My .02 cents worth........

I'm a National Guard WO1 and I've been here at Ft. Rucker since April 17th. Since then I've completed WOCS (6 weeks scheduled/7 1/2 weeks actual due to holidays), DUNKER/HOST (3 days), JOPD (1 week), SERE (21 days of FUN!-although now I believe it is 28 days), BOLC IIIA (3 weeks).

The ABSOLUTE fastest way through flight school right now is to be in a National Guard Unit that is deploying, as in my case. I have had one 2-week break between JOPD & SERE, otherwise I have had no "bubbles". The longest wait is for Active Duty guys, particularly those waiting for Apaches.
I moved quick through the system and it still took me 5 months from in-processing to Day 1 at the flightline. I still have about 10 months left.

You will receive MANY briefings on what you CAN and CANNOT do while in flight school, civilian flying being one of them. However, I "heard" but cannot confirm, that if your in the National Guard and have a full-time flying job as a civilian pilot, i.e., an airline pilot, then you would be allowed to keep current such as in a simulator. In my case, I had planned on flying up to CLT to keep "current" in the sim, but now that I'm furloughed...no need.

As far as the schedule goes......once AeroMed starts you get busy and be sure to stay in shape. As of about 3 weeks ago, no matter what phase or hold of training that your in, PT is required five days a week. This is unless your PT exempt which is 290 or above.

Once you start flying, your busy. I came here with well over 2,000 hours, 1,000 of them being in turbine helicopters. So from my perspective, is it hard? no Are you busy? yes!!! Also, I have my family here with me (wife & 3 kids)

Study 5 & 9's........as always.....it WILL free up your time when your in primary for other things....like sleep!

Also, one other disclaimer.....what is said on this forum about IERW could change tomorrow. I'm serious, things are always changing around Bravo Company, for the better mostly. The Bravo Company Commander is a down to earth guy who uses common sense and doesn't put up with BS!

One other note....the reason for mandatory PT is because 9 (NINE)...yes NINE guys failed their PT test just prior to aircraft selection about a month ago. So now they are being held back until they can pass a simple Army APFT.

I'm finishing up Primary next week, so I can't tell you about much more because I haven't gotten there yet.

If you have any more questions, send them my way. I'll give it to you straight and up to date.....if there is such a thing.

Also, I'm tracking 58D's.