On 2/23/2026 at 6:45 PM, JASSM_ER said:

A buddy at Pensacola told me this morning that around 50 CSO Lts on casual status were pulled to go to Laughlin for UPT.

2 hours ago, Echoes said:

I heard today that RPA students on casual status got the same treatment as CSOs with offers to go manned.

Wow. I don't have a dog in this fight, but damn. Pulling CSO and RPA LTs off of casual status en masse to go to UPT? That's pretty unprecedented if true (not doubting these posters, just questioning the second hand nature of the info).

Edited Friday at 03:17 AM4 days by Blue

1 hour ago, justtopostonce said:

Received a response after leadership reached out on my behalf. A delay of a "couple more weeks" is likely as those short-term training gaps are being filled by others.

If that’s the case, it would be really awesome if they sent an update email to everyone. I was told a couple of weeks ago that they should start loading assignments again soon. They had started, but got bogged down with AETC taskers and were expected to be getting back on track last week.

1 hour ago, Blue said:

Wow. I don't have a dog in this fight, but damn. Pulling CSO and RPA LTs off of casual status en masse to go to UPT? That's pretty unprecedented if true (not doubting these posters, just questioning the second hand nature of the info).

I’ve heard of this happening a few years ago.

From AFPC this morning: Unfortunately, that rumor has some truth to it.  The single UPT scheduler that works UFT Board also works all the UPT training for the USAF (number varies but normally 1200 to 1500 per year).  Recently she has been bombarded by AETC taskers regarding short notices to UPT at Laughlin; I am sure you have heard that rumor as well.  Bottomline is that although there is a training plan for everyone in out UPT select list, the scheduler has not been able to load everyone yet.  Loading is done based primarily on expected RNLTD dates, therefore those with earlier planned dates will see the training loaded more quickly than those planned towards the end of the year.  You can pass on that ENJJPT and UHT are unlikely to move before Q3 (training pipeline delays), therefore they may see their training loaded later in March.  Everyone else, just hang in there, it will get done.  No one expected what is going on with Laughlin short notices…

On 2/26/2026 at 8:34 PM, Blue said:

Wow. I don't have a dog in this fight, but damn. Pulling CSO and RPA LTs off of casual status en masse to go to UPT? That's pretty unprecedented if true (not doubting these posters, just questioning the second hand nature of the info).

dude, is there any chance alternates get a shot at UPT now too???? Man...

On 2/26/2026 at 9:34 PM, Blue said:

Wow. I don't have a dog in this fight, but damn. Pulling CSO and RPA LTs off of casual status en masse to go to UPT? That's pretty unprecedented if true (not doubting these posters, just questioning the second hand nature of the info).

Another friend at my duty station has a spouse at Laughlin and said there's something going down but couldn't disclose what (lowkey performatively cryptric, but we were in a restaurant so fair I guess). Will follow up if they tell me.

2 hours ago, LeeLue said:

dude, is there any chance alternates get a shot at UPT now too???? Man...

I believe there was an alternate who got quick turn dates earlier in this thread. Might be worth reaching out and saying you’re down to send it!

1 hour ago, JASSM_ER said:

Another friend at my duty station has a spouse at Laughlin and said there's something going down but couldn't disclose what (lowkey performatively cryptric, but we were in a restaurant so fair I guess). Will follow up if they tell me.

The great Laughlin scandal of 2026! Im very curious about what transpired. Seems to be a bit more then just a misallocation of numbers…

14 minutes ago, Shultzy22 said:

I believe there was an alternate who got quick turn dates earlier in this thread. Might be worth reaching out and saying you’re down to send it!

no way... fingers crossed somehow some way us benchwarming alternates get a shot from the USAF pilot gods.

So anyone else push an email or hear anything today? We sent one for a couple of folks still waiting on all of our behalf. Figure we'll hear what's already been pushed on here, but the published guidance said to do so starting 1 March.

I also pinged them today since I haven’t heard anything yet.

I know a few others who reached out. I’m on leave so I’m waiting until I get back. It’d be great if they simply provided an update to all UFT selects and we didn’t have to rely on a public forum for basic information.

A friend at Laughlin told me that they had an overall pilot projection shortage for the year, and they had to augment their numbers by pulling from CSO/RPA/alternates/etc. Laughlin seems to have the best mx and moves the most pilots, so that’s played into it as well. Additionally, they’re implementing a new program combining T-38 phase and IFF fundamentals that they’re calling “FBF” (Fighter Bomber Fundamentals) which is expected to move more pilots through that track. Something “going down” made it sound more dramatic, but that’s all I know.

On 2/21/2026 at 3:17 PM, randomuzername said:

You were correct my friend. I was one of the 18 alternates and my commander told me 2 days ago I got an offer to go to Laughlin RNLTD March. Yes or no with zero flexibility, of course I said yes. Insanity.

Current RPA, 94 pilot, 85 PCSM, 1/2 Sq, unknown wing, LOR from my Sq commander of 2 years which was very personal, one deployment, and 3 quarterly awards.

For my rated peers I know leadership is difficult for us to obtain and demonstrate, especially us LTs, but we can get a lot of it from exercises and deployments. Volunteer for everything.

Also, the board said the scheduler loaded my dates in, don’t know what that means as I don’t have anything on my CDB but I think we are very close.

dude, i am so stoked for you brotha! congrats. any other alternates get word? hoping they are still offering slots!

13 hours ago, Echoes said:

A friend at Laughlin told me that they had an overall pilot projection shortage for the year, and they had to augment their numbers by pulling from CSO/RPA/alternates/etc. Laughlin seems to have the best mx and moves the most pilots, so that’s played into it as well. Additionally, they’re implementing a new program combining T-38 phase and IFF fundamentals that they’re calling “FBF” (Fighter Bomber Fundamentals) which is expected to move more pilots through that track. Something “going down” made it sound more dramatic, but that’s all I know.

FBF has been going on for a few years. It started in Columbus in 2023 when I was there. It kind of works but it definitely has some kinks to it.