Help me out here!
07-23-2009, 04:34 PM
#1
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Feb 2008
Posts: 31
Help me out here!
First, my background. I graduated from HS in 2001 and went to AF basic in 2002. I was in ATC for about a year, but due to manning issues, I was forced to retrain. I ended up retraining into Aerospace Physiology and did that for for year. While serving, I was a hard worker and made great improvements in out unit. However, I wasn't always the best Airman there. Mostly weight issue affected my performance reports (I'm not looking for a lecture on weight management or anything like that. I know, it's the military its part of the lifestyle. I am helping my wife prep for her first marathon.) I started working on my BS Pro Aero with ERAU and got my AS Physiology Instruction from CCAF. I got out in Apr 2008 and went to ATP (yes ATP, lets not say anymore about that) and have my CFI, CFII, MEI.
Now the question: Is it worth it for me to finish my degree (late '09 early '10) and attempt to get a commission and do the AD AF pilot gig, or should I continue looking for students? Will my instructor ratings help and if so, how much? Has anyone on here gone from AD enlisted to AD pilot? Any and all information is GREATLY appreciated!
Now the question: Is it worth it for me to finish my degree (late '09 early '10) and attempt to get a commission and do the AD AF pilot gig, or should I continue looking for students? Will my instructor ratings help and if so, how much? Has anyone on here gone from AD enlisted to AD pilot? Any and all information is GREATLY appreciated!
07-23-2009, 05:03 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2007
Position: Petting Zoo
Posts: 2,074
[quote=imatworkallday;649890]
Now the question: Is it worth it for me to finish my degree (late '09 early '10) /quote]
Yes.
Degree is always worthwhile. Especially if you ever plan on paying off your ATP.
There's a million topics/threads out there on value of a degree in getting hired by a major. So flying, whether mil or civilian, yeah degree helps.
I went from enlisted to officer, I know many many prior enlisted. Nothing unusual there.
Far as the active AF commission, the question you should be asking is, do you want to? Is it worth it--well if you want it, yes....if not, not so much. What do you want to do? Do you want to be a military pilot?
If you do decide to pursue a commission and are worried about bad performance reports, you can always attempt to contact your raters/supervisiors, explain your situation, and see if they'd be willing to write letters of recommendation for you now that you've straigtened out whatever problems you had.
Currently the AF has an obsession with physical fitness and weight control. Just saying
Now the question: Is it worth it for me to finish my degree (late '09 early '10) /quote]
Yes.
Degree is always worthwhile. Especially if you ever plan on paying off your ATP.
There's a million topics/threads out there on value of a degree in getting hired by a major. So flying, whether mil or civilian, yeah degree helps.
I went from enlisted to officer, I know many many prior enlisted. Nothing unusual there.
Far as the active AF commission, the question you should be asking is, do you want to? Is it worth it--well if you want it, yes....if not, not so much. What do you want to do? Do you want to be a military pilot?
If you do decide to pursue a commission and are worried about bad performance reports, you can always attempt to contact your raters/supervisiors, explain your situation, and see if they'd be willing to write letters of recommendation for you now that you've straigtened out whatever problems you had.
Currently the AF has an obsession with physical fitness and weight control. Just saying
07-23-2009, 05:35 PM
#4
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Feb 2008
Posts: 31
Re: Help
Originally Posted by blastoff
Sounds like he's about 30 years old...may be beyond the age limit.
A little clarification...I am indeed planning on finishing my degree regardless of what goes on. I am an education geek (redundant?). Anyways, thanks for the idea of getting the letters from former supervisors. I know some will be hard to get a hold of, but definatly doable. Should I get the rater or the endorser of the epr? I figure the endorser would be the way to go seeing as how they are MSgts and Capts. Anyone information on a day in OTS (not UPT)?
07-23-2009, 09:05 PM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2007
Position: A320 CA
Posts: 1,530
Originally Posted by imatworkallday
Anyone information on a day in OTS (not UPT)?
I'm a non-prior so I have no idea how to compare it to basic...my roomate called it "Basic on Steroids."
07-24-2009, 08:52 AM
#7
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,293
You are still young enough, but hurry!
As far as your enlisted performance...obviously they would expect officer candidates to be able to perform well if serving as junior enlisted.
If your only documented problem was weight/fitness, that's an easy fix...get in really good shape. I mean so good that you look like a navy seal...that will send all the message that needs to be sent when you interview. A picture is worth a thousand words...
If you had other documented performance problems, you will have a harder road. You will have to explain that you have matured and are more motivated. Good grades and obvious physical fitness will hopefully send the message that you have done a 180. If you have time, do some triathlons or similar activities and document it.
If you were actually separated from AF due to performance or fitness issues and it is documented on your DD-214 you are pretty much out of luck. The economy sucks right now, they have plenty of applicants as it is. Look up your separation code at the bottom of the DD-214 if you're not sure.
As far as your enlisted performance...obviously they would expect officer candidates to be able to perform well if serving as junior enlisted.
If your only documented problem was weight/fitness, that's an easy fix...get in really good shape. I mean so good that you look like a navy seal...that will send all the message that needs to be sent when you interview. A picture is worth a thousand words...
If you had other documented performance problems, you will have a harder road. You will have to explain that you have matured and are more motivated. Good grades and obvious physical fitness will hopefully send the message that you have done a 180. If you have time, do some triathlons or similar activities and document it.
If you were actually separated from AF due to performance or fitness issues and it is documented on your DD-214 you are pretty much out of luck. The economy sucks right now, they have plenty of applicants as it is. Look up your separation code at the bottom of the DD-214 if you're not sure.
