Trying to choose a career path
01-26-2010 | 10:50 AM
#1
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Trying to choose a career path
I stumbled upon this forum; you guys give some great advice and feedback. I’m having a tough time deciding if I want to join the Air Force. I want to serve but don’t know whether to do it through public service or the military.
Here is a brief bio:
College Grad: BA Political Science, MA Public Administration
Currently work for the Governor of Florida and hate my job
I am good with people, sales, and negotiations
My long term goal is to work with the defense contractors selling equipment to the armed forces, specifically the AF. The recruiter suggested contracting and procurement although I’ve heard it’s difficult to move through the ranks as an unrated officer. I would not mind putting in the 20 years if it pays off in the end.
I haven’t given much thought to flying but I’ve always loved fast dangerous stuff since I was a kid. I have great eyesight and reflexes. I just don’t know if it’s worth the effort with the proliferation of UAV’s.
Are there any jobs in the AF for people with my type of skills? If so, are they positions that will facilitate promotions? Any suggestions on what to do would be appreciated.
Thanks
Here is a brief bio:
College Grad: BA Political Science, MA Public Administration
Currently work for the Governor of Florida and hate my job
I am good with people, sales, and negotiations
My long term goal is to work with the defense contractors selling equipment to the armed forces, specifically the AF. The recruiter suggested contracting and procurement although I’ve heard it’s difficult to move through the ranks as an unrated officer. I would not mind putting in the 20 years if it pays off in the end.
I haven’t given much thought to flying but I’ve always loved fast dangerous stuff since I was a kid. I have great eyesight and reflexes. I just don’t know if it’s worth the effort with the proliferation of UAV’s.
Are there any jobs in the AF for people with my type of skills? If so, are they positions that will facilitate promotions? Any suggestions on what to do would be appreciated.
Thanks
01-26-2010 | 11:11 AM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 1
From: A320 CA
I can only speak to the pilot stuff. Coming in off the street (Non ROTC or Academy Grad) without any previous flying experience and getting a Pilot Slot is nearly impossible (in the current climate) without serious inside connections (e.g. dad was a Squadron Commander). Most people trying to become an AF pilot off the street already have advanced pilot certificates and ratings...it is uber-competitive, 2-5% of applicants are selected to go to Pilot Training via OTS. Having your Master's may help you but its a long shot.
Now if you went out and got your Private Pilot Certificate...you may become very competitive.
Now if you went out and got your Private Pilot Certificate...you may become very competitive.
01-26-2010 | 04:06 PM
#3
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Left Seat, Toyota Tacoma
the contracting or acquisition career fields might be worth considering. They're a separate career field that doesn't compete directly against pilots for promotions. You'd be competing amongst fellow acquisitions folks. There's not quite as many high ranking officer positions in that field, but you'd still be promotable. And better yet, you'd be worth a fortune on the outside. A pilot could separate from the USAF and earn a staggering $30K in the airlines. An acquisition guy could serve for 4-8 years, then get out and start at about $100.
01-27-2010 | 04:57 AM
#5
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Joined: Jun 2008
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I spent a little time in the acquisition world. It's a great career field but very competitive. The AF has a program called the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). There is a certification process which last your whole career. If you complete the program and are rated an APDP level IV, you can name your price in the civilian world. Just to put it in perspective, APDP level IV guys are the ones running programs like building the F-22. They also have a very high level of education in management and technical areas.
For what it's worth, I am currently an MD-11 pilot with FedEx ( a pretty good job) but given the opportunity to become a program manager for something major, I would do it instantly. I've been a acquisition program manager in the past and it's a far better life than this.
The only problem I see, is you may not have the required level of education to enter the program. They usually like technical degrees, but you never know until you ask.
For what it's worth, I am currently an MD-11 pilot with FedEx ( a pretty good job) but given the opportunity to become a program manager for something major, I would do it instantly. I've been a acquisition program manager in the past and it's a far better life than this.
The only problem I see, is you may not have the required level of education to enter the program. They usually like technical degrees, but you never know until you ask.
01-27-2010 | 10:58 PM
#6
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Joined: May 2009
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My long term goal is to work with the defense contractors selling equipment to the armed forces, specifically the AF. The recruiter suggested contracting and procurement although I’ve heard it’s difficult to move through the ranks as an unrated officer. I would not mind putting in the 20 years if it pays off in the end.
I haven’t given much thought to flying but I’ve always loved fast dangerous stuff since I was a kid. I have great eyesight and reflexes. I just don’t know if it’s worth the effort with the proliferation of UAV’s.
[
I haven’t given much thought to flying but I’ve always loved fast dangerous stuff since I was a kid. I have great eyesight and reflexes. I just don’t know if it’s worth the effort with the proliferation of UAV’s.
[
So you go for it and get a UAV and do that for any amount of time...but in the end still like the contracting/acquisitions idea. Did it occur to you that in 20+ years the USAF will probably be buying more UAVs than manned aircraft? Just a thought
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