Unsponsored ? for airgator, sonic, any1

[stlpilot]

Hey guys I have recently been informed that an unsponsored candidate can pretty much go to any unit that will offer sponsorship without effecting any future hiring for that unit.

For instance say unit 1234 is having an interview board this fall to sponsor 2 guys for the Spring 04 approval board. But me being an unsponsored guy calls them up right now and ask for an interview now, they say okay, and go on to hire me. From what I’m told, the unit can still select two candidates when they interview this fall. Does this make sense or has anyone ever heard of this? I don’t know who allocates the money for AFRES pilot slots, the unit or the AFRES in general? Or both? And is it different for sponsored guys vs. unsponsored?

I know this unsponsored thing is a big mystery to everyone including the units. I have a call into the lady at AFRES HQ who knows all the answers but of course she is on leave for 2 weeks so I though I might try to pick some brains beforehand. If this turns out to be true an unsponsored candidate would be free to go to any unit that would be willing to take them. I actually had a pal who was told by the F-16 unit in Texas the only way to get into the unit was if you were unsponsored. He never did it b/c the unit told him he would get very little flight time since a lot of active duty pilots are being put into that AFRES unit. Thanks guys.

 

[airgator]

Here's what i do know-
Reserve slots are not allocated like guard slots. Reserve squadrons sponsor as many people they think they will need, and then they send the sponsored packets to the march/sept boards. The board decides who gets in based on their packet. Some units get 5 people, some none. This last board 10 were selected unsponsored, the most ever. Soon after the results are released, AFRC releases a list to the selected unsponsored of possible units that didnt get anyone selected and need people. Then its still up to you to interview. Your only way to find out for sure if what you're saying is possible is to wait for the lady at HQ to get back. Unsponsored packets are a big mystery to most so they'll be guessing, however there has to be someone at HQ that knows the true deal, which if it is right sounds like a great deal. Only thing is its alot harder to get in unsponsored obviously, so you gotta have a really strong packet and 3-4 really solid reccomendations from mil guys, or at least I'd think. Good luck.

 

[Slye]

Pick and choose?

Let's say I wanted to join the Reserves with a specific airframe in mind. Can I try to be selected unsponsored, and if selected unsponsored, can I just sit on my selection and wait until an F-16 unit for example needs guys and then interview with them? I was under the assumption that if selected and you weren't sponsored, that you would be placed whereever the Reserves need you. Thanks for the insight.

 

[stlpilot]

As far as "sitting on your selection" you can for a while but what the exact limit is I don’t know, Ill try to find out in a couple weeks, but I was told by unverified sources it could be indefinitely.

The AFRES does not "place you" when you are unsponsored, but they do give your approval status to all the units, who in turn may contact you. So in short, you do have some choice or maybe more then we think. This is the question I am going to ask to the lady at AFRES command who handles all the pilot packages. She is due back from leave soon and I will post my findings.

 

[stlpilot]

Hey slye how have you been? I just recognized your handle. Any luck since St Louis? I saw you’ve been in the old M20J, gotta love em, I spent countless hours with a 270 lb instructor in those bad boys. Drop me a line if you want.

 

[airgator]

STL-
Who is it that you're waiting to ask? Cynthia Freeman at AFRC? I know she is the one stop shop for packages but there's gosta be someone else at that office that knows the right answer.

 

[stlpilot]

Air

Yeah she is the one. Like you say, I am sure their are other people but both she and my recruiter asked that I keep my calls limited to the two of them. They have both gone out of thier way to answer all my questions and make phone calls on my behalf thus far, so I did not want to try and go over their head unless it becomes absolutely necessary. But if you know a good POC I can keep handy, please let me know.

 

[jkarl1]

STL-
Who filled at the interview portion of your Form 56 ? I was thinking about going un-sponsored also. Did you have some good letters of recommendations, scores? Any info would help.

Thanks,
JK

 

[stlpilot]

No one filled it out, that portion goes blank. Don't remember all my stats without looking them up and my stuff is in storage right now. Best guess was something like:

AFOQT: 93 pilot, 65 Nav, don’t recall the rest, not great though.

Pcsm: 96

GPA: 2.9 Aeronautics, but worked full time in school to pay for it

Letters of rec from: Apache pilot, AF Col, High school teacher/varsity coach, guard pilot.

Some community service too

 

[jkarl1]

Thanks for your info. I will try to go to the September board if my physical is done in time.

Jk