On the right track for pilot slot? (OTS/OCS?
10-27-2008, 08:29 PM
#11
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: Sitting
Posts: 96
Thanks to everyone for the responses. It's good to hear with people with first hand experience that isn't a recruiter.
I will indeed be applying to ANG/res units post graduation also, but would take the opportunity for active duty before it, to be honest.
I have considered making my minor a second degree, giving the opportunity to do the AFROTC 2 year program at my school.
Do you commit to the AF before being offered a pilot slot that way?
I will indeed be applying to ANG/res units post graduation also, but would take the opportunity for active duty before it, to be honest.
I have considered making my minor a second degree, giving the opportunity to do the AFROTC 2 year program at my school.
Do you commit to the AF before being offered a pilot slot that way?
As for OTS, YES, they will guarantee you a pilot training slot before you sign your life away. The application process is time consuming (lots of paper work, transcripts, AFOQT, interview, etc). DO NOT fall for the "you can be a navigator and then easily get a pilot training slot," B.S.
I told my OTS recruiter, "I want to be a pilot or I'm not going to join," and that is exactly what I did. Do not cave no matter what line they try to sell you.
Good luck,
Buzz
10-27-2008, 08:33 PM
#12
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,839
mds -
You'll get a lot of advice to look into the ANG/AF Res and I'm sure they are great programs.....but take comments like "Active duty sucks!" with a grain of salt too. Plenty of people have enjoyed the service of their country in the AD forces. Check them ALL out and do what you want.
USMCFLYR
You'll get a lot of advice to look into the ANG/AF Res and I'm sure they are great programs.....but take comments like "Active duty sucks!" with a grain of salt too. Plenty of people have enjoyed the service of their country in the AD forces. Check them ALL out and do what you want.
USMCFLYR
10-28-2008, 11:09 AM
#14
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Posts: 7
I was in ROTC about 2 years ago for a quarter and got out of it because of the fact that you must sign a contract with them before becoming POC, then find out your job 20 months later.
I refuse to accept any other slot than pilot. I love each aspect of military life but contrary to what ROTC asked for I wanted to be a pilot that is in the air force, not a member of the air force who happens to be a pilot.
There is only a 4 year program and a 2 year program
I refuse to accept any other slot than pilot. I love each aspect of military life but contrary to what ROTC asked for I wanted to be a pilot that is in the air force, not a member of the air force who happens to be a pilot.
There is only a 4 year program and a 2 year program
10-28-2008, 12:39 PM
#15
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,839
I love each aspect of military life but contrary to what ROTC asked for I wanted to be a pilot that is in the air force, not a member of the air force who happens to be a pilot.
I agree with you that you shouldn't sign a contract unless you have a pilot's slot - but be careful about what you are asking for.
USMCFLYR
10-28-2008, 08:39 PM
#16
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Posts: 7
I think you might have misunderstood...
Military life is something I am very interested in and hence the reason for my efforts; the only thing I want more than being in the military is staying in the air. I wouldn't be fully satisfied with myself if I didn't try to achieve both of my dreams at once.
Military life is something I am very interested in and hence the reason for my efforts; the only thing I want more than being in the military is staying in the air. I wouldn't be fully satisfied with myself if I didn't try to achieve both of my dreams at once.
10-28-2008, 09:17 PM
#17
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,839
I think you might have misunderstood...
Military life is something I am very interested in and hence the reason for my efforts; the only thing I want more than being in the military is staying in the air. I wouldn't be fully satisfied with myself if I didn't try to achieve both of my dreams at once.
Military life is something I am very interested in and hence the reason for my efforts; the only thing I want more than being in the military is staying in the air. I wouldn't be fully satisfied with myself if I didn't try to achieve both of my dreams at once.
I just want you to know what you are getting into before you take a huge step. Military flying isn't about showing up at 0900 for a 0930 brief, going to fly some type of mission, coming back to sit in the ready room for an hour swapping stories and then going home.
My first Operations Officer once told me when laying down my responsibilities - there are xx number of block on your fitness report (evaluation) and only ONE of them has to do with your flying ability. If you join the military - you are joining the military to be an officer who happens to fly; NOT a flyer who happens to be an officer.
USMCFLYR
10-29-2008, 08:36 PM
#18
China Visa Applicant
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: Midfield downwind
Posts: 1,928
What you "don't want" just happens to be the cornerstone of being a military pilot.
