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7thokage

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Posts posted by 7thokage

    An early what are my chances (Mid 20s edition)

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    I understand that sentiment, and I don't want to come off as arrogant or cocky or anything like that. But I am going to fly fighters. At this point in time I simply cannot envision myself doing anything else. Even considering an alternative feels wrong. I would rather gamble with the uncertainty of AD and bet on myself than have the certainty of something I KNOW I do not want.

    Remember this word for word. You’ll be saying it again in an interview. I believe in you


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    An early what are my chances (Mid 20s edition)

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    According to Bogidope,
    "Empirical evidence seems to indicate that a PCSM score of approximately 70 is now the highest achievable with no flying hours."
    https://bogidope.com/upt/the-pilot-candidate-selection-method-pcsm-score-explained-part-2/
     
    This is what I am referencing. It was the only thing I have read. Where did you find out it was a 90?

    They’re wrong. Referencing my own 79 (previous system) at zero hours and another’s 82 at zero hours.

    Under new system, seen two 90’s at zero.


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    An early what are my chances (Mid 20s edition)

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    I am absolutely 100% sure this is what I'm meant to do. Heavy units don't interest me. I have considered the possibility of enlisting with a unit to gain experience and get to know the squadron. I understand totally about their money being a wash, so it makes sense they would be more choosey. I had a 94 Pilot AFOQT and everything else was high 80's. My TBAS w/ 0 FO was a 65, and although I'm not sure what the max is as they keep the equation secret, I'm told the max is a 70. I am applying to AD Navy and AF as well. My GPA for my M.S I finished in Dec. was a 4.0. I recently started door dashing for extra money *after* my normal 8 to 5 job and on weekends for extra cash for flight training as well. So I like to think the work ethic is there too. I'm doing whatever I can to make a PPL happen. There's no crying and "why me" going on here. I understand my position and what I need to do to be where I want to.
    I'm banking on my physical attendance to the units and introducing myself well in order to get an interview by explaining much of these things. Then, if I land an interview, I'm hoping the passion shines through along with my dedication. Are my chances slim? Yes. But that's not going to stop me from giving everything I've got. And if I need to apply multiple times to each unit until I get picked up because for some reason AD doesn't, then so be it. I'll come back each time with more flight hours and a better packet.



    The max PCSM at zero hours is like 90 right now. Before the change it was in the 80’s


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    An early what are my chances (Mid 20s edition)

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    #1 What up. I’m 27 and just got selected back in June. You’re plenty good.

    #2 I’m from Florida but hired in Cali. Especially for fighters, the expectation is that you move there. So be prepared to find a civilian job in the new locations. Also make sure you understand that for fighters you’re looking at about 5 years of full time training with 2-3 of that being at your new unit.


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    Looking for ways to stand out

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    1) How important is the recency of Letters of Recommendation? I am very happy with mine however they were written about a year and a half ago. Should I update them? 
    -Not important. Some boards will specify they need to be within like 6 months or a year. A year and a half seems like a long time. I’d recommend getting them updated. Make sure they’re personalized for each location in the “To” line. Easiest way is to just get permission from the people who wrote them to make small edits as necessary.

    2) Has anyone used the bogidope consulting packages and if so, are they worth the money?
    -I didn’t and I got picked up. The biggest thing you can do for yourself is visit squadrons in person. That will do more for you than anything else. That said - if you feel you need that extra boost and have the funds for it, do it.

    3) I have called most of the units I am interested in with very little luck. Should I continue to call or are units trending away from taking cold calls?
    -Don’t stop calling. Keep going until you get in contact with someone and are able to schedule
    face to face time with them.


    Final word of advice is that your cover letter is probably the most important part of the package. Having perfect scores and background doesn’t matter if:
    1) Your cover letter sucks and you can’t convey how bad you want to fly specifically for them, their mission, and how you’d make a good fit
    2) You don’t visit in person

    Consider your package just “checking the boxes”. The real test is visiting in person and getting to know everyone. Making sure you “fit” with the culture.



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    • Like 1

    Guard/Reserve Fighter Pilot Hopeful

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    As a guy with a GED and a degree in basket weaving, in UPT currently with Guard fighter slot, it's very possible with those scores. Keep pushing with that attitude and you'll land a slot!



    Awesome man!!! I hope to be in your shoes soon enough! Although my first application, the VTANG happens to be my #1 choice. Stoked to get the chance to socialize with them in person pretty soon. Hope UPT is going well for you. I’ve heard from a couple of people COVID has been messing some things up over there. See you in the skies one day!


