I will give you my 2 cents on this subject. Although it does help to know somebody in the squadron, persistence is equally as powerful. I did not have any contacts or connections to any military units. All I did was put together a list of all the units (Im speaking of guard and reserve units) that I was interested in and just started cold calling around. I would avoid recruiters entirely at first because they are no help and will just make extra work for you at first. Get a phone number, any number, inside the squadron and call it. Google the unit and you'll be suprised how much info you can find. Just ask whomever answers that you want to talk to the person in charge of pilot hiring. They will give you the phone number of an Officer and most likely you will get their voicemail. Leave a message and they always call back. Tell them youre interested in a pilot slot then the "persistence" part comes into play. Keep bugging them (respectfully of course) by calling once or twice a week. Also, volunteer to hang out at the squadron and help with odd jobs or just hang out on drill weekends and do whatever. you will build a rapport with the pilots and eventually they will consider you a non-official member. When they hold the next pilot board you will most likely be chosen. This process may take a few months but how bad do you want it? persistence, persistence, etc. hope this helps. good luck