?'s on becoming qualified in the future

[Hootie9750]

Well I have now %100 decided I want to go air force preferable guard or reserves but I would HAPPILY take AD as well. I was really getting pressured by the army to go in as a warrant officer, which was really appealing to someone in my situation especially since they now offer the g.i. bill to warrants. They said if I took the physical that I would 99% get in the next month, but I read some posts here about the warrant life and found 90% to be negative and my dream is to fly a herc (or any af aircraft). So now I am 21 (almost 22) with two and a half years of college done , good eyes, clean record, CFII, decent lors. If I get a real degree it will be two more years of college. If I get a degree from embry riddle It will be about a year (if I get another 300 hours dual given in that time. Should I wait till I have taken some more math and physics classes before I take the AFOQT or should I do it now? And I am confused on when I should start bothering the guard units since at this point I am really just another wannabe kid off the street in their eyes. Also I hear about becoming involved in the community. Are there some obvious ways that I am just missing? Currently I am a big brother mentor, I could definantly do more volunteer work, but is this the kind of stuff people are talking about? Lastly I am curious about lors. I have a retired air force f15 colonel which I know I will use. But how does a navy captain look when going air force? Also I have a 22 year guard f16 crew chief which I would assume be good in his guard unit, but how does that look in front of an AD board? Well I know I asked way to many questions but if you guys could help with any of them I would really appreciate it. I am very happy though about my decision to wait till I get the degree vs going warrant now. thanks!

 

[contrail777]

Wait for the Guard or Reserves

You sound like you are at a good place to start. You might want to look into ROTC if you are still in college. I did not do that, so I am not sure if AFRES or Air Guard counts towards ROTC commitment - someone else here should know that answer. Since most Units in the AFRES or Air Guard are Hercs, you should not have a problem finding them. Anyways, I would wait and try for what you want. It is probably better to go ahead and finish college anyway since you are already there - again my opinion.

To answer a few of your questions.

1) Yes go to the Units and talk now. I would say half the guys I interviewed with were in college close to graduation, half out. Its never too early to "rush" especially if you want to go Air Guard. First things first, go to your closest AFRES recruiter, or Unit (AFRES or Guard) and get them to help you get started. Take the AFOQT (there are study guides you can buy for this, don't worry about Physics). Get a Flying Class I physical. Last, take the BAT. This will probably take a while and at that point you will be able to talk to the Units not just about your intrest, but about Interviewing as well.

2) Your LOR should be fine. I had a Marine Major, NAVY Lt., and someone at my work (I'm 27 and in the business world). They want to see people vouch for your work ethic, loyalty, etc.

3) Big Brothers should be fine. I had a few one time volunteer events and one I do ongoing with the local Humane Society.

Good luck man! I personally found the Reserves easier - I got selected on the Mar board to fly KC-135's. In your situation though, if you are near a Guard Unit and they have Herc's, go for it! You have time to go and visit the Unit and show them your a standup guy.

 

[Hornetkid]

For what its worth

Here is my .02 worth

If you want to get into a AFRES unit get out there and meet them and hang out for a while. Firstly, you will realize if thats what you want or not and they will do the same.

Secondly, LORs from any officer from any service are gold, An F-16 crew chief would be great if he is in the unit you are "rushing". Other than that stick to ranking military and professors if able.

Do as much community service/involvement as possible. Red cross, big brother/YMCA.....and its a good time. Also, take ROTC classes in school if you can. Even if you are not in the unit or on a scholarship, take the classes....it shows an interest, and they are interesting.


Lastly, if you want to fly and are willing to go AD, (my plug here) the Marine Corps is the only service that will guarantee flight training when you sign the contract.........just more info for you.


PM me if you have any questions....good luck!

Kid