- AETC told me they would use my original IFC1 so no need to go back to WP
I am now going through the process on the AD side but realllllly want to fly for the ANG unit I was originally selected by. Though, I know I am not young anymore, have an AD slot, and AETC is giving me another chance at my IFC1. My main questions would be:
- I understand 1 in the hand, 2 in the bush. Would I be stupid to risk and throw away the AD pilot slot?
- If I do risk the AD pilot slot, can I enlist as a crew chief at my original ANG unit, show them again that I am in it, work hard for a few years and get picked up again at age 30-31?
- What would your opinion be as a fighter squadron hiring board member if you saw someone do this at your squadron?
Thank you for reading this.... the mind is moving at a million miles an hour. Feel like this is my last shot so really trying to find the best angle.
Whatever you do, do NOT do option 2. Since you already have the AD slot, I suggest taking it. Further, I’ve heard of people swapping out to guard/reserves in the beginning of UPT - that’s something you can look in to. Would probably have more success trying to swap back to the old into that way anyways.
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[mention=9186]Chida[/mention][mention=2354]brabus[/mention][mention=82209]BL_224[/mention][mention=14963]O Face[/mention]
Thanks for the advice. I've been doing my research and my plan is in this order:
1. Study for AFOQT/ ASTB and take them Jan/ February 2023
2. Stay on the lookout for ANG/ AFR base applications that interest me (I've seen plenty already with very picky requirements, and these board meetings are few and far between till I take my tests)
3. Air Force is Choice 1, then Navy, then Army/ Marines. I would love to fly fixed wing but I'm open to flying anything that gives me a slot (Ex. I have a Bachelors degree but I'm not opposed to going to WOFT)
The reason I'm interested in the Military: I have a PPL, but, I'm not interested in the Regionals/ Airline route. Everybody else is telling me to go Airlines and get paid 6 figures. However, it seems that only I know that 6 figure salary will happen after 10+ years of groveling for the next seniority slot. To me it looks like just chasing the paycheck until you grow old and die. I want to do something impactful for my country as well as develop as a character. I believe the military is the place for that.
My parents were prior Air Force. I've got Aunts and Uncles in the Marines, Army, Navy, etc. Growing up I was young and naive and wanted to do Army Rangers right out of High school. Almost did Marines reserves but Mom said do college first. And so I listened and got my Bachelors. Got a PPL and discovered my passion for flying.
However, I've had the negative opinions as well. I've had friends who went enlisted right after Highschool; Marines, MARSOC, 82nd Airborne, etc. When I asked them if it was worth it they all had a resounding F*%& NO, GO RESERVES OR OFFICER AND MAKE SURE IT'S THE AIR FORCE. So there's my stand on things to help shape them up
And despite having lots of negative opinions, I'm still interested in flying for the military and serving my country. It's like a recurring itch that I just can't ignore any longer. I know this won't happen immediately and may as well take 2-3 years before I actually begin flying. By that time I would be 26/27 if I do get a pilot slot for whatever branch accepts me. I've contacted the Air Force but they literally take 5 days to answer a yes/no question. While the Navy recruiter was actually pretty responsive, same day texts. However, only the AIR FORCE is doing reserves. Every other branch is Active Duty. And that means 8-10 year contracts.
Overall, I'm feeling adventurous about pursuing this path. However, I want to be well informed and choose the correct path for me.
Also here's OCS grades for 2023, some information that I tried to scrounge around for to get an idea of things. I've not taken the AFOQT but these look insanely competitive. I'd suspect I'm average and probably won't meet such standards. But I've yet to take the test so we'll see
To be clear - contract duration is the same for AD and reserves for pilots. 10 years post training.
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Pertaining to this, do you mean the waiting period is 6-months for all Myopia related cases and 12 months for far-sighted (hyperopic) individuals?
Reason I ask is because I’m on the higher end of the spectrum for Myopia (near the waiverable limits for pre-op refractive surgery). And I’ve heard it could be higher depending on how high your myopia was.
In addition, I’m only 1.5 years away from my Junior year in college; therefore, my FCI, AF commitment, and pilot slot are around the corner.
