Ang?

[Vladimir Lenin]

Gotta four year degree and a whole lotta time, is it worth trying for a pilot slot with ANG?
Any reservists wanna chime in? Pros? Cons?

 

[airgator]

You won't know how competitive you are till you take the AFOQT. Search the Military forum for any question/comments regarding ANG/AFRes.

 

[stlpilot]

You had better be ready for more then just "a shot" to try and get into the guard or the reserves. I’m not trying to be sarcastic but let me try to give you some idea of your competition.

First of all if you decide to apply the ANG you will be applying for a slot that is one to two years away. Second it depends on what airframe you want to fly. If you want a fighter you will compete against anywhere from 70 to 400 applicants for one slot. A unit typically interviews 10 to 15 guys, half of which are guys from the unit who have been enlisted for a few years and they almost always get preference since they have shown their commitment to the unit. Usually a couple or maybe half the other guys interviewing are "off the street" and their resumes are top notch. High testing scores, high grades, tough degree study, community service, and excellent letters of recommendation from significant people. Take the 2002 UPT interview board at Springfield Ill. Of the civilians that interviewed one was a doctor, another was an engineer from Boeing and professional pilot, and another had two masters’ degrees and a doctorate from Harvard. The rest were "in house" guys and they did interview one airline guy who knew someone in the unit. Which brings me to my next point........ "knowing someone" ......... like any other job this one is no different. If your off the street trying to go guard I would say the ideal candidate not only has the above qualities but you really need to have other things accomplished like: 1.) visiting the unit and be cool, not a tool. 2.) Try to get to know one of the pilots and keep in contact so that he can put in a good word for you. 3.) Bring beer to give and share. 4.) Get outstanding letter of recommendation from people who can really set paper on fire and say a lot about you, if they happen to be a Senator or military official that can really add some weight with some units.

Realize that politics can really take place in the hiring process. I may take some heat for saying that but it is very true. I personally saw a good dude get the shaft out of a F-15 slot because the guy who ended up getting it had a dad who knew the governor and had a nose up his a$$ A couple phone calls were made and bingo, some jerk gets a ANG fighter slot, even though everyone in the unit thinks less then wonderful of the kid. It happens more then you think, but overall most units are fair in the hiring process.

This being said a package only gets you an interview, now if you’re lucky enough to get one you must be ready for the personality test. The minute you show up these guys will see how you fit into the unit and interact with the members both pilot and enlisted. They do this b/c they want to know that if/when they are stuck with you in a sand dune 4000 miles away for 6 months, that you will not be some jerk who brings moral down. They want to know that you will die watching their back, be it in a bar or a dogfight. They want to know you will contribute and be part of the family. This is why most interviews are followed by a social with plenty of beer and wild times. Believe it or not the true colors of applicants start to show at these events.

Much of the same I have just mentioned can be said for the heavy units although they tend not to get nearly as many applicants, they are still competitive. Either case these guys can spot a fake who just wants a government paid ticket to future airline stuff, not that I’m making any accusations.


Flight time and a degree mean very little to these units, they use what’s called a "whole person concept" where they look at all your qualities and rate them. Most selected applicants have little more then a private pilot license and maybe an instrument rating.

All this being said I think it’s the best job in the world. If you want or have a family it can be tough at first and when you are deployed but you will find camaraderie and satisfaction at this job like no other, in my opinion.


There are so many more aspects I have not even touched on. Again I’m not trying to discourage you, just give you an idea what your up against. If you decide to apply you have your work cut out and a lot of dedication ahead of you for life. Good luck

 

[Vladimir Lenin]

wow, thanks for the thorough reply
I gotta tell ya, I was looking at the guard through rose colored glasses at first, didn't think it was nearly as competitive or prefferential.
I don't know anyone at any of the local units, my degree was in economics and quite frankly.... I don't think with me being a non-natural born citizen, I would ever beat some local blue eyed football champ to a slot for even a Herc...
But, being four years from cut-off age, I thought about at least researching this option

Thanks

 

[baq]

for even a Herc...

From Paraguay to Norway...Hawaii to Oman it's been an amazing journey....
Proudly served as Navigator C-130E, USAF and ANG
Proudly serve as Pilot C-130J, ANG