ANG Enlisted to Pilot advice
02-26-2011, 06:54 PM
#1
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ANG Enlisted to Pilot advice
I have seen some people on this forum post that going from enlisted to applying for a pilot slot will benefit you greatly. Is this so?
I would like to get a pilot slot at my local ANG however being picky will not get me anywhere. I was just wondering if enlisting first (with a 4-year degree) would be better for me than applying for UPT slot off the street?
Also... is it fact or fiction that certain jobs such as LM really put you above and beyond the rest who apply for the pilot spot? Any other positions like this?
Thanks.
I would like to get a pilot slot at my local ANG however being picky will not get me anywhere. I was just wondering if enlisting first (with a 4-year degree) would be better for me than applying for UPT slot off the street?
Also... is it fact or fiction that certain jobs such as LM really put you above and beyond the rest who apply for the pilot spot? Any other positions like this?
Thanks.
02-26-2011, 08:43 PM
#2
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,350
If you have a degree, apply for all pilot slots which you would be willing to accept (ANG, USAFR, USAF, USN, USMC, USA).
If you think you need a competitive edge after you do that, then consider enlisting but keep in mind that you will fulfill that obligation whether or not you get a pilots slot.
Enlisting is not the key to getting a pilot slot by any means, but it sets you apart a little from off-the-street candidates in that you are a known quantity who can handle the military.
LM might hold an advantage in that you go on trips and work closely with pilots, who can influence the hiring process. This only works in the guard/reserves. The average AD pilot doesn't have any influence on who the AF selects for an AD pilot slot, other than writing a recommendation.
If you think you need a competitive edge after you do that, then consider enlisting but keep in mind that you will fulfill that obligation whether or not you get a pilots slot.
Enlisting is not the key to getting a pilot slot by any means, but it sets you apart a little from off-the-street candidates in that you are a known quantity who can handle the military.
LM might hold an advantage in that you go on trips and work closely with pilots, who can influence the hiring process. This only works in the guard/reserves. The average AD pilot doesn't have any influence on who the AF selects for an AD pilot slot, other than writing a recommendation.
02-26-2011, 10:10 PM
#3
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Joined APC: Feb 2011
Posts: 55
Originally Posted by rickair7777
If you have a degree, apply for all pilot slots which you would be willing to accept (ANG, USAFR, USAF, USN, USMC, USA).
If you think you need a competitive edge after you do that, then consider enlisting but keep in mind that you will fulfill that obligation whether or not you get a pilots slot.
Enlisting is not the key to getting a pilot slot by any means, but it sets you apart a little from off-the-street candidates in that you are a known quantity who can handle the military.
LM might hold an advantage in that you go on trips and work closely with pilots, who can influence the hiring process. This only works in the guard/reserves. The average AD pilot doesn't have any influence on who the AF selects for an AD pilot slot, other than writing a recommendation.
If you think you need a competitive edge after you do that, then consider enlisting but keep in mind that you will fulfill that obligation whether or not you get a pilots slot.
Enlisting is not the key to getting a pilot slot by any means, but it sets you apart a little from off-the-street candidates in that you are a known quantity who can handle the military.
LM might hold an advantage in that you go on trips and work closely with pilots, who can influence the hiring process. This only works in the guard/reserves. The average AD pilot doesn't have any influence on who the AF selects for an AD pilot slot, other than writing a recommendation.
Thanks for the info. I've just heard that being enlisted ahead of time would be a great benefactor in applying for a UPT slot. I'd already have my PPL with close to 100 hours, a four year degree, some previous job experience, and a few kickA references.
Not to mention being a loadmaster seems like it would be a kick in the pants. I haven't talked to many but it seems that way to me. Also like it would be a great component to building a better person/pilot.
02-27-2011, 12:34 AM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2006
Position: Mostly Herks. Soon to be Guppys and FRED
Posts: 280
Originally Posted by HawkJ2010
I have seen some people on this forum post that going from enlisted to applying for a pilot slot will benefit you greatly. Is this so?
I would like to get a pilot slot at my local ANG however being picky will not get me anywhere. I was just wondering if enlisting first (with a 4-year degree) would be better for me than applying for UPT slot off the street?
