LoadClear

F#CK me.... 2011. Better get that PPL done...

Ok, makes sense. I'm not saying it hasn't happened but meeting a board and starting UPT 6 months later is definitely something that doesn't occur often. Most people seem to sit for about double that or with AMS/OTS and IFS, you'd have to practically leave for training right after the board meets. I'm uneducated on the training regs and only know about the 2.5 year rule because its been hashed out over and over here on baseops. Does anyone know at least what reg it is and I can dig further? Also, the not going to IFS thing having been a CSO program graduate is interesting. We have a Nav that is headed to UPT soon, doesn't have his PPL, and has been told he will be going back to Pueblo for the Pilot portion. I've been a guard bum and typically would never turn down pay days, but going back to Doss would probably be the first time I would gladly not take pay days... Either way, I'd like to know where I can find some more information on the time frame restrictions, IFS, etc. Thanks again in advance.

Something I should also mention specific to my situation. I have 13.5 years TIS, 3 of which is commissioned. I know Navs inquire a 6 year commitment, Pilots, 10. If I were to apply to a board, are they going to look at my enlisted time and say, if we send this dude, he will have his 20 years TIS a few years after getting back from UPT? I have no interest in throwing in the towel with 20 years at age 37, and fully intend in sticking out many more years, god willing, as many commissioned years before they show me the door. I won't have the 5 years commissioned obstacle when applying, but definitely over the hump. Is this going to slow roll my application vs a 23 year old college grad with zero TIS?

I'm a "new" nav, home from Pensacola for a little over a year in my <unnamed> ANG 130 unit. I know about the 2.5 year rule. We have a UPT/UNT board coming up in this summer. Lots of buzz about J's or 17's running around the squadron. I really enjoy being a nav, a crew dog, and flying (both in the 130 and currently working on PPL), and am curious about a few things... 1. 35 year old rule, ass in seat at UPT... I'm 31.5 years old, so I know I'll need a 30+ waiver. If your guard unit is sponsoring you, is this waiver really even an obstacle? Or is it granted if they want you to go to UPT? Does being a rated officer affect getting a waiver or extend the 35 year old rule? 2. I am 1.5 years from wearing my nav wings for 2.5 years. I realize if I apply this summer, I may be a year from even going to UPT with medical, IFS (if I don't have my PPL done by UPT). Is it unrealistic to apply BEFORE the 2.5 years? I'm assuming its 2.5 years from pinning on nav wings to starting UPT, correct? 3. Lastly, opinions... As of today, we aren't getting J's or 17s yet, but lets be honest, slicks are getting older and automation is replacing our/CSO's seats in modern A/C. Am I going to piss off some people by applying a year out of UNT? I am well liked in my squadron and am busting my ass guard bumming and being around doing everything I can, I just want to ensure my career is on track and the prospect of moving a little farther forward in the cockpit is very appealing if possible. Also, we have SEVERAL Nav to Pilots in my unit, so its certainly something my unit appears to promote/be open to. Thanks.

Youll get BAH for your UPT location, because its a PCS. If you can wait, i would seriously consider holding off on buying the house. You will be renting at UPT, which your BAH should cover, but if you aren't renting your new house out, you're paying the mortgage out of pocket. If you don't mind renting it out or have a trustworthy family member, etc, that can cover the mortgage, go for it. But if not, on a new 2LT's salary, you may be stretched thin with mortgage and rent in two places.

thank god for AROWS or my filling cabinet would be busting at the seams.

PCola isnt headed towards the traditional "tracked" syllabus like it was at Randolph. They are planning on doing a top off program. A couple weeks before you graduate, all graded material is done and graduation is assured but you pair off after your drop according to your airframe. If you're headed to 130s, you're going to be doing enroute navigation, using your wiz wheel, etc. EWO? Beeps and squeaks for a few weeks. Strike? Playing video games.

Yup, you're alone.

No. If you are living on base your BAH will be based on that location because its a PCS. So if BAH is $1100 a month, and you live on base, expect your "rent" to be $1100. Didnt bring your family? Their rent/mortgage costs will come out of your pocket. So what if you're a guard or reserve dude that owns a house, moves to UPT and can't find a renter at their home or doesnt want college kids or crackheads renting it while you're gone? Again, its a PCS so get ready to shell out some coin. Its a situation that totally blows. Rent your house, sell it, have some family move in for half your mortgage to at least bring something in, etc. Good luck.

