AF Reserve?
03-16-2012, 06:37 PM
#1
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Joined APC: Jan 2012
Posts: 35
AF Reserve?
I posted recently about getting info on the AF but now i been thinking and does anyone know anything about the AF Reserve?
Im finishing school this May and thinking of possibly join the reserve and still be able to continue my aviation career and become an instructor and hopefully be able to fly for the reserve if possible.
Is flying for the reserve the same qualifications as the AF? And does anyone know have experience on whats the reserve life actually like?
Im finishing school this May and thinking of possibly join the reserve and still be able to continue my aviation career and become an instructor and hopefully be able to fly for the reserve if possible.
Is flying for the reserve the same qualifications as the AF? And does anyone know have experience on whats the reserve life actually like?
03-16-2012, 06:51 PM
#2
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Joined APC: May 2010
Position: Baja Vermont
Posts: 5,178
See a unit recruiter and ask about a UPT slot. The recruiter will probably try to enlist you, but with some flight experience and a degree, he should put you in touch with the flying unit Ops Officer. UPT slots are very competitive, but the standards, physical and testing are the same as AD. The final decision on UPT is made by a board at HQ which consists of senior flying officers.
The training is exactly like active duty, if selected. Except, you would know what aircraft you would be flying after graduation. Once home, you will be on a training tour of AD for three-twelve months. You are paid LT's pay plus flight pay the entire time. Once fully trained, you are a reservist with a committment to be current and maintain training standards. Tricky part--what aircraft to fly? First, take the aircraft of the unit that will select you. However, some weapon systems are far more demanding to learn and maintain currency. Fighters are the toughest, by far, especially for a new LT. Herks are next toughest, in my estimate. Tankers and heavy airlift easier. At a minimum, after finishing training, you will need to plan on 6-9 days a month at the unit to be current and maintain your career.
I did 29 years, in fighters and airlift, went to UPT on a Guard slot, full and part time. I've selected and sent about 15 UPT candidates to training, only one didn't finish and she washed out of OTS.
GF
The training is exactly like active duty, if selected. Except, you would know what aircraft you would be flying after graduation. Once home, you will be on a training tour of AD for three-twelve months. You are paid LT's pay plus flight pay the entire time. Once fully trained, you are a reservist with a committment to be current and maintain training standards. Tricky part--what aircraft to fly? First, take the aircraft of the unit that will select you. However, some weapon systems are far more demanding to learn and maintain currency. Fighters are the toughest, by far, especially for a new LT. Herks are next toughest, in my estimate. Tankers and heavy airlift easier. At a minimum, after finishing training, you will need to plan on 6-9 days a month at the unit to be current and maintain your career.
I did 29 years, in fighters and airlift, went to UPT on a Guard slot, full and part time. I've selected and sent about 15 UPT candidates to training, only one didn't finish and she washed out of OTS.
GF
03-17-2012, 06:51 PM
#4
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Joined APC: May 2010
Position: Baja Vermont
Posts: 5,178
Apply as soon as you have a CPL. While more time and ratings may help, start the app process--it'll take months and they only do two boards a year. The longer you are in contention, the better your chances. I was an alternate app when the guy ahead of me didn't finish college and the unit had a slot with a start date in 6 weeks. I went, then he went 18 months later.
GF
GF
03-18-2012, 01:44 AM
#6
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Most recruiters have not handled a legitimate UPT candidate. You need to find one that has. You also need to decide what unit you want to work for as opposed to having the mindset of "I'll fly for whoever hires me". If you have a PPL and a degree, apply now and get the ball rolling.
PS. You will likely have a better life and career if you can secure a Guard slot vice AFReserve. (I'm reserve)
PS. You will likely have a better life and career if you can secure a Guard slot vice AFReserve. (I'm reserve)
03-18-2012, 02:32 AM
#7
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Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: 757/767 Capt
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MUAviator,
You said that you could "fly in the military and instruct." What instructing are you referring to? I'm asking only because unless you have an extreme passion for instructing in light aircraft, you would probably be better off flying whatever your Air Force aircraft ends up being and building time and experience in that airframe. Good Luck
You said that you could "fly in the military and instruct." What instructing are you referring to? I'm asking only because unless you have an extreme passion for instructing in light aircraft, you would probably be better off flying whatever your Air Force aircraft ends up being and building time and experience in that airframe. Good Luck
03-18-2012, 01:43 PM
#8
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Originally Posted by Vito
MUAviator,
You said that you could "fly in the military and instruct." What instructing are you referring to? I'm asking only because unless you have an extreme passion for instructing in light aircraft, you would probably be better off flying whatever your Air Force aircraft ends up being and building time and experience in that airframe. Good Luck
You said that you could "fly in the military and instruct." What instructing are you referring to? I'm asking only because unless you have an extreme passion for instructing in light aircraft, you would probably be better off flying whatever your Air Force aircraft ends up being and building time and experience in that airframe. Good Luck
03-18-2012, 04:24 PM
#9
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Joined APC: Feb 2009
Posts: 164
Originally Posted by Tankerhead
Most recruiters have not handled a legitimate UPT candidate. You need to find one that has. You also need to decide what unit you want to work for as opposed to having the mindset of "I'll fly for whoever hires me". If you have a PPL and a degree, apply now and get the ball rolling.
PS. You will likely have a better life and career if you can secure a Guard slot vice AFReserve. (I'm reserve)
PS. You will likely have a better life and career if you can secure a Guard slot vice AFReserve. (I'm reserve)
03-18-2012, 04:46 PM
#10
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Joined APC: May 2010
Position: Baja Vermont
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I was both ANG and AFRC. You are a bit more insulated from AD BS in the Guard, but only a little. I was in a mid-air in the ANG and thought, based on my later Reserve experience, better treated in the Guard. The ANG kept me out of going to an AD hospital, for instance.
That said, the Reserves might have better promotion opportunities for officers--moving for ARTs is a virtual requirement but making O-6 is easier, less political in AFRC. But, that depends on state AGs. In the ANG, you might, MIGHT be limited to your state.
More depends on your aspirations, the political climate and your ability, connections.
GF
That said, the Reserves might have better promotion opportunities for officers--moving for ARTs is a virtual requirement but making O-6 is easier, less political in AFRC. But, that depends on state AGs. In the ANG, you might, MIGHT be limited to your state.
More depends on your aspirations, the political climate and your ability, connections.
GF
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