AZFlyer

I've scoured the ANG/USAFR websites and even tried searching the older threads here on APC, but have not yet found anything beyond generalities and vagueries (mostly on the official websites, no less)....not surprisingly, this forum provides far better info than the actual ANG/USAFR websites do!

Basically, with the ANG/USAFR pilot positioning being acquired in such a different manner than AD, how also, then, does the officer commissioning process differ from AD?

Hired by a unit --> Bootcamp --> OTS --> UPT?

Also, the USAFR website, so far as I can tell, does not specifically say whether or not civilians with appropriate college degrees can pursue an officers commission. Which would then lead me to wonder whether or not civilians can pursue a pilot path with the reserves??

Thanks, fellas.

FLY6584

I'm an AD guy and don't know a ton about the process, but this is what I do know.

Reserve guys:

Hired by unit(including all medical exams completed) - go to OTS - go to IFS(Introductory Flight Screening: Which I believe guard/reserves guys will start having to attend regardless of ratings just like the active duty guys have been doing for the past year) - then off to UPT

Guard Guys:

Hired by unit(including all medical exams completed)- go to AMS(6 week version of OTS, much nicer) - go to IFS - then off to UPT

zondaracer

No bootcamp, also civilians with a degree can get picked up

AZFlyer

If no bootcamp, does the OTS program contain similar basic instruction as bootcamp? (not that Im complaining about a lack of it...I guess I don't need to know how to use an M-16?? )

Also, would it do a me any worthwhile good (or bad) to send an application package to a unit that is only advertising for guys with prior mil experience if I could generate a LOR or two (a real possibility)?

zondaracer

They WILL yell at you at OTS/AMS and they will make you do pushups and make your bed with hospital corners etc etc. Think of it as bootcamp with much higher expectations. They are expecting you to be a leader and display leadership qualities, not just be a grunt. You have to be a follower and a leader (knowing when to follow is also a leadership trait). They will train you to fire a weapon, I don't know if only an M-9 or also an M-16. You will also do lots of marching and plenty of uniform/room inspections.

As far as the unit requiring "prior mil experience," what exactly are they asking for? Sounds like they are asking for somebody who has already been pilot qualified. If that is the case, won't do any good to send in a package. By the way, I think most units want 3 LORs, not just 1 or 2. I would call the unit first before just sending an application. What unit are you specifically referring to?

McBoeingBus

AZ,
You will have to go to some sort of commissioning source, OTS, AMS or ROTC. Don't let that deter you if you want to fly for the military. It is just a step in the process. It is boot camp and I wouldn't show up out of shape. Be prepared for mind games and play the game. They won't kill you, they just want to weed out the worst of the bad apples that are not suited for military service. You also need to realize that if you complete UPT, you will also have to go to survival school, more mind games and camping. The reserves and guard are a great way to get to your airline job with a back-up plan, but remember you are in the military. You will be expected to obey orders that may include deploying to the sandbox or terminating some raghead. If bootcamp is that big of a concern, you may not be right for military flying. However, if you know that you want to fly for the military, apply to all units. The more lines that you have in the water, the more likely you are to get a bite. Good luck.

Slice

I don't recall any real wpns training at AMS. Concentrate on academics at Mcghee-Tyson. You'll fail out for GPA, you won't for room inspection.

shane123

I just got done doing this as a civilian.

My experience was.........I am a civilian with a college degree and some flying experience. I contacted the unit I was interested in, and then submitted an application. I was called for an interview and offered a pilot slot.

After getting the slot you work with a recruiter to get into the service and get a couple medical exams done. I had to pass an entrance physical to get into the USAFR, then pass a flying physical, and then I had to turn in a package of information to an officer selection board. You are not official until the officer board selects you and cuts your orders, but being sponsored by a reserve squadron is a big help (I hear).

So basically, yes civilians can apply. Check out www.wantscheck.com and www.baseops.net for some in depth info on the whole process, these websites really helped me out.

AZFlyer

Guys, Im not worried about going to anything that looks, smells, or feels like bootcamp, Im fine with that. It was just a question out of curiosity. I'm a pretty physically fit person, have been excersizing on a regular basis for sometime, and have been doing various 'activities' over the years that involve circumstances not too far distanced from a bootcamp feel.

Marching will be fine; I spent 3 years in a top world-class drum and bugle corps.

Sorry, I wasn't specific enough. Yeah, what you said here is exactly the case.

link:
Aviation Jobs - ANG / AFRES Aviation Jobs Online
California ANG, Channel Islands, Point Mugu ANGS. 115th Airlift Squadron, 146th Airlift Wing. Though, upon reading the fine print near the bottom, they do say they'll consider non-prior service applicants based on qualifications.

When I apply, I'll have two B.S. degrees in aviation, and roughly 200hrs ASEL time w/ instrument rating. Not a lot at all, but we'll see I guess!

Shane: Thanks for the links!

Honestly, im not so sure these days I want to do the airline thing at all.

Gio1084

Go to WantsCheck.Com Military Flight Planning and Cadet Resources it will give you all the info your looking for. good luck.