Laxrox43

Can you fly right off the bat in the AF Reserve?

Lax

Starlifter

Until you get a degree, flying, whether it be in Acrive Duty Reserves or Guard is virtually inpossible. At least flying with a window in front of you. You could however, get into an enlisted flying position, Loadmaster, Boom operator, (I think there are a couple of other positions if you go into the Special Ops C-130s) and then possibly upgrade to Flight Engineer. Remember these are flying positions in the sense that yes, you are part of a crew but you are not logging pilot time. Most Guard units and also many reserve units will promote their own in getting someone into pilot training. Anyway you look at it, you need to get that degree. This is the way I did it and it worked out fine. No question, flying in the Guard or Reserve will keep you BUSY. There are enough programs that the Guard and Reserve can help you with in getting that degree.
I don't know where you live but it might be best to go speak to the local Guard & Recruiter first to verify your options and perhaps go meet a C-130, C-5, C-17, KC-135, KC-10 unit to get their pitch. You'll be quite surprised.

Good Luck,
Lifter

Laxrox43

Thanks Lifter,

I am going to go get the Methacoline Challenge Test done ASAP to help me with my decision. If I pass, then I will continue persuing this, if not, airlines it is...

Anyone know who could administer this test to me. I could not find it on the web...strangly enough...

Lax

Taylor

Larox,

To answer your question from above you won't start flying until you attend UPT. The flow of things once you are hired by a reserve/guard unit would look something like this:

You'll swear into the unit and get your medical done (if not already accomplished). They'll send you to get commissioned either in OTS (13 weeks) or AMS (6 weeks for guard). Then off to UPT for 52 weeks. After that you'll go to survival (17 days), water survival (5 days), and to your specific aircraft training (anywhere from 3 to 9 months). Then you'll go back to your unit for seasoning--the length is dependent upon your aircraft. Then you'll be officially released back to a part-time status. Typically most pilots in the guard will fly once a week. In addition to this 3-5 day trips every quarter and deployments. All in all an oppurtunity that few get. You will do some stuff that will blow your mind and see the world. I couldn't be happier in my decision to join the guard. Again you'll need to finish that 4 year degree before applying. Good luck with the eye test, I don't know where you could get it done. Have you tried calling an optometrist?

Take care,

Taylor

Laxrox43

The Methacoline Challenge Test is for Asthma. I "have" Asthma, but it isn't true Asthma...It's hard to explain. Basically, if I take, and pass this test, I will be able to have any medical history involved with my asthma (which was one occasion - and I haven't had any problems since) disregaurded from my record, therefore being eligable for a pilot's slot in the Military. --- that is the short version...

Lax

bschref

Lax - I enlisted in the ANG while still in school. The training gave me great experience to go along with my major (civil engineering), I did some intresting stuff during my 2-week "deployments" in the summers, they paid for a lot of my school, and it was fun! After graduation, I applied/got accepted and went to active duty, OTS, and UPT. I HIGHLY recommend it!!!

Tanker-driver

Be careful about the OTS thing, especially if you are thinking about active duty. Last I heard, the breakdown for active duty pilot slots looked something like this: 50% Academy, 40% ROTC, 10% OTS. If you want active duty, I'd highly recommend the ROTC route. However, like previous posters have said, the Guard/Reserve is a viable option, especially if you are more interested in the flying side, and less interested in the management side. It is entirely possible to get the Guard to send you to UPT, a fact that many, including myself, were unclear on before we signed the dotted line. Moral: explore ALL your options. Good luck man.

bschref

Just gotta be good...

MX727

The nice thing about OTS is you don't go if you don't get a fixed wing pilot slot. Don't accept anything else. They will have you put three specialty codes on the application. Most put fixed wing, rotary wing and navigator. The other good deal about OTS is that if you wash out of UPT, you go home, not to some shoe clerk supply job in Korea. It may be tougher to get a slot, but it's worth it. ROTC is a bit of a crap shoot. If you don't get a pilot slot, you still owe them for the schooling.

BTW, who says you have asthma? I had a high blood sugar test once, didn't mean I had diabetes, just means I didn't fast like I was supposed too. How can you be sure you didn't just have a simple alergic (you don't have allergies either) reaction. I wouldn't bring up or put down anything on the application. As far as medical history, where is it written?