CTPILOT

I'm interested in the Air National Guard and looking for as much info as possible such as selection process and training. looking at 106th Rescue Sqdn. in Westhampton Beach , Long Island....Thanks

Slice

Hercs or helos? Have you tried calling them? Find the ops number via the web and give a call. That will be your best bet.

TurbineTime

Here's a question for you guys. I've been interested in flying in the military for a long time, but i have been very discouraged by the the recent talk of UAV's in the military. I have heard that many new pilot candidates have been sent to the UAV's without ever flying an actual aircraft. This seems like a serious waste of time when u have to fly a remote for ten years. Anyone hoping to get a job after would seem to be kinda screwed, anyone have thoughts on that???

130drvr

the other sites on UPT selection are a buzz with the next class will get UAVs in there drop. Expecting tons more in FY2009. The AF is treating it like a major weapon system(MWS) which means you'll be locked in it for a while. Given that the SecDef has been screaming for more UAVs in theater, I'd say it's very hard to recommend the AF right now.

Look at baseops.net and go to the forum link. tons of UPT hopefuls.

Slice

My thoughts, go guard or reserve.

MoosePileit

The last Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) made some units UAV operators. I'm not sure when the next BRAC will come out, but I think you'll see it spread. Yes- Go Guard or Reserve. BUT- keep your ear to the ground on mission changes.

Spaceman Spliff

Wow. That would be a kick in the nuts. I bet they'll go pretty low.

blastoff

There was an article in Air Force Times a few months ago that the AF decided to develop an independent UAV pipeline (De-qualed Pilot Candidates and UPT washouts) and eventually not have UPT students get UAV's out of the drop. I'm sure that doesn't help the guys going through right now, though.

todd1200

I've been giving serious consideration to trying to fly in the AF. I'm not sure if I have a realistic shot. Here's my situation:

26 (and a half)
Prior enlisted, Active Duty AF
Regional FO, about 700 TT, 200 Turbine SIC
and I'm still working on my degree.

I finished an AA (4.0 GPA) and I just started working on an engineering technology degree online from UCF, but I'm thinking about transfering and pursuing an aeronautical degree from Riddle Worldwide, because there would be a lot less pre-reqs, and I could finish in about 1.5 - 2 years. I'm wondering if not finishing my degree until I'm 28, almost 29 is going to make it impossible to get a spot. I'd like to go Guard, so I could keep my seniority at my airline, but considering the hiring process necessary to get a Guard spot, I'm guessing that would be even more unlikely. I've thought about maybe trying to get a warrant spot in the Army, since I wouldn't have to be done with my bachelor's, but I enjoyed being in the AF, and I'm not sure if I'd be a good fit for the Army culture. Anyway, I like my current job, but I miss (parts of) being in the military, and was trying to figure out if I had a chance.
Any advice? Thanks.

crewdawg

Find a guard unit (or 10) that you would like to join and go for it. Get that degree asap. You have to be in UPT by age 30! There are exceptions to that, I know of three dudes with age waivers but they are few and far between (one which is in my class, had a three star helping him). Start sending apps. before you get your degree if they will let you. My unit hired me with a year left to get my degree.

Now would be a great time to go guard/reserve if possible. Guys in my class are pretty uncertain of their future. My class is going to drop soon and let's just say I count my blessings every day that I am guard!

As far as the army goes, I have a few buds in the Army guard and they both can't wait to get out/come to the air guard. I can't speak personally but their view is good enough for me!

Feel free to PM if you have any questions.

Goodluck