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    Guard/Reserve Fighter Pilot Hopeful

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    Highest PCSM given the hours and AFOQT that I’ve seen.
    Is the VTANG visit opportunity posted somewhere? I reached out a few weeks ago and they still said nothing was planned.


    It’s something they just recently were able to put together (literally like a week ago we finally got the word). You should be able to email the POC to join in on the specific dates they’ve laid out! Vermont has very strict travel restrictions though, so something to consider before making any plans.


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    Guard/Reserve Fighter Pilot Hopeful

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    hell yes dude. that's quite an obstacle to overcome and it makes me proud for you!
    not a fighter guy, but overall you pop with enthusiasm and dedication...keep at it!!!


    Thank you! I really appreciate the kind words. It’s been quite the journey. Even thinking about competing for these spots is honestly a dream come true for me. I hope I can earn the privilege to fly for our country!

    TBAS/PCSM Question

    in Pilot Selection Process

    Posted

    Hey all, I have a question about the tbas scoring structure after reading and hearing about some of the pcsm scores people ended up with. For some disclosure I have a 99 pilot score, 55 flight hours (so in the 41-60 bracket), and currently have a 75 pcsm. My 201+ score is 91 and I am retaking the tbas next week. Using some extrapolation I figure I have 8 points to gain if I max the tbas. However, I've been noticing some scores that have been posted that don't align with this (i.e. someone with an 83 pcsm with less than 20 hours). If I were in the same hour bracket that would put me at a 67 which is a 16 point difference, significantly more than the 8 points I figure I have to gain from retaking and that's assuming the other person has a 99 201+ score. My question is, if I hypothetically maxed the tbas, could I expect my score to increase significantly more than 8 points? Is there something else I'm overlooking that is affecting my PCSM? Or is the current state of hiring making me crazy and over-analyze insignificant things I read on the internet? 🤣 Thanks in advance. 


    94 PCSM @21 hours, 99 @81-100 and 97 Pilot AFOQT

    TBAS will make a massive difference


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    Guard/Reserve Fighter Pilot Hopeful

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    **Goal:** Fly fighters for the guard/reserve (preferably F35 or F16) and support these technologies as an aerospace engineer on the civilian side

     

    **Personality:** Resolute, sociable, resilient

     

    **Degree:** B.S Aerospace Engineering (Partial Masters) GPA: 3.3

     

    **AFOQT:** P97, N89, A79, V67, Q81

     

    **PCSM:** 94 w/ 21 hours (99 81-100)

     

    **PPL:** Trying to finish, although I might not be able to afford it. I've already started solo's

     

    **LOR's:** Ret 06 F18 Wing Commander and Lockheed Director, Ret 06 First B2 instructor pilot and B2 Operations Group Commander and current Test pilot, Current 06 Squadron Commander

     

    **Age:** 26

     

    **Experience:**

     

    * 3 years of technical engineering experience with Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Sparton Defense and Security supporting 4th and 5th gen aircraft

    * Advanced Tactical Missiles

    * F35 EOTS

    * Northrop Strike Systems

    * Maritime warfare technologies

    * Senior Airman USAF Reserves

    * Technical lead

    * 5 EPR rating

    * Supervise task and general career development for new airman

    * Undergraduate Teaching Assistant

    * Aerospace Structures

    * Tutor (physics and calculus)

    * Over 10 students successfully scoring over a B

    * Undergraduate Researcher

    * Aerospace Structures and Materials focus (Thermal barrier coatings)

     

    **Honors/Activities:**

     

    * 1x Operations Group Airman of the Year

    * 1x Squadron Airman of the Year

    * 1x Squadron Airman of the Quarter

    * 2x Airman of the month

    * 1x Superior Performance Award

    * 1x AFAM in progress

    * 1x Msgt Steven E Auchman Leadership Award

    * President of morale club

    * Elite cheer leading scholarship

    * High school wrestling assistant coach

     

    **Most proud achievement:** Getting my GED after dropping out of high school for financial reasons. It gave me the ability to pursue my dreams of becoming a fighter pilot in the reserve/guard, and work as an aerospace engineer on the civilian side to develop these military technologies

     

    Please be critical in your feedback. I greatly appreciate any advice/suggestions to accomplish my dream of flying as a fighter pilot!

     

    Are there any things on my background I shouldn’t bother mentioning? Things I should highlight on? Any tips?

     

    P.S - Visiting VTANG here in two weeks and I’ve heard nothing but great things about them. Looking forward to rushing my first squadron! May be a stretch, but If you’re gonna be rushing as well feel free to hit me up if you want to link up with someone. I’m looking in to checking out the area the Friday prior :)

     

     

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