Air National Guard
 

I just graduated with a business degree in aviation management/ flight operations with my private, instrument, and commercial licenses and just talked to an air national guard recruiter. I am meeting with him next week to talk in person.
Over the phone he said "thats perfect we have alot of openings in the aviation sector, and you'll definitely get something in your field" I am curious to know how likely is this to happen if I was to enlist. I would like to be a pilot, but I know its very competitive like anything else. I just dont want to enlist and become a cook.
Also, anyone have any insights on what its really like, or what I should make sure to ask when I meet with the recruiter?
Thanks!

Since you have a degree, I would not enlist in any capacity unless it's special operations or you really want to be enlisted flight crew (loadmaster).

If you want to be a pilot, do the legwork (see baseops.net), finds unit(s) and apply. If you're OK with being a non-pilot, then there are a variety of officer fields available.

If you want a civilian flying career, then get a military pilot slot if you can qualify.

Don't waste too much time there. That site has turned into a b1tchfest, with more whiny children than you'll find in a kindergarten class.

Yeah, right. Nothing at all wrong with the organization they're complaining about. It's just a bunch of whiners. All is well on active duty! :rolleyes:

Agreed, for the most part. As long as you stay away from the political discussions, though, there are still some useful nuggets here and there for people like MUAviator.

"in your field" might be servicing the lavatory of transient airplanes on the flightline. Trust me. The job of enlisted recruiters is to sign people up for enlisted jobs. There are separate "officer" recruiters and you need to talk to one. Since you already have a degree, you are past the point of ROTC so OTS is your path to a commission (flying). The Guard also has their own version of OTS...I forgot what they call it. I highly recommend you talk to every Guard and Reserve unit you can and apply for a pilot slot. Then there is Active Duty but I can't recommend that for most people anymore.

I've interviewed over 150 folks for OTS on active side. If you are interested in info...happy to help. Can't speak to guard side directly but either way it all comes down to competitiveness, timing, networking, your age, and some luck. Don't completely discount enlisted side...it can provide opportunities depending on your situation and goals. I meet pilots in AD and reserve/units every where I go that started out enlisted. First thing you must do is study and take the AFOQT (you can only take it twice). That combined with your GPA, leadership/job experience, and flying hours will determine how competitive you are for an officer/pilot slot. The recruiter will want you to take the ASVAB--go ahead it will give you an idea of where you stand against your peers. You also have to be prepared to disclose all law violations and drug use. Jump all those hurdles and you still have to go to MEPS to see if you have any physical issues current or past that may be disqualifying. Also remember that a recruiter wants to fill the openings he has now--so yes you could end up with one of the many nonflying aviation support careers.

OP specifically said he wanted to be a pilot therefore I recommend he completely discount AD enlisted. There are no enlisted pilots in the USAF, any enlisted job would only delay you getting to the final goal. The one possible exception is for specific guard units that tend to hire from within. I've seen a few crew chiefs go from enlisted to pilot within their guard unit but that is more the exception than the rule.

MU,

In an effort to keep this somewhat short and to the point, I would agree with a good bit that has already been posted. A few things to consider:
1. If pilot training is the ultimate goal, don't narrow yourself down to one command/state/aircraft or whatever. I would check the baseops.net job listings as was already mentioned and then start contacting all of the guard & reserve units that may interest you. Talk to any guys that you may know that are in the units.
2. After you get some contacts and find out who may hiring, then get out to meet the units you're interested in. Call ahead to make sure the guys are around (i.e.-not deployed) and head over during a drill weekend and meet the guys. A good resume is important but depending on the unit culture, they may place a bigger emphasis on what type of dude you are. You may be able to spout regs, fly great, and generally be the best pilot in the room, but if no one can stand you, they probably don't want to deploy with you and/or spend 20 years with you in the same unit. (And yes, plenty of guys do stay in the same guard unit for a career. The reserves; in general, they move around a bit more than guard folks tend to)
3. I would tend to agree that it probably wouldn't be your best bet to enlist now. If you were still in college and had a few years to go, this can be a great way to work into a pilot slot but post graduation; it might just slow you down.
4. Lastly, the recruiter may be a good place to start but don't buy into all that they might try to sell you. They absolutely cannot, and I can't believe they actually would, guarantee you a pilot slot in any guard or reserve unit. While they may be great people and have good intentions, trusting a recruiter like you might a used car salesman would probably be in your best interest.

These are just my opinions and I'm sure someone on this chat board would disagree with what I've written. What you're doing is good. Start asking questions. Get a bunch of different viewpoints and then make your decisions based on what's best for you. Whatever you decide, good luck and don't quit if it's something you really want to do.

From experience.....recruiters only do the paper work don't waste your time.......call every guard/reserve unit you want and ask for the chief pilot and talk directly to them......take notes and touch base......once again, talk to the chief pilot of each squadron you want to fly for........