Looking for advice and feedback regarding AF
 

I'm 28 1/2 years old. I've gone back to school and I'm working on finishing my last few credits toward my bachelors degree. I'd like to join the Air Force as a UAV operator, but the more I thought about it, would it be worth trying for a pilot slot as my first pick and have the UAV job as a backup plan? Initially I figured I had absolutely zero chance at getting into any aircraft for any branch. I have no prior military or civilian flight experience, I messed up my first few years of college and had a garbage GPA (although a couple years later I spent some time at a local community college and squared myself away), and I honestly just figured I was too old to pursue this.

Several years ago I had enlisted in the Army and did well on the ASVAB. I got an 80 overall, but the breakdown from my ERB:

• GT: 111
• ADMIN: 116
• CMBT: 119
• ELEC: 118
• FA: 118
• MECH: 113
• FOOD: 115
• COMMO: 120
• MAINT: 116
• TECH: 118

I was separated from the Army during BCT with an EPTS (RE-3) due to knee troubles. I've found the Air Force recruiter here is really difficult to track down so I'm still waiting for him to call me back, but a Navy recruiter I spoke with said it should be pretty easily waiverable, especially since the knee condition has improved. He said the best way to proceed at the moment is to get a doctor to declare that I'm fit for full military service.

After doing a lot of Googling and reading, it seems like it's still going to be insanely difficult for me to even have a shot at this but maybe it's still worth fighting for.

So does that make sense, or is it even possible? Would I have a better chance with ANG? I still think working as a UAV operator would be a cool gig (I'm a geek, so the level of sophistication behind the drones fascinates me) and I'd have no problem doing it, but if I still have any shot at getting into a fixed wing aircraft, I'd like to give it a go.

I doubt you could pass a flight physical or even get a waiver if your knees were bad enough for a discharge.

Also the usual age limit for starting flight training is 28-29...you would have to complete the application process, complete OCS/OTS, and actually start flight school before your birthday. Waivers are possible, but tough (you might have to be a real standout).

Right now I think the AF requires UAV pilots to have a flight physical but I kind of doubt they will stick with that forever. Unfortunately UAV pilots are currently pulled from the same pipeline as other pilots so I assume all of the same rules apply. I think this will change eventually, but probably not soon enough for you.

Other services have enlisted folks operating smaller UAV's, might look into that.

I think the Army kind of overreacted when they pushed me out. I suppose they saw it as a liability they didn't want to deal with and the EPTS was an easy way to ensure it wasn't necessary. heh.

In any case, my knee is definitely no longer a problem. I've spent the past several years exercising it and taking care of it. Physically, I think I'm good to go. It's just the other stuff I don't really know about.

How does the age waiver work? Is that something I'd secure prior to joining the Air Force? If it's tough but possible, I'm willing to pursue it. It's something I want so if I have to fight for it, I understand and will fight like hell to achieve.

You would have to get the waiver before you get accepted into the military as a pilot, but I think they are very hard (ie impossible) to get right now. It depends on their needs. But no harm in trying, check out baseops.net for all the details (read before posting, unless you like getting flamed).

Heh, sounds good. I'll check it out :)

That's my general feeling at the moment though, to try for it regardless of the odds against me. The worst that will happen is that the AF will give me an absolutely and final "no" on the pilot path, so I'll look at other options. The AF has other opportunities that I'm interested in (even aside from UAV operator), so it's not like I can't find something to do.

Being as your 28.5 already i wouldnt hold your breath for anything pilot or aviator related. They are currently "trimming" applicants as well as commisioned officers. All part of the new leaner meaner AF. The fact that you are open to other jobs is good just make sure that you have a degree that the AF wants to put to use. Just because you have a degree does not mean your a standout for OTS.

Check out this link Air Force OTS :: OTS Foundation Portal lots of great info regarding numbers for pilot selection non-pilot selection and tips and tricks for your OTS package. Track down you local AF Officer recruiter as well.

Hell Yes!

You have to start pilot training prior to your 30th birthday. If you want to do it, get it in gear and go apply. We just hired a kid that is 28.5 and are getting him into training. If they like you they can expedite anything. I think your best chance is going to be with the Guard/Reserve. They are rare but you can get an age waiver. A guy in my AMS flight was 31 heading to pilot training, actually didn't start until he was almost 32! My class leader started pilot training at 31 as well.....it's rare but can be done. Where there is a will there is a waiver!

As far as the knee thing, let the Doc's down at Brooks DQ you. If you want it bad enough, never DQ yourself!
If you go guard, they will have to enlist you to go to Brooks to get a waiver. Now that enlistment is dependent upon you going to pilot training. So if you fail your medical you would be able to get out of your enlistment.

Maybe AD, but if a guard unit wants you they will fight hard for a waiver!

Thanks for the info. I'm definitely going to give this a shot. I want it, and you're right... if I'm not qualified for it, I'll let someone else DQ me but not without giving it my best. I won't DQ myself. I may not be the ideal person/situation that they look for but I know I can do it if somebody will take a chance on me. :)

I contacted the ANG through their website and requested a recruiter. There are a few ANG units near where I am: the 174th fighter wing in Syracuse, and the 105th and 109th airlift wings in Newburgh and Scotia respectively. I picked up some study books for the AFOQT and flight aptitude test from Amazon. It can't hurt to be well-prepared for it. As far as my bachelors degree goes, I'm going to try to get as many credits completed this semester as possible (but I think I'll still need to do 1 or 2 classes in Spring). Hopefully I can finally get a hold of a recruiter this week and get things started!