Also... is it fact or fiction that certain jobs such as LM really put you above and beyond the rest who apply for the pilot spot? Any other positions like this?
Thanks.
I would like to get a pilot slot at my local ANG however being picky will not get me anywhere. I was just wondering if enlisting first (with a 4-year degree) would be better for me than applying for UPT slot off the street?
Also... is it fact or fiction that certain jobs such as LM really put you above and beyond the rest who apply for the pilot spot? Any other positions like this?
Thanks.
02-27-2011, 08:47 AM
#6
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Joined APC: Feb 2011
Posts: 55
There aren't that many units within 7 hour drive of my current location. I think there is one tanker wing (141st Refueling Wing) in Spokane, Washington, and one fighter wing (142nd Fighter Wing) in Portland, Oregon. So there are only two wings I could drive to if I even got an interview.
Flying can get expensive so if I were to get more than one interview in different locations across the nations do I just choose one or two and purchase tickets?
Did your friends get their job on their first interview? Because I dont know what I could do to make myself a better candidate after I have some civilian flight time, my college degree, and great AFOQT/PCSM scores.
Flying can get expensive so if I were to get more than one interview in different locations across the nations do I just choose one or two and purchase tickets?
Did your friends get their job on their first interview? Because I dont know what I could do to make myself a better candidate after I have some civilian flight time, my college degree, and great AFOQT/PCSM scores.
02-27-2011, 11:32 AM
#7
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Position: MD-11 FO
Posts: 59
Hey Hawk. I am brand new to this forum. In fact, this is my very first post. So please bare with me here.
I was an active duty enlisted guy before I got my Reserve job flying. I was a Crew Chief on C-17's for a while, and then applied to the Reserve units on my base for a job and was hired to fly.
The only thing that being an enlisted got me was contact and face time with the guys I was applying to well before I ever considered applying. Meaning, I had worked with and flown with a number of them over my 10 years as a mechanic. It did nothing for what their impression of my pilot skills were. Just that they knew I was a good guy and knew the mission of the plane already.
In my years since then, we have hired MANY off the streets. I mean that to include all three Reserve squadrons at Charleston.
My advice would be to build up your flight time. When you apply to a squadron, be in touch with them. Show your face at events, picinics, and so forth. Your initiative as a pilot is what they are going to look for most of all, in an "off the street" guy. Now, if you are a generals kid, or your dad once lead that squadron, then your skills as a pilot may come in second.
Going through being an enlisted guy just to get in good with a unit to fly with them, to me, seems like the long way around. We have hired so many guys who didn't do that and they are great pilots and were hired right off the bat.
The trick is, apply to anyone you can think you would like to work for. Get in the door. Once you are in, you are winged pilot. Moving around in the Reserves and Guard is a lot easier than you might think. I'm not saying it's as simple as just saying you want to move, but you can make it happen. Get hired, get your wings, get in the door. Hopefully you get in with one of your first choices. If not, then at least you've got wings on your chest and are building hours. In the mean time, you can start politicing for another plane or base.
Being "off the street" is not a bad thing. Now, if in your hiring board there is a current Loadmaster, Engineer, Crew Chief, etc. who is applying with you then you might be ousted by the fact that they are from "with-in" but what are the chances of that? Even still, they hire twice a year. So, if not now, then in 6 months. Or, at another of your choices. Meaning from my experience I think your chances are good for a job, so long as you show your face, have as much flying time as you can get, and keep your nose clean.
Sorry to go on and on.
I'm long winded.
I was an active duty enlisted guy before I got my Reserve job flying. I was a Crew Chief on C-17's for a while, and then applied to the Reserve units on my base for a job and was hired to fly.
The only thing that being an enlisted got me was contact and face time with the guys I was applying to well before I ever considered applying. Meaning, I had worked with and flown with a number of them over my 10 years as a mechanic. It did nothing for what their impression of my pilot skills were. Just that they knew I was a good guy and knew the mission of the plane already.
In my years since then, we have hired MANY off the streets. I mean that to include all three Reserve squadrons at Charleston.
My advice would be to build up your flight time. When you apply to a squadron, be in touch with them. Show your face at events, picinics, and so forth. Your initiative as a pilot is what they are going to look for most of all, in an "off the street" guy. Now, if you are a generals kid, or your dad once lead that squadron, then your skills as a pilot may come in second.
