BeerForMyHorses

I just found out someone from my old squadron was notified today they were selected as an alternate. They mentioned other alternates were picked up too. I was surprised. I was also thinking it doesn't normally happen this late.

I heard a lot of alternates were picked up today.

Vance currently isn't doing IPT. Still sending studs to IFT in Pueblo. I'm a current student at Vance. Hit me up if you have any questions I think that's the case for Columbus and Laughlin, but not for Vance unless they plan on switching in the future.

Completely agree. Also, IPT doesn't emphasize emergency procedures. Not to mention, UPT took out the T-1 syllabus. So students going T-6 direct to heavies will show up to FTU with limited exposure to how we do things in military aviation. Time will tell... Vance isn't doing IPT and at this moment there's been no words passed that they will. I don't know the class number but this was last week at Vance: T-1 class: even split of 17s and 135s, couple of C-130Hs for the guardies/reservists,1 or 2 C-130Js and 1 C-146 T-38 class: T-38 FAIP, T-6 FAIP, F-16, 2x F-35s, HC-130. A more encouraging drop for those hoping for fighters. We were told fighter slots are becoming increasingly rare

I received a training rip for med testing at wright Patt pretty quickly last year. Think I got it in early February. My rip for IFT closely followed. Went to IFT in April

I'm at Vance right now. They have what's called "T-6 direct" meaning once you finish the T-6 you go straight to your heavy FTU course. No T-1 sims anymore. Whether or not that's a good thing is left to be seen. They have a program called XPW (expedited path to wings) which skips T-6 and is a T-1 only track straight to heavies but the classes are small and rare, and it's gonna be phased out once the last of the T-1s are sent to the bone yard. T-1s and sims are phased out already at Vance. Same with Columbus I'm pretty sure. Columbus has what's called IPT (initial pilot training). It's it's own beast. I can answer questions about it if anybody wants to know more. I was an alternate the first time I applied. They told me they only use alternates if someone initially declines their pilot offer. So you should know in the next couple weeks if anyone declines because they'll offer it to you. Bad news is, if you don't hear anything in the next couple weeks you aren't getting a slot I think. I had heard a rumor they might use alternates if someone fails the medical testing at wright Patt but I think that's just a rumor. Don't be discouraged though. You were really close to getting selected. Apply again next year. I got picked up on my second try. That last part is 100% true. That is what worked for me. Talk to you commander about how you can make your package next year more competitive. Ask for those opportunities.

Last year my commander was notified 7 days prior to official release. My understanding is 7 days is the standard. Good luck everyone!

Yeah I know that. I was replying to the guy that said he hasn't heard of anybody getting a B-1 from T-1 or T-38 in the last year. He also said the air force isn't giving any to new pilots and didn't specify base/upt program.

A lot got to the F-15E because it's similar: two engines, two cockpits, 4th gen, similar/overlapping missions and tactics, and the familiarity with F-15E WSOs (who can also fly in the Growler before/after flying in the Strike Eagle)

I know a guy who dropped a B-1 as a student at Shephard about 6 months ago, although he was a Capt (prior CSO)

Are you sure it doesn't say "NET" 4 weeks? (NET = No earlier than) Also right now TTS isn't sending LOAs until about 1-2 weeks out. You should receive an email from Doss about reporting instructions any day now. Might be worth reaching out at this point

When's your IFT date? I wanna say I got an email from Doss about 3-4 weeks prior to my date.

I'll stick with Vance haha

Anybody know how it works to get their dates pushed to the right? I've received UPT RIPs and vmpf notification, but we're expecting a child around the time I'm supposed to PCS and class up. I told AFPC a month ago and my commander is looking into it but so far it's all fallen on deaf ears

I'll see you there!