UPT advice

[Deuce130]

Lastly, don't let some ex-heavy driver IP convince you that the fighter world is full a$$e$. Before all you heavy types start bashing me, I am a fellow heavy driver by choice so relax! Shoot for what YOU want to fly.
Congrats and God speed!

More good advice. Most of the -37 and T-6 guys will be heavy drivers with only one perspective. Don't let them convince you one way or the other. Hear them out, listen to their stories (no doubt there will be some good ones - especially from Herc drivers), make up your own mind. I'll bet by the end of the formation phase you'll have a good idea of what it is that you want to fly. Have a backup you'll be happy with also.

 

[C-141/C-5]

Work hard and play hard

 

[GoUglyEarly]

More good advice. Most of the -37 and T-6 guys will be heavy drivers with only one perspective. Don't let them convince you one way or the other. Hear them out, listen to their stories (no doubt there will be some good ones - especially from Herc drivers), make up your own mind. I'll bet by the end of the formation phase you'll have a good idea of what it is that you want to fly. Have a backup you'll be happy with also.

Outstanding advice. I saw firsthand that 99.9% of primary (T-37) IP's were of the heavy persuasion. Don't be turned off from the fighter/bomber track by those who have not been there / done that (i.e. flown fighters). You will know what you want to do by track select. Don't be afraid to "take a chance" and put T-38 as your #1 track (if you have the least bit of interest in flying fighter/bomber). The worst that could happen is you are not given your #1 choice, but hey at least you gave it your best shot.

 

[HarryShadow]

Look man, bottom line...don't suck. It's a long, hard, but fun year. Don't let up until you get out, retire, or ride it in!!!

 

[FlyingHigh262]

thanks for all the advice everyone..i really apprieciate the extra insight! one other question...how do they treat guard guys down there...instructors and other students? just curious

 

[stonewall]

thanks for all the advice everyone..i really apprieciate the extra insight! one other question...how do they treat guard guys down there...instructors and other students? just curious

You might get some sh** at first about being a Guard guy. Just the usual "oh, you already know what you're going to fly so why are you worried" crap. Once you get through the initial academics and start flying the sorties, you'll just be another one of the guys.

You'll also likely have some Guard/Reserve IPs, so don't worry about the IP's being biased against you. Don't think you'll see that. On the flip side, my Guard unit no longer sends anyone to UPT. After going 0/5 on dudes getting through, we no longer hire off the street. You ARE representing your Guard unit and the ANG at large. Be prepared everyday for your next sortie, even if you ain't supposed to fly it that day.

 

[Gorilla]

Advice:

1) When called for standup, and presented with a complex mechanical problem, just make fighter pilot motions with your hands, while making missile or gun noises with your lips; or say, "Turn and Burn, Baby!" or "You're dangerous!" Nothing else. They'll be impressed with your systems knowledge.

2) If you slip the examiner at least $500, you'll get an OUTSTANDING on your check ride(s).

3) At your assignment drop, have a secret bottle of Whiskey, and when called, pour yourself and your tablemates a shot, salute the mess, and drink before proceeding forward. I did this, and it impressed a bird colonel, who became my mentor for a few minutes that night.

4) If you get airsick, secretly take dramamine, and then drop the packet of pills right in the middle of the squadron floor. Walk away fast. This too happened. We all piss-tested in a vain attempt to catch the culprit.

5) Above all, be cocky. IP's respect someone who knows all and acts that way.

 

[JimNtexas]

...after going 0/5 on dudes getting through,..

That must have been a big disappointment. What was wrong with the selection process? If you just picked five new UPT students at random you'd expect at least four of them to graduate. How much prior flying experience did those five guys have? What went wrong?

I'm not trying to be a smart a**, I'm really curious how 0/5 could have happened.

 

[pkober]

As a Guard guy you probably have civilian flying time. Use that to your advantage but don't be cocky. Listen to what they have to say and fly their way, period. I had >2500 hrs when I went to UPT but I put it behind me and flew my fix to fix as I was told.

As far a bias towards Guard guys. If some "MOA King" IP has a chip about the Guard just smile and say "Yes sir". It's only a year long and when you leave and get back to your unit he will still be there sweating his a$$ off in the tweet. He may one day come sniffing around your unit so remember his name.

Try and relax and have a good time and have your unit try and call the Guard Bureau to try and get Columbus AFB.

Good luck.

CLAMBAKE

 

[FlyingHigh262]

As a Guard guy you probably have civilian flying time. Use that to your advantage but don't be cocky. Listen to what they have to say and fly their way, period. I had >2500 hrs when I went to UPT but I put it behind me and flew my fix to fix as I was told.

As far a bias towards Guard guys. If some "MOA King" IP has a chip about the Guard just smile and say "Yes sir". It's only a year long and when you leave and get back to your unit he will still be there sweating his a$$ off in the tweet. He may one day come sniffing around your unit so remember his name.

Try and relax and have a good time and have your unit try and call the Guard Bureau to try and get Columbus AFB.

Good luck.

CLAMBAKE

why columbus?

 

[pkober]

That's where I went. It really doesn't matter just as long as you get your wings.

 

[stonewall]

That must have been a big disappointment. What was wrong with the selection process? If you just picked five new UPT students at random you'd expect at least four of them to graduate. How much prior flying experience did those five guys have? What went wrong?

I'm not trying to be a smart a**, I'm really curious how 0/5 could have happened.

I agree. All that happened before I showed up in the unit, and I was shocked to hear it, too. I think some made it through (2 or 3), but didn't make it to -38s and had to find heavy units. I thought it was strange, too.

 

[cfrey79]

One more piece of advice. Don't wear a small patch below your pen pocket that says "Guard Waiver"....... Your IPs won't think it's funny

 

[USMCAirWinger]

After going 0/5 on dudes getting through, we no longer hire off the street.

What unit is this?

 

[psysicx]

Richmond??