AF Reserve Chances
 

Hello again,

I've been applying to several Reserve units and I'm wondering if I have any chance of actually getting selected. I'm 29 which rules out active duty and a few Reserve units have said my age doesn't necessarily disqualify me. I have 8 years enlisted as a C-130 maintainer, 500 hours of flight time (civilian), a bachelor's in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle (3.8 GPA), and a 98 on the TBAS and 99 on the AFOQT. Basically my question is if the Reserve will hire pilots that have not already gone through UPT/OCS. I have a couple recommendations from Chiefs but I can't get a straight answer from Reserve units whether or not i'm even eligible.
TIA

Having been in both guard and reserve units, and having sat on hiring boards in the past I would say you definitely have a chance. Have you visited any units over drill weekend? That is the best way to get in good with the unit, they'll want to check you out before they decide to hire you and invest in sending you to UPT.

I know several people with lower stats and higher age that have been hired by guard and reserve units. Hang out on baseops.net and bogidope and go visit some units, send out your resume, etc. You can also apply unsponsored and likely get picked up. I recently got an age ETP and am 5 years older than you fwiw.

Contact 340th at Randolph — Unsponsored UPT pipeline. They are doing boards now every 2 months.

Unsponsored means that you are without a home and will be assigned/hired at a unit while at UPT. You can also keep shopping and find your own unit while your there. You will be limited to Reserves though since they run pipeline and will be sending you

PM me if really interested and need help. I can put you in touch with the person you need to speak with

Thanks to everyone for the quick response, definitely gives me some hope for getting a pilot slot. Sent you a pm AFtrainer.

Guard
 

If I had it all to do over again, I would have gone Guard vs Reserve post-active duty. Contact guard units.

ANG first. Contact the closest unit(s). On paper you are a very competitive candidate.

Good luck.

The rule is you have to start UPT before you turn 30. However, there is a waiver for everything, and this is a common one. You just have to find a unit that is willing to write and submit the waiver.

The Guard does have its advantages, but so does the Reserve. Location and/or airframe are far more important factors. Or, in the OP's case, just getting to UPT is more important than Guard vs. Reserve.

Merle, cliffnotes on why you prefer AFRC over the ANG for a curious mind?

On a semi-related note, for anyone currently in a Guard or Reserve unit, could you detail your experience with the SCROLL process? Who you initiated the process with and timeline?

Frosty good luck! It sounds like you're definitely a worthy candidate to be hired.