Crew Chief, intel, and life support would be great jobs with good exposure to those on the airplane beyond a Loadmaster slot. You're correct, if you don't pass the Loadmaster FCIII, you aren't gonna pass the FCI or FCIA physicals as its the same physical with a few additions.

You will get your initial physical for entry into the AF/ANG/AFRES at MEPS. Once you pass that, you would be eligible to head to basic training and tech school for most jobs. The extra physical for Loadmasters and Flight Engineers is a Flying Class III physical which involves a few more things than a basic entry physical. Nothing crazy, but they just want to ensure you don't have depth perception issues, arent deaf or blind, etc. Its very basic in comparison to Pilot (Flying Class I) and Nav (Flying Class IA) physicals. You will end probably end up enlisting before you pass your FCIII physical but after your initial physical. Its understandable your recruiter wants you to have a backup job. Is there any other jobs you might be interested in? If your goal is to be a bus driver/pilot, there are more jobs besides being a loadmaster than gives you plenty of exposure to the airplane and those who fly them.

Any idea what this might mean for the ANG/AFRC H model work load?

+1

start looking online and figure out what youre going to do with your family before you get there. you'll get 5 days to move and 5 days to in process. its totally bogus and really outdated. did i mention unrealistic? if you were an active duty stud, you'd probably be there months in advance on casual status to get settled in before training starts. if you're a guard/reserve bubba, you'll be unpacking, in processing, and getting your life in order in a handful of days before the fun begins. with that being said, good luck!

Have you brought this to the attention of your VA rep at your college and whoever handles VA stuff for students at your base? Probably the retention person in customer service. They may have more answers.

If youre just joining, you don't need to worry about the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Its reserved for those that have deployed and the BAH rate is based on how many days youve done on active duty. You'll be getting the Chapter 1607 (REAP). Here is your payment rates: http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/benefits_resources/rates/CH1607/ch1607rates100112.htm Did you enlist in the Charlotte or Stanley County unit? I'm out of Charlotte. What section did you enlist with? Just a heads up, you may want to comb over your contract a little more if you're not certain what benefits your getting. I've signed stuff before I didnt fully read but an enlistment contract is a little more important than a cell phone.

Same, I got my Masters on the Post-911 and was guard bumming at least half the month, every month. The key to your issue may be the "down range" 4 day trip you were on and the way it was coded. Sorry about your troubles. If you get a real reason from a real person at the VA, post up what you know to avoid others having the same problems.

If you'd like, send me a PM with your bro's name. I'm sure I know him. I transferred out of there in 09 to Niagara Falls, NY ANG for a year and half and then to Charlotte NC ANG who sent me off to Nav school, where I'm at now in Pensacola. My parents still live in North Kansas City and I own a house there that I rent out, so I'm in KC and STJ on holidays, etc, and still talk to alot of the guys at the 180th. I like the unit in Charlotte but its a little different than STJ. Overall, I think I liked STJ better than the three units I've been in. They are anal enough to get the job done and not get hurt but still cool enough for it not to suck. Niagara Falls was dangerously laid back (they came from tankers, so maybe its a tanker community thing?) and Charlotte prides themselves on being the "most active duty unit in the guard" but I still like it there. Sounds like you already know, but you got picked up by a great unit and I'm happy to hear AMP is dead and they are not only staying open but getting H3's.

Call their financial aid office and ask if they have the same tuition rates for veterans or those currently serving in the ANG/AFRES. I went to grad school out of state and the cost was insane (New York) but being a vet, they gave me in state tuition rates at a reduced rate (at the ANG tuition assistance price). Its worth a phone call if its really where you want to go.

What ANG unit isnt? Its especially evident when applying for any sort of full time position or UFT!

+1 I'm in a very similar situation. 3rd ANG unit, 3rd state. Transferred all first to second in the same career field and third unit for Nav school. The transfer is typically very quick. Paperwork takes a few days and I was flying with the new unit a month later. Obviously your unit has to release you. I wouldn't expect to spend 6 months or a year in tech school on one units dime and want to transfer 6 months later to another. And as always, don't burn bridges. If you've transferred once or twice, you may end up doing it again and the ANG is a small community.

Congrats on getting hired with the 180th. I was a Loady in that unit for a couple years before transferring out. Great guys, you'll love it there. Move to Kansas City and commute though. St Joe blows. And when youre up and qualified, go through the AATTC course when you can!

Great graph! You must be in engineer???

MAFFS 8 and a support 130 made it back to Charlotte last night. The rest of the units involved are back at it, but the NC ANG, at least right now, is concentrating on healing wounds and taking care of those affected.

RIP brothers. Both Loadmasters are doing better.