Timing with my LASIK at this point is crucial.
Thanks and good day,
Addison
That’s correct. 6 months for all myopia cases and 1 year for all hyperopic cases.
As long as you are within the +3 to -8 range pre-op you are good. Outside of that range is waiverable on a case by case basis if it doesn’t exceed +5 or -10.
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One other question for ya. My newly hired unit keeps mentioning MEPS, although I'm already an ANG member at another unit. Are they just using that term for FC1 or do I actually have to go through MEPS again on top of that?
If you’re currently in, you will not have to go through MEPS again. They will just transfer you over and then schedule the flight physical
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Question for guard guys who got hired by a different unit.. Do they typically gain you right away so that you drill with the newly hired unit in your current AFSC until something else happens or do they wait to gain you closer to some of your training dates?
They typically put you in a random AFSC and you just chill for drill. Making corn, filling the bar, etc. usually the first action is to gain you prior to IFC1.
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I mean absolutely no offense, but you’re likely not hitting it off with them socially. Willing to guarantee you that this is the issue.
Yes, scores are important... but that’s something that can be overlooked if they like you a lot.
I would reflect - honestly - on how genuine your social experiences have been. Secondly, I would stop excluding the allocations to your regional area. Consider expanding the search.
Edit: Your age, scores, and lack of PPL are all negative things working against you. You *have* to make up for that by being extraordinary in other areas.
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Hi all,
I'm looking for some detail on the "type" of orders that would come with the 3-4 years of pilot training + seasoning in a guard unit.
I'm a guard off the street hire anticipating starting the OTS/UPT pipeline next year. I'm currently in the process of switching civilian jobs in the meantime, and am reviewing prospective opportunities. As one would expect, I'm looking at applicable military leave policies as well.
The company I plan to sign on with provides paid military leave for employees that are "deployed for an active duty tour for a declared military action (to include Homeland Defense)." This is what leads to me to the above query, as all I know about OTS/UPT/FTU orders is that they are normally Title 10 and are considered active duty. Are these sets of orders explicitly listed as training orders, and furthermore what are the different categories of orders that are applicable for Guardsmen (i.e. school vs combat deployment)?
I'm essentially just trying to align actual AF terminology with that of the mil leave policy and see if my UPT/FTU orders would be eligible.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Apply to Lockheed Martin and you won’t have to worry about it. 5 years differential pay for all orders. No length or type requirements.
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1. Tbastestprep.com (even if you don’t buy it, shows all the portions of the test)
2. No emergency scenario test
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Honestly, it’ll probably help you. It’s a clear demonstration of your ability to adapt and overcome while exemplifying humility.
The Air Force lovesssss gritty shit where people work their ass off in the face of adversity.
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Did you have January dates before the whole recruiter thing happened or did you just drop those? I'm currently waiting on dates myself and know some bro's who just got the March class so I was thinking January was full
Nah I got Jan dates like a month ago
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Updaté for the bros. Recruiter screwed me over for a bit, but finally got that worked out.
Enlisted
Guard fighters
AFOQT/TBAS: August 2020
Board: June 2021
Hired: June 2021
IFC1: February 2022
IFC1 Approved: March 2022
Sent to NGB: March 2022, resubmitted August 2022
NGB Approved: September 2022
OTS: January 2023
UPT: ??
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Any bros/dudettes heard back from Ohio F-16s yet?
Bro is gender neutral! One word to rule them all
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Thanks dude, what was your afoqt pilot score? Mine was 97 and I'm well over the 60 hours so my PCSM should be great as long as I do well on the TBAS.
Getting around 66% (for both) most of the time on the combined tracking (with the default settings), haven't done it separated out but will try that too and expect it to be much higher. I'll keep working to get it higher but haven't seen much progress the past few days.
Directional orientation has been easy, at 100% at around .8 response time, been doing about 50 at a time -- thoughts on that, should I do more/less in one sitting?
Any idea what numbers you had for multitasking? I feel pretty confident about mine and this I have progressed a lot on. Started at around 800 total score in 10 minutes, now up to 1283 on my most recent try (310 letters, 699 math, 229 gauge, 45 radio). Any thoughts on if doing that in 10 minute increments makes sense, or should I go longer/shorter?
