rroulette

I am currently going to be senior at a part 141 school in Virginia with just over 200 hours. Also, I am a couple weeks away from getting my multi engine commercial pilot certificate. As I look at my pilot career, I would absolutely love to be a pilot for the AF reserve or Air National Guard. I have tried to contact a few units within each service but cant seem to get into contact with anyone. I am willing to fly anything and have will go to any unit in the states to be a pilot.
I understand I can't even fully apply until I have my degree in hand. But what is the best way to get in contact with a unit about pilot openings and taking my AFOQT. I have tried to call some units but cant get anyone to call back. I would love to fully pursue this option but cant get into contact with anyone.
I was just hoping some of you guys would have some insight for me.
Thanks!

RR

gulfstreampiper

Just based on your thread title. I'll tell you that is gonna rub some people the wrong way. If people think you are joining just to "build time" they are gonna be hesitant to help you.

Otterbox

Eh if he's accepted the military is going to get their use of him whether he likes it or not. Nothing wrong with using it as a stepping stone like one would the regionals etc. He'll get weeded out if he doesn't want to be there.

badflaps

What is wrong with enlisting in the Guard and working it from there.

rroulette

Yeah I can see how I the title may effect some replies. I didnt mean it like that. That is my bad.

I wouldn't mind trying full-time service with the AF or Guard. Its just that I am getting married this time next summer so I was hoping to join the reserves. I would definitely still think about full time if the opportunities arose.

I just want to know if I am wasting my time pursuing the reserves, especially since I have no prior military flying experience. I have heard full time AF pilots are having enough trouble getting into the reserves.

gulfstreampiper

I am pretty sure the hiring is different for guys with no experience and guys with prior military flying experience. Each unit usually takes 2-3 guys to UPT each year. A lot of guys have absolutely no flying experience period when they join.

Adlerdriver

Based on your comments, it really doesn't sound like you have a realistic understanding of the process or the timeline involved in going from civilian to ANG/reserve pilot.

Prior military flying experience is not necessary if the unit hires you off the street to send to pilot training. Being in training a year from now would be a pretty fast turn-around but I suppose it might be possible.

The main thing is, the whole "part-time" (one weekend a month thing) is not part of the deal as soon as you sign up. Depending on the airframe you are going to, it's likely you will be on full time orders (effectively on active duty 24/7) for AT LEAST 2 years. If you're going to a fighter unit, that will probably stretch closer to 3 years.

banana380

Then there is the Navy option. If I had known I would end up going Navy and knew about the program, BDCP is the way to go. They pay for your college, no ROTC BS to deal with, give you a stipend, then you go to OCS when you're finished. I went to OCS with a couple of these guys and it's one of the best kept secrets out there. I would look for the number for an Officer Recruiter, completely different than a regular recruiter. They typically won't tell you about officer recruiting, because they want you for their own quota.

FWIW I've always heard a higher percentage of the Navy flies than the AF. If you want to build time for the airlines you should be able to get into P-3's or P-8's easily enough. Most people want tailhook, and about 25% get it. The rest is split between multi-engine and rotary. About 50% go rotary, leaving the last 25% or so going multi.

Then again you'd be committed to 8 years after your winging, so 9.5ish total. Food for thought, and best of luck to you.

FWIW I'd also caution against getting married straight out of HS... People tend to develop into considerably different people between then and their late 20's, often not at the same rate or same direction as their partner. Ask me how I know.

Otterbox

Don't forget that if you don't go tail hook, your final 2-3 years will be spent on a non flying boat tour and you'll likely end up at the regionals as a result... and if you select helicopters you'll likely end up at the regionals for a good bit regardless

I was in almost 11 years before I could get out thanks to 26 months to get through flight school and a mandatory 12 months on a ship for being forced to take orders a month before I could have resigned (the detailers shortened my Shore tour to prevent me from hitting the 12 month mark prior to my MSR where I could resign in order to send me to a ship).

Personally, I wouldn't go active duty with the intent of being an airline pilot these days. You'd get their quicker by going to a regional with a partnership agreement...Guard and reserves would still be worth it though.

If you want to be a helicopter pilot, or just want to serve in the military then by all means...

Mooseflyer88

First off, good on you for doing the research while you're still in school. I lost count of how many 28 & 29 year olds came into the squadron looking to get hired. We won't consider anyone much beyond their 28th birthday due to the lengthy application/hiring process (west coast C-17 unit). You need to find an officer accessions recruiter for the AF reserve/ANG. He/she will explain the process to you and ensure you are qualified. They will also point you in the direction of some flying squadrons you can talk to. It's a long process, but if you're motivated and know what you're getting into, very rewarding.