Sample Reserve & Guard Applicatn Packages

[khallen2754]

Greetings,

It’s has been about 8 months or so since I posted a message or question for this board. For at least a year and a half, I read your posts, posting questions from time to time. In the last 8 months, I have been working on my private pilot’s license with the intention and hope of putting together a competitive package in time for some of the selection boards that meet in March. From what I have gathered from this board’s advice, a potential applicant’s best shot at obtaining a pilot slot is to explore as many guard and reserve opportunities as possible and to personally meet with pilots and applicant selection personnel at the specific units of interest, instead of going through a recruiter and having my application delivered to someone’s desk indirectly. It was mentioned that I would be judged in large part by the package I sent out (a binder full of any and all relevant information about myself including such items as my physical, testing results, past experience, education, etc.) and that I should make enough copies to send to all units of interest. As I begin to prepare that package, I’m really not sure what an impressive, presentable and final package should look like. I know each unit gives basic directions as to what should be included in a package and those directions can vary from unit to unit. But since I am not relying on a recruiter to prepare the package, I’m flying blind trying to put everything together. It goes without saying that any applicant should prepare a strong package that presents his/her application in the best possible light, so I may need some assistance in that preparation. Would it be possible to obtain a copy of someone’s successful package? My hope is to get my hands on two or three successful packages to use as references as I prepare my own.

Thanks,

Kris

 

[Scrapdog]

Greetings,

It’s has been about 8 months or so since I posted a message or question for this board. For at least a year and a half, I read your posts, posting questions from time to time. In the last 8 months, I have been working on my private pilot’s license with the intention and hope of putting together a competitive package in time for some of the selection boards that meet in March. From what I have gathered from this board’s advice, a potential applicant’s best shot at obtaining a pilot slot is to explore as many guard and reserve opportunities as possible and to personally meet with pilots and applicant selection personnel at the specific units of interest, instead of going through a recruiter and having my application delivered to someone’s desk indirectly. It was mentioned that I would be judged in large part by the package I sent out (a binder full of any and all relevant information about myself including such items as my physical, testing results, past experience, education, etc.) and that I should make enough copies to send to all units of interest. As I begin to prepare that package, I’m really not sure what an impressive, presentable and final package should look like. I know each unit gives basic directions as to what should be included in a package and those directions can vary from unit to unit. But since I am not relying on a recruiter to prepare the package, I’m flying blind trying to put everything together. It goes without saying that any applicant should prepare a strong package that presents his/her application in the best possible light, so I may need some assistance in that preparation. Would it be possible to obtain a copy of someone’s successful package? My hope is to get my hands on two or three successful packages to use as references as I prepare my own.

Thanks,

Kris

Kris - First of all, best of luck. Being a military aviator, no matter what branch, is extremely rewarding and I would argue the most rewarding job in the world. Getting to fly jets and defend your country at the same time is a real honor.

For your "package" STS - I would put together something that makes sense. What I mean by that is something that defines who you are. Besides putting in all the queep of your physical, med records, etc...don't forget to put in some letters of recommendation. As long as you have a reasonable amount (not some ridiculous number like in the 30's), and they are quality letters (from your boss at your current employer or your flight instructor), they will let the folks reading your data get a better understanding of you as a person.

Last but not least - don't forget ALL your avenues to become a pilot in the military. That includes college ROTC, the service academies, as well as OTS, and the Guard/Reserves. And, don't just shotgun your data to something you really don't want to do in the future. If you want to be a fighter pilot, then focus on trying to become a fighter pilot. If you want to fly heavies, then focus on that. You could potentially be in that job for the next 15 to 20 years, so make sure it's no kidding something you want to do.

 

[McGillicutty]

For your "package" STS

It's a good thing we never briefed with F-16 or F-15 guys. I think we'd be still in theatre briefing, having to hear "STS" every other sentence. :laugh:

 

[frog_flyer]

It's a good thing we never briefed with F-16 or F-15 guys. I think we'd be still in theatre briefing, having to hear "STS" every other sentence. :laugh:

LOL

cranium

 

[LearLove]

General Package (from mid/late 90's)
in this order:

1. cover letter
2. resume
3. letters of rec (perfer 3 - one from pilot in unit or mil guy, one from boss at your job and one from professor - that will pretty much round things out without going overboard)
4. copies of pilots license, medical (also mil medical if you have it), driver license or whatever they require now
5. transcripts/afoqt and bat scores

Put them in that order in a folder, put folder in 8x11 envelope and send or hand deliever it to the unit.

Go visit unit, show your face, this is the biggest thing. Get to know them so they get to know you.