BaronPete

Hello everyone, it's time for the big first post!

I'm currently enrolled in a 4 year university majoring in Professional Flight Management. (Auburn University, maybe you've heard of it) Anywho, upon graduation I will have around 350 hours including around 50 multi. I will have received ratings for instrument, comm, multi, and potentially CFI. I haven't made my mind up if I want to try my hand at CFI'ing, but I've always loved the idea of flying military aircraft. I don't have any particular desire to insist upon flying fighters, I just want to fly. Period. I saw a previous thread with a similar question, but I'll try to give as much information about myself as possible.

I'm 21 years of age and will be a Junior come Spring 08'.

I've often feared that my vision will be a problem, as I see about 20/60 in each eye but correctable to 20/17. I also have a slight stigmatism in my left eye.

I have a great GPA right now which is hanging around 3.7ish (feel free to round up )

The last bit of criteria that I could see coming into play is the fact that I received a misdemeanor at the age of 20. I plead youthful offender (which I know matters absolutely zilch to people who have access to FBI files such as the military/airlines) and have absolutely NO other blemishes on my record. I have never been in an accident, never had a speeding/traffic ticket, and no other criminal activity whatsoever. (Yes, I will knock on wood at this point in time.)

Would anyone that considers themselves to be in the know provide their input on my chances of getting a pilot slot in the future? I've tried to be as detailed as possible, but if anyone needs to know anything else about myself I would be happy to answer their questions!

Thanks ahead of time!

BaronPete

Slice

Misdemeanor for what? In either case, if you interview be honest and don't make excuses for your past. You should have a good chance.

Triumph

Nobody knows the end-all answer as to whether you'll get a slot or not, or what will be the determining factor as to why you didn't (if that should be the case). What you need to do from this point is finish your degree with a good gpa, and start looking into ANG/AFRES units that you have interest in (either for location or for the type of plane they operate). Also, start looking into the tests/physicals and all the other components that go into paving the path towards becoming and officer and going to flight school.
Having a blemish on your record isn't the end of the world. Having a DUI/DWI may be, but everyone has done something stupid when they were young and stupid. It's part of life and nobody is perfect. As for the vision thing, I believe 20/70 corrected to 20/20 is the tolerance for the Air Force, and there is always waivers... The only way you'll know whether you get a chance at flying for the military is if you try... all they can say is no.

Any other questions feel free to pm...

BaronPete

Slice, when you say interview, who/what interview for the ANG/AFR are you referring to?

As for the misdemeanor, I was with a group of people on Halloween that had some marijunana. In the interest of putting my best foot forward in an interview situation, I will accept all responsibility for my actions, regardless of fault, but in reality I was a victim of association and didn't know my rights at the time.

I understand that such a charge, albeit a small one, tends to brand someone as being morally unsound because it is a drug offense, but hopefully my high collegiate GPA, extracurricular background, flight time, and completion of an Professional Flight Management degree would demonstrate my dedication to aviation and that I'm not the type of person to be considered a liability.

scrapdog

Not to burst a bubble - but the whole marijuana might put a dent in any type of commision.

Raging white

Actually, as long as you tell the truth and pass the pee test, you'll be fine. Lots of folks "experimented" during their school years. What sets them apart is that the experimentation ended before they applied to the USAF. The USAF/ANG zero tolerance stance is clear. What you did before you signed up is completely different. Having been in an ANG unit, we hired dudes for UPT with bigger blemishes. We figured they were young/stupid, they owned up to being young/stupid, and they were ultimately a great fit. Good luck.

scrapdog

Never heard of that. News to me, but good on 'em. Which unit are you in?

grasshopper

Baron...I don't what your specific situation was but I know several that have blemishes on their records and still have done well. I think it depends on the age and type of record though. I think you will have to get a moral offense waiver if it's anything that meets certain criteria...but that is a definite possibility if you "interview" well. By that I mean you look like you will be a dedicated productive member should the unit send you to training. Most things with the military are merely a pen stroke away but someone has to be motivated enough to start writing. EXCELLENT AFOQT scores, GPA, ability to pass physical, some flight training, etc. all enhance your chances of getting a slot. I've sat in on a few interviews and "well rounded" matters. I've seen some people with great backgrounds not get selected due to marginal AFOQT scores. Despite what you might read elsewhere, there are still plenty out there who will take a load of free flight training/chance to do the military thing etc. I can't speak for the Guard but the Reserves still have to send the applicants package through an objective board elsewhere and sometimes it's the AFOQT that burns an otherwise great candidate. Letters of Recommendation really help at that stage as well. You'll definitely want to keep a pristine record from now on though. Often if you do well a unit will invite you to come back and interview again. Most don't want to send too many to the board at once and will take the older one that has the least time left for training eligibility. As with all things government, don't let the paperwork scare you...heck I think I got in just because I kept filling out forms and being aggressive by calling and asking what was next Good luck!

grasshopper

also...that Auburn thing might hurt ya

BaronPete

Now that was just harsh... LOL

I assume you're referring to our loss last night to USF. I was quite upset at having attended that game. Recruits were there too....sigh