Yeah not surprised on AF missing chances…especially right now with the whole “pilot retention”. It would benefit them if they gave more flexibility to their pilots career track.

Do you think this war could potentially bring opportunities for pilots to fly more combat aircraft? Is the Air Force still short on fighter/bomber pilots?

Hopefully not

What is the process like to get hired on at a Rated board for a fighter slot? Same as UPT? More rushing? If coming from a non-fighter airframe , do you need to know someone in the unit to even have a chance?

Is there still a shortage of fighter pilots and do you think the Air Force would consider cross flow programs again to take rated pilots and cross flow into other platforms?

if you mean from TT to Tactical, I doubt it would be possible with the two-track UPT—no T-38 formation and IFF track.

I know multiple heavy guys/RPA FW pilots who went (or are going) into fighters in the ARC. Generally, the unit has to either need pilots (frequently due to a challenging unit location) or they have to really want you there. Either way, the pilots hired were go-getters and had to be humble enough to start at the bottom again. They also had to be full-time for 3-5 years in the unit to earn some credibility.

Sooo, I’m saying there’s a chance…

Glad to hear there’s a chance for those who want it bad enough