Going through being an enlisted guy just to get in good with a unit to fly with them, to me, seems like the long way around. We have hired so many guys who didn't do that and they are great pilots and were hired right off the bat.
The trick is, apply to anyone you can think you would like to work for. Get in the door. Once you are in, you are winged pilot. Moving around in the Reserves and Guard is a lot easier than you might think. I'm not saying it's as simple as just saying you want to move, but you can make it happen. Get hired, get your wings, get in the door. Hopefully you get in with one of your first choices. If not, then at least you've got wings on your chest and are building hours. In the mean time, you can start politicing for another plane or base.
Being "off the street" is not a bad thing. Now, if in your hiring board there is a current Loadmaster, Engineer, Crew Chief, etc. who is applying with you then you might be ousted by the fact that they are from "with-in" but what are the chances of that? Even still, they hire twice a year. So, if not now, then in 6 months. Or, at another of your choices. Meaning from my experience I think your chances are good for a job, so long as you show your face, have as much flying time as you can get, and keep your nose clean.
Sorry to go on and on.
I'm long winded.
02-27-2011, 12:13 PM
#8
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Joined APC: Feb 2011
Posts: 55
Originally Posted by Sirecks
Hey Hawk. I am brand new to this forum. In fact, this is my very first post. So please bare with me here.
I was an active duty enlisted guy before I got my Reserve job flying. I was a Crew Chief on C-17's for a while, and then applied to the Reserve units on my base for a job and was hired to fly.
The only thing that being an enlisted got me was contact and face time with the guys I was applying to well before I ever considered applying. Meaning, I had worked with and flown with a number of them over my 10 years as a mechanic. It did nothing for what their impression of my pilot skills were. Just that they knew I was a good guy and knew the mission of the plane already.
In my years since then, we have hired MANY off the streets. I mean that to include all three Reserve squadrons at Charleston.
My advice would be to build up your flight time. When you apply to a squadron, be in touch with them. Show your face at events, picinics, and so forth. Your initiative as a pilot is what they are going to look for most of all, in an "off the street" guy. Now, if you are a generals kid, or your dad once lead that squadron, then your skills as a pilot may come in second.
Going through being an enlisted guy just to get in good with a unit to fly with them, to me, seems like the long way around. We have hired so many guys who didn't do that and they are great pilots and were hired right off the bat.
The trick is, apply to anyone you can think you would like to work for. Get in the door. Once you are in, you are winged pilot. Moving around in the Reserves and Guard is a lot easier than you might think. I'm not saying it's as simple as just saying you want to move, but you can make it happen. Get hired, get your wings, get in the door. Hopefully you get in with one of your first choices. If not, then at least you've got wings on your chest and are building hours. In the mean time, you can start politicing for another plane or base.
Being "off the street" is not a bad thing. Now, if in your hiring board there is a current Loadmaster, Engineer, Crew Chief, etc. who is applying with you then you might be ousted by the fact that they are from "with-in" but what are the chances of that? Even still, they hire twice a year. So, if not now, then in 6 months. Or, at another of your choices. Meaning from my experience I think your chances are good for a job, so long as you show your face, have as much flying time as you can get, and keep your nose clean.
I was an active duty enlisted guy before I got my Reserve job flying. I was a Crew Chief on C-17's for a while, and then applied to the Reserve units on my base for a job and was hired to fly.
The only thing that being an enlisted got me was contact and face time with the guys I was applying to well before I ever considered applying. Meaning, I had worked with and flown with a number of them over my 10 years as a mechanic. It did nothing for what their impression of my pilot skills were. Just that they knew I was a good guy and knew the mission of the plane already.
In my years since then, we have hired MANY off the streets. I mean that to include all three Reserve squadrons at Charleston.
My advice would be to build up your flight time. When you apply to a squadron, be in touch with them. Show your face at events, picinics, and so forth. Your initiative as a pilot is what they are going to look for most of all, in an "off the street" guy. Now, if you are a generals kid, or your dad once lead that squadron, then your skills as a pilot may come in second.
