Transitioning to Fighters In Guard/Reserve
#31
Gets Weekends Off
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Joined APC: Oct 2021
Posts: 316
The transition to the heavy or fighter/bomber tracks in UPT pretty much killed guys going from heavies to fighters. There have been some cross flow boards since then, but they targeted the guys who went heavies out of 38s due to a lack of fighter pipeline spots. The AF has decided that setting up a special course just to convert heavy pilots into IFF grads is cost prohibitive due to the limited time to recoup the investment. I’ve heard rumblings that the T-1 may be retired and a single track system reestablished. That would return a great deal of flexibility to how we manage pilots. However, the USAF is very good at never missing a chance to miss a chance.
Yeah not surprised on AF missing chances…especially right now with the whole “pilot retention”. It would benefit them if they gave more flexibility to their pilots career track.
#33
#34
Gets Weekends Off
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Joined APC: Oct 2021
Posts: 316
What is the process like to get hired on at a Rated board for a fighter slot? Same as UPT? More rushing? If coming from a non-fighter airframe , do you need to know someone in the unit to even have a chance?
#36
if you mean from TT to Tactical, I doubt it would be possible with the two-track UPT—no T-38 formation and IFF track.
#37
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2014
Posts: 110
I know multiple heavy guys/RPA FW pilots who went (or are going) into fighters in the ARC. Generally, the unit has to either need pilots (frequently due to a challenging unit location) or they have to really want you there. Either way, the pilots hired were go-getters and had to be humble enough to start at the bottom again. They also had to be full-time for 3-5 years in the unit to earn some credibility.
Sooo, I’m saying there’s a chance…
Sooo, I’m saying there’s a chance…
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