Originally Posted by
De La Ghetto
Hello Gentlemen,
I am seeking some guidance regarding my situation and intentions.
All my life I wanted to fly. With this vision in mind, I enrolled at an aviation college, which I am currently attending. I am currently working on my flight ratings and have acquired a private license thus far. My goals in life surpass becoming just an airline pilot, as I would also like serving as an officer and pilot in the military. I must note that I am not using the military as a stepping-stone to an airline career.
I have recently decided to enlist into a fighter guard unit with the hope of eventually earning a UPT slot. I’ve been thinking about it for a while (years), but never made moves. But anyways, I met with a recruiter a couple days ago and I look forward to taking the physical next week.
I have made it known that I don’t want to miss too much time out of college, therefor I would be interested in a career field that doesn’t require two semesters off of school. The recruiter suggested that I become an aircraft fuel systems specialist since the schooling is relatively short (6 ½ weeks) and it also offer a bonus incentive that I could use to help with my flight expenses. He told me that I shouldn’t miss more than one semester of college… Can anyone confirm? I personally would prefer to become a boom operator but maintaining currency and becoming mission qualified seems to take much time away from my college schedule. (please correct me if I’m wrong)
Also, I really want to transfer to either Embry-Riddle or the Florida Institute of Technology once I get my CFI(or sooner). Therefore I look forward to a future transfer between guard units, which my recruiter said is possible as long as the job is available at the unit I’m trying to get into.
I’m wondering what you guys think about what I’m intending to do. How would a guard unit view me if I move to a different state to finish my degree and return a couple years down the road? Am I taking the wrong approach to this? I Just want to make sure I am doing the right thing. Sometimes it seems too good to be true.
I understand you not wanting to miss to much college, but the position you choose could make a difference in getting a UPT slot. You mentioned being a boom operator, that to me would make much more sense, you'll be a part of the crew. Plus you might fly with the chief pilot, squadron commander, wing commander etc (which can help getting that UPT slot). As someone in MX, you'll have to work especially hard to get to know the people doing the UPT hiring. As a crew member, you'll fly and perhaps deploy with the important people that will be making a UPT decision. This will give them a chance to get to know you and if you make it known you want to go to UPT and they like you it will be a no brainer for them.
I can think of more instances in my previous Guard/Reserve squadrons of enlisted aircrew members being selected to go to UPT than folks in MX. Just my 2 cents and some food for thought.