Also, the software doesn't have the emergency situation subtest on it, and it doesn't appear to be mentioned on the official PCSM website under TBAS info, was this removed from the TBAS?
Anything else you can provide is much appreciated, well aware of them not wanting people to share info from the actual test so if there's things you can't share in response to my questions, understood.
There is no emergency situation subtest. And your numbers look good - I would keep up with what you’re doing and just try to beat yourself. Based on your performance you should do very well.
I had a 97 pilot as well.
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For those that have used tbastestprep.com and their software, can anyone provide a reference of scores they were getting on the software for the different subtests, and if you have already taken the TBAS what PCSM score you got along with pilot score & hours? Trying to gauge where I'm at if possible, just got the software over the weekend and have the TBAS scheduled for October.
For example, on the airplane & horizontal tracking test on the software I've been getting around 20-25k so far, I'm sure I'll be able to improve that with practice and that's my goal this next month to improve as much as possible, but would be nice to have an idea whether that is a good start or not. I know the scoring of the actual TBAS is confidential just looking for some little bit of correlation if possible. Appreciate it.
Get to 70-80% on target for tracking. High as humanly possible for multitasking - keep improving. Click an answer the second the prompt finishes talking for directional orientation. Less than or around 1 second response time with 100% accuracy.
I got a 97 @42 hours prior to the score change
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I'm not sure if it is the account or my equipment. I've tried mobile, desktop, Microsoft, Apple, Samsung, and all the different internet applications and any time I click on a link in 'My Account' it just takes me back to the TBASTESTPREP home page. If someone knows the developer, have them answer their emails lol
DM me and I’ll send you my product code
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Props for not giving up on getting your wings. I've just been applying for the last year or so, I'll offer my input. From what I've been told from squadrons I've been rushing, it's been very competitive, esp after COVID. With the number of applications they get, a lot will do a hard cutoff for scores, specifically Pilot and PCSM. I don't know about the old/new scoring system, but try to get a printout of the higher version. The most recent heavy unit I applied to, the POC said they had so many applications they ended up only looking at people with both PCSM and Pilot over 90.
Also keep all the paperwork and stuff from your LASIK just in case, I believe there's some sort of period after you get LASIK (6months to 12 months?) to make sure it's all good. You're still young and well below the age limit so just keep applying and building time.
Just to answer the LASIK question: 6 months post-op prior to attending the IFC1, and 12 months post-op if it was a hyperopic treatment. Additionally, you need to meet pre-op conditions of what I’ve copied below directly from the waiver (really just a formality if you had no issues).
Initial Flying Class (IFC I/IA/II/III/RPA Pilot) or Special Operational Duty:
Pre-Operative cycloplegic refraction cannot exceed +3.00 to -8.00 in ANY meridian and cannot exceed 3.00 diopters of astigmatism with a good outcome to be non-disqualifying for all flying classes.
Pre-Operative cycloplegic refraction greater than +3.00 and less than or equal to +5.00 or greater than -8.00 and less than or equal to -10.00 in ANY meridian or greater than 3.00 and less than or equal to 6.00 diopters of astigmatism is DISQUALIFYING for all flying classes and may be considered for a waiver on a case-by-case basis. Astigmatism greater than 5.00 diopters will not be waived for accession/commissioning.
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I purchased this software in July 2022 and they never sent me a software access key. Took my $60 and I couldn't even use it. Emailed all the addresses I could find with no response. Purchase at your own risk. Now I'm fighting with the bank for my money back.
This video helped me the most:
[/url] Best of luck to all!
Hmmm. That’s a first I’ve seen. Myself and many others have purchased it and used it successfully. That’s strange that you didn’t receive a product key. You know you can access the code via their website, right? Via “My Account”
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This may be a long shot but is this thread still active and if so does anyone still have this test prep software that I could get?
Tbastestprep.com
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Sorry if this topic has already been discussed, I can't find a thread about it.
