Air Force Question

[CoolSidePillow]

If a person went to the academy and then was commissioned in the active Air Force to fly.... about how long of a committment would he have in both active and reserve time? Would he be out in 4 years with no reserve?

 

[JimNtexas]

If a person went to the academy and then was commissioned in the active Air Force to fly.... about how long of a committment would he have in both active and reserve time? Would he be out in 4 years with no reserve?

It's more like 13 years active duty after graduation these days I think.

 

[stonewall]

10 yr commitment at last check. That's from UPT graduation. It was 8 yrs when I got commissioned. So...if you go to UPT you can count on 11 yrs AD before you can get out. Same goes for ROTC and OTS, unless I'm mistaken. No reserve commitment once you do your 10 yrs post UPT, unless you choose it.

There are Palace Chase and VSP considerations, but those change yearly and aren't worth factoring in your decision. In fact, those programs can disappear tomorrow. If you are trying to decide, plan on 8-10 yrs Active Duty minimum from the time you graduate pilot training.

 

[CoolSidePillow]

so basically if you were out free and clear after 4 years you probably did something wrong

 

[Huggyu2]

Are you checking up on someone that has this background?
Four year commitments haven't been around since maybe the 1970's.

 

[frog_flyer]

10 years from the day you wing


Chances are that you'll have an opportunity to palace chase

 

[frog_flyer]

Not true,

Medical DQ. The USAF can void your contract if they please. The last thing they need is another non-rated 1lt/Capt. sitting around poking keyboards.

... They have pilots for that

 

[stonewall]

so basically if you were out free and clear after 4 years you probably did something wrong

Okay, now I see where you're going with this. Trying to check up on someone sounds about right. The short answer is "Yes." If you went to pilot training and graduated, you would not be out in 4 yrs without something going on there. Even a Palace Chase or Voluntary Separation would not be available to a 4 yr guy. Now, there are ALWAYS unseen exceptions to the rule, but for a USAF pilot to be out of the AF after 4 yrs is HIGHLY unusual.

 

[SIG600]

Unless you get married and cut off your penis.

 

[Mooseflyer]

The last thing they need is another non-rated 1lt/Capt. sitting around poking keyboards....They have pilots for that

Ha ha, how true!!

 

[CCDiscoB]

4 years is the commitment for academy grads that do not become pilots. Once you go to pilot training the commitment becomes 11 years (counting UPT).

 

[CoolSidePillow]

Yeah there is a guy at the company who is an FO. Been here for about a year. Odd fellow. It seems everyone I talk to has something negative to say. I have seen him fly. Does quirky things and very inconsistent. I saw him mess up a 25 mile straight in visual with CAVU. He boasts about being in the Air Force and you can tell he has a chip on his shoulder and an ego problem but he only did 4 years and is not in the reserve. 4 years seemed like an awfully short stint to fly. He wasnt on a combat aircraft. 135 in Japan. Like I said very odd fellow... just trying to figure him out if I have to fly with him.

 

[Deuce130]

They do have KC-135's in Japan at Kadena AB. After four years in the AF, he probably doesn't have that much experience, which may explain some of his quirks or inconsistencies. Also, Palace Chase is available to people of all year groups and experience levels, so it's quite possible he has a legit reason for being out so early. If you have to fly with him, I recommend giving him the benefit of the doubt, ask a few questions about his background, then see what you come up with. I've seen people lie about being pilots in the AF .... but they usually say they were fighter pilots or something, not Tanker drivers.

 

[CoolSidePillow]

No I dont think he is lying about anything. I was just trying to get some info so I can give him the benefit. I just found some odd things about him and after a year flying I have seen guys without AF tanker time much more solid. He is intelligent without doubt. Honestly I just think it is his ego and attitude that cloud his performance but thanks for all the info people. Fly safe.

 

[bssthound]

Are you certain he's a pilot? He could've been a nav, like myself, who got his ratings. There are many navs who have done that and are flying for airlines, both regional and major. Also, there are KC-135 boom operators who have done it, though being enlisted, they'd not have gone to The Academy.

 

[Huggyu2]

CoolSidePillow,
Your account doesn't allow p.m.'s to come to it. You shoud consider changing that.
How old is this guy? Bssthound probably hit the nail on the head. The USAF got rid of a bunch of navs in the mid-90's (big mistake, but I digress). Drop me a p.m. for some more information.

 

[pilotyip]

In 1968 it was a 5 yr obligation from the start of AOCS. You would make O-2 in 12 months, O-3 in 30 months, and fly a 1000 hrs in the first 18 months after you got your wings. Them was the good ole days