OFFICERS FIRST
Each one of us, whether we serve as pilot, navigator, or [support] officer, can rightfully take pride in the job we do. The extensive training, hard work, and the satisfaction of a job well done help to foster that occupational pride. But we are different from our civilian counterparts because of the uniform we wear and the grade insignia on our epaulets. We may be a top-notch engineer, an outstanding personnel manager, or a creative public affairs practitioner, but we are all OFFICERS FIRST!
As professional officers, we differ from our civilian counterparts in several ways. First, we have a mission: a mission that is not based on corporate profits or agency billings. That mission provides a purpose to our actions that goes beyond self-interest or financial rewards. It is our devotion to duty, honor, and country that sets us apart from an airline pilot or a corporate administrator. It is that commitment to the mission that makes us professional officers rather than occupational specialists.
Secondary, as professional officers, we must not only enforce, but also, exemplify the highest standards. As professional officers, our actions reflect on the Air Force as a profession and affect those who look to us for leadership. We do not just work for the Air Force. On or off the job, in a flight suit or business suit, service dress or jeans, we are the Air Force.
Finally, as professional officers, we must have the highest standards of integrity. Without that integrity, we cannot maintain the public trust that is so essential to military service in a free society. The American public looks to us to defend their freedoms and their way of life; they charge us with the care of their sons and daughters; and they entrust us with nuclear weapons. No occupational specialty can claim such responsibilities. And, unless we are true to our word, most importantly, true to self, we cannot expect the implicit public trust we need to perform our mission. For many of our civilian counterparts, their occupation is their profession. In our public office, our occupational specialty is only a means toward our professional goal - the Air Force mission. That’s why we must always be - “officers first.”
- Lt Gen Robert D. Springer (USAF Ret)
Each one of us, whether we serve as pilot, navigator, or [support] officer, can rightfully take pride in the job we do. The extensive training, hard work, and the satisfaction of a job well done help to foster that occupational pride. But we are different from our civilian counterparts because of the uniform we wear and the grade insignia on our epaulets. We may be a top-notch engineer, an outstanding personnel manager, or a creative public affairs practitioner, but we are all OFFICERS FIRST!
As professional officers, we differ from our civilian counterparts in several ways. First, we have a mission: a mission that is not based on corporate profits or agency billings. That mission provides a purpose to our actions that goes beyond self-interest or financial rewards. It is our devotion to duty, honor, and country that sets us apart from an airline pilot or a corporate administrator. It is that commitment to the mission that makes us professional officers rather than occupational specialists.
Secondary, as professional officers, we must not only enforce, but also, exemplify the highest standards. As professional officers, our actions reflect on the Air Force as a profession and affect those who look to us for leadership. We do not just work for the Air Force. On or off the job, in a flight suit or business suit, service dress or jeans, we are the Air Force.
Finally, as professional officers, we must have the highest standards of integrity. Without that integrity, we cannot maintain the public trust that is so essential to military service in a free society. The American public looks to us to defend their freedoms and their way of life; they charge us with the care of their sons and daughters; and they entrust us with nuclear weapons. No occupational specialty can claim such responsibilities. And, unless we are true to our word, most importantly, true to self, we cannot expect the implicit public trust we need to perform our mission. For many of our civilian counterparts, their occupation is their profession. In our public office, our occupational specialty is only a means toward our professional goal - the Air Force mission. That’s why we must always be - “officers first.”
- Lt Gen Robert D. Springer (USAF Ret)
11-26-2008, 01:13 PM
#19
On Reserve
Joined APC: Nov 2008
Posts: 11
so far you seem to be on the right track... in this business you need to think about yourself.... don't burn bridges but don't be left in the exhaust of someone elses burners....if you get my drift! I am in the guard and it is definately tended to lean toward a secret... I am not going to get into to many particulars considering most others have already put in the 2 cents as well.. but i will tell you this.... if you plan to send your package to a guard unit... dont send them everywhere. it tends to insult them if you send them shotgun style. look at what you want to fly and...location... typically a guard will turn there head to someone that is not a local or that doesnt have local ties... you have to prove to them that you are there one and only... its not like active duty... were your there on a couple year tour... your are going to be family and they want you for the long haul...minimum!!! 10 years!!! so make sure you do your research first... quick additional... tankers and airlifters get more slots per fiscal year... and size matters as to how many planes they have.... whereas the fighter communities have little slots and sometimes dont even have annual boards....so the odds are against you... they tend to take active duty as well... not trying to scare you but that is the truth... so weigh your options and make your flight experience noteworthy! and stay out of trouble!
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