Going through being an enlisted guy just to get in good with a unit to fly with them, to me, seems like the long way around. We have hired so many guys who didn't do that and they are great pilots and were hired right off the bat.
The trick is, apply to anyone you can think you would like to work for. Get in the door. Once you are in, you are winged pilot. Moving around in the Reserves and Guard is a lot easier than you might think. I'm not saying it's as simple as just saying you want to move, but you can make it happen. Get hired, get your wings, get in the door. Hopefully you get in with one of your first choices. If not, then at least you've got wings on your chest and are building hours. In the mean time, you can start politicing for another plane or base.
Being "off the street" is not a bad thing. Now, if in your hiring board there is a current Loadmaster, Engineer, Crew Chief, etc. who is applying with you then you might be ousted by the fact that they are from "with-in" but what are the chances of that? Even still, they hire twice a year. So, if not now, then in 6 months. Or, at another of your choices. Meaning from my experience I think your chances are good for a job, so long as you show your face, have as much flying time as you can get, and keep your nose clean.
) I will probably apply early this year to the two local wings and if they figure I'll finish schooling within the hiring timeframe and UPT THEN GREAT! With that being said do you know many off the street guys who have been selected on the board previous to graduation? (Figuring that they will graduate within the next 8 months or so?)
If not, over the next year I will just apply all over the country and go with whatever wing honors me with the privilege!
02-27-2011, 12:20 PM
#9
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Joined APC: Feb 2011
Position: MD-11 FO
Posts: 59
All the off the street guys, and myself included, were all hired while in their last classes. In other words, the official hire came at that point. However, I applied and started "politicking" long before I was done. But, when my last two classes came before graduation and they knew that I was in the last two, then I got my nod. As far as I know with the other guys over the years it's the same story.
My suggestion would be to start talking with units as you approach your last year. When you are within a year of being done, hit it hard. Start talking with folks, start showing your face, start being visible. So when you are in your last class, your aren't a new face to them.
My suggestion would be to start talking with units as you approach your last year. When you are within a year of being done, hit it hard. Start talking with folks, start showing your face, start being visible. So when you are in your last class, your aren't a new face to them.
02-27-2011, 12:55 PM
#10
trip trading freak
Joined APC: Oct 2010
Position: MD-11
Posts: 673
Hawk,
many other threads covering this but start now! you wait, you loose. Be willing to relocate. Some units that aren't in the most popular locations have slot also. Some units will only hire from within. Known quantity. If you are thinking of enlisting, try and get a job that deals with the pilots. Guess who is gonna be on/running the interview board. But realize that it will take you about a year to go to basic, then tech school(depending on the specialty) and then get back to the unit. My unit always hired the most qualified. We have people starting to rush the unit a few years out. We hired some early because the process to get your paperwork complete takes about a year. You need to impress on them that you are willing to go the extra mile. Are you willing to relocate for the slot or do you want to stay close to where your are? Do your research for each unit. Every one has it's own personality. Realize that the entire time you are talking to anyone in the unit, you are being sized up! We would get more info about a person bs'ing with them while they were waiting for their interview than actually in the interview. If you want to fly, be willing to travel outside your local area. Really consider what type of flying you want to do. It will be obvious to the interviewers if you are just wanting a slot and not necessarily wanting their mission. Good luck.
many other threads covering this but start now! you wait, you loose. Be willing to relocate. Some units that aren't in the most popular locations have slot also. Some units will only hire from within. Known quantity. If you are thinking of enlisting, try and get a job that deals with the pilots. Guess who is gonna be on/running the interview board. But realize that it will take you about a year to go to basic, then tech school(depending on the specialty) and then get back to the unit. My unit always hired the most qualified. We have people starting to rush the unit a few years out. We hired some early because the process to get your paperwork complete takes about a year. You need to impress on them that you are willing to go the extra mile. Are you willing to relocate for the slot or do you want to stay close to where your are? Do your research for each unit. Every one has it's own personality. Realize that the entire time you are talking to anyone in the unit, you are being sized up! We would get more info about a person bs'ing with them while they were waiting for their interview than actually in the interview. If you want to fly, be willing to travel outside your local area. Really consider what type of flying you want to do. It will be obvious to the interviewers if you are just wanting a slot and not necessarily wanting their mission. Good luck.
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