If you go through a civilian AD hiring board, my understanding is you must go to OTS first before going to your MFS at WP. Obviously because of my age (I'm pushing 33), I am applying to this upcoming AD board. The deadline is Sep. 12. Are you able to secure your IFC1/MFS through AD and hypothetically keep rushing guard/reserve units and get hired by them? Or are you blood sealed to AD at that point?
Yes, but it’s rare. It’s not often the AD recruiters send you to get an IFC1 done prior to the board. If they offer, absolutely do it. You aren’t tied down to anything until you accept a slot.
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Thanks for the response. I have looked at the waiver guide before for the disease, and unfortunately it's not in my favor. There isn't a formal piece of paper that exists saying that I have/had this disease. What does exist is record of a few high inflammation markers in my blood. However, I've learned that that's pretty common even in healthy people. After just a couple blood tests, the doctor just slapped me with a certain autoimmune disease, even though I only had one mild symptom. After consulting with another doctor and doing some independent research to better understand my health and situation, I found several non-medication ways to fix the inflammation, and I've been symptom free for about a year and a half.
So I guess my clarification question is, if I can get the doctor who gave the diagnosis, whether formally or informally, to write a letter saying that I don't have this disease (which is one of the things I'm trying to do), then that could fix pretty much everything?
Thanks.
No documentation stating you have the disease is great news for you. That means a diagnosis never happened when you apply to the Air Force.
As for the history of the markers in your blood work - that’ll be up to the Air Force to decide to investigate further or not. If they even consider it an issue, they will ask for further information. I have a feeling that because there was never a diagnosis, you won’t have an issue. However, If it popped up in your flight physical/MEPS bloodwork they would for sure do additional testing/investigate if levels aren’t within normal.
In my opinion (I’m not a doctor), all you need is *any* doctor to give you a written letter stating your results are normal. Then, I wouldn’t even bother presenting that to the AF unless they specifically ask for clarification.
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I (F/22) am an aspiring fighter or B1 pilot in the ANG or Reserves.
TBAS: Not yet taken
AFOQT: Not yet taken
Education: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Engineering at Dartmouth College (graduating March 2023). GPA 3.30. Recruited Varsity Rower (NCAA DI)
Flying: 130 hours, have my PPL, complex endorsement, working on my instrument rating.
Career: Two internships at Johnson Space Center. Will likely be taking a career as an ISS flight controller/engineer post college.
Medical: Will need to get Lasik. Had a bad doctor misdiagnosis me for an autoimmune disease a few years ago but that is being remedied. Will be getting a first class FAA medical if that means anything.
Qualms: I am nervous that even having that diagnosis at one point will bite me in the butt forever.
Any advice regarding the medical situation would be appreciated.
The diagnosis will bite you if there is a paper trail. Worst case - I would recommend looking up the Air Force waiver guide and cross-checking what was diagnosed to that. If there is no record of it… well… it never happened.
In the meantime, I would work on gathering paperwork with detailed proof of it being a misdiagnosis (doctors providing written documentation). Make sure you study up for the AFOQT and TBAS. I’m sure you will do well as long as you find a squadron you mesh with personality wise
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Your job is required to let you take any time off for military obligations for up to 5 years total. You do not need to burn PTO.
Some offer differential pay.
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Which one is this for? The 93rd? That's the only FL one I see on Bogidope, but looks like they recently updated their website so maybe I'm missing something.
Also what is everyone's experiences with meet and greets? I'm getting the sense they don't boost chances of getting an interview dramatically. I'm hearing stories of guys who went to the meet and greets and didn't get invites. Just trying to figure if it's worth it to fly across the country and burn some vacation days to visit vs using that money to get more flight time.
Also anybody hear back from the 77th?
Rushing single-handedly is the most important factor. Without question.
However, simply attending isn’t what makes it important. The ability to mesh with the culture and building a good relationship/reputation with the squadron at the meet and greets is the difference maker. That is the #1 most important factor of any candidate.
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Standard Interview Questions
in Air National Guard / Air Force Reserves
Posted
Yup. A guy I'm with in OTS right now is a major airline guy hired into a fighter unit