Hello,
Long time lurker, first time poster here and I am hoping that someone here could share some of their knowledge/insight to clarify some things for me.

I have talked to both former and current Air National Guard pilots and have a good understanding about how the application and hiring process works for that side, however I am still a little unsure about the Reserves. I have gone back and read through threads both here on APC, and on baseops and have an idea, but I could still use some more insight to how the reserves work.

From what I have read, it seems like there are two ways to get on with a reserve unit. The first being similar to the ANG route ("rushing" the unit when they have application boards), and the other is more unfamiliar to me which would be a national application for UPT and then having to either get picked up by a unit, or assigned to one if you cannot find one on your own. Are these both valid ways for someone to get picked up right out of college with no prior service? I will be graduating in spring of 2018 and have my PPL. I always thought that the ANG was the only way to UPT and a commission as a civilian with no prior service, however from stuff that I have read it seems as if there is the possibility of the reserves too and I would like to consider that option if possible.

My goal is to become a military aviator, and whether that means the ANG, Reserve, or Navy route (will be applying to OCS senior year) I would be happy with the lifestyle and mission of active duty Navy or ANG/Reserves, I just want to make sure I can consider all options that are available to me.
I would appreciate any help and information you could offer me.

The AF Reserve is pretty much like the ANG with added route of applying directly to the AFRC UPT Selection Board which meets twice a year, if they hold to the old schedule. You have to go thru a AF Reserve recruiter either way. The Selection Board reviews and makes all the selections, typically merely "ratifying" each wing's candidates plus the packages that went directly to the Board.

Historically, AFRC in most years has not filled all its available UPT slots. Not sure why, perhaps because potential candidates don't know of the opportunity. That's why they opened the route directly to HQ AFRC bypassing the wings that did not send applicant package. I had five UPT students from my squadron at one time at Laughlin in 2004-5 when some wings sent no one to UPT for several years. (I'm looking at you, 433rd)

GF

Now if they would only allow 32 year old waivers....I'd be there

So what I understand from your post is that I can send off a packet to the AFRC UPT selection board, get selected, and then do I get assigned to a reserve unit during UPT selection, or can I then take that acceptance for UPT and have a unit "hire" me to go to them upon completion of UPT? I am confused as to what the exact path is between the application for this AFRC UPT board and getting to a unit after UPT.
I tried calling a reserve recruiter to ask about this process knowing I cant apply until my senior year with a certain amount of credit hours remaining to graduate, however the recruiter would only transfer me to an enlisted recruiter because I don't have my bachelors degree completed (tried explaining that I understood that and just wanted info about the program but the call taker still refused to transfer me to an officer recruiter because I was not qualified).

Thanks again for the help.

our unit has hired some of the unsponsered slots. My understanding is they contact all units while the student is in UPT and ask who wants to take them. If the unit is interested they will conduct an interview. It seems to be a win-win.

You'll have to go thru an AFRC Officer Recruiter--be a little insistent with them, but courteous. You need the recruiter to arrange the FC1 physical and the written exams administered. You can't do those requirements and they must be complete and satisfactory BEFORE your name can go to the board.

GF

Nah, military flying is a young man's gig.