Forum: Future F-16 crew

Well I am a 3rd year cadet in AFROTC and did not get my pilot slot. I was actually given a nav slot but had that taken away because AFPC screwed up the boards and awarded 50 too many slots, mine was one of them. So I am now stuck in 17D1B which is Cyber Command.

All I want to do is be a pilot. I got my pilots license, have a great PFA score, 98 PCSM. The only thing that held me back was my GPA, it was screwed from a few classes early in my college career.

With all of the cutbacks going around right now, do I have any options? I know I can try to compete on the AD boards, or go Palace Chase after 2 years in. But is there anything else? I really do not want to be stuck behind a computer the rest of my life. Honestly I love the Air Force, but I would rather be flying in the Coast Guard than playing on computers in the Air Force.

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If I were you, I'd start by talking to a Marine and Navy Officer recruiter. I'm not sure if they still do this, but there used to be guaranteed aviation slots if your package gets approved. Another, more long-shot route to take would be to find an Air Guard unit that is hiring and get picked up by them. That's the route I took, but it's by far the most competitive route into a flying slot. I didn't put all my eggs in one basket, and actually got accepted by both the Navy and Marine corps as well.

Good luck! Sounds like you've got a year to get it straightened out.

USAF Core Values?

Thanks for the input Chuckie

cchief16 wrote:

USAF Core Values?

Well lets [Link pending approval] Those would be Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do.

Integrity First: Don't see any integrity violations [Link pending approval]
Service Before Self: I see this as service to my country. I stated I would rather fly for the Coast Guard than be at a desk in the Air Force. Coast Guard still serves our country. If you don't agree with that, you need to learn a few things. I never said anything about an option to separate from the AF, just other options as to be a pilot
Excellence in All We Do: I know I'm a good pilot and not the greatest with computers (cant even build a website). If we are to strive for this, why not try to be where you can benefit the country the most?

I do not see what I am doing wrong.

"I'll serve my country, but not at what it asks me to and probably where it needs me more, but what I want to do because it's cool"

Prinz_Eugn wrote:

"I'll serve my country, but not at what it asks me to and probably where it needs me more, but what I want to do because it's cool"

Quite the contrary, I do not want to fly for the "cool" factor. As I stated in my previous post, I am not the greatest with computers. When I started flight lessons it seemed to come naturally and I would like to continue that as my career.

Again, excuse your ignorance, I never said anything about only serving if I could be a pilot, but if there was a way to be a pilot instead of be at a desk, THAT is what I am interested in. Thanks for your worthless input, though.

"I'll serve my country, but not at what it asks me to and probably where it needs me more, but what I want to do because it's cool"

Uhh, his country has not "asked" him to do anything. He is a volunteer as are all our military service members. In America, if we choose to serve we have the right to try and put ourselves into the branch of service and position that we'd like to serve. 'Nuff said.

Bottle Rocket,

Same thing happened to me in my young career. Graduated USAF, bad times, pilot slot taken away, assigned as Air Traffic Controller. Competed non-rated boards, selected as Navigator (C-130), competed again 2 yrs later, selected pilot training (sheppard) flown vipers for the past 14 years. So everything is possible.

It is exceptionally rare for me to post on [Link pending approval], however I feel your pain bro. Contrary to all of the "idealistic" posters on this subject, there is nothing wrong with chasing your dream and following your God given talent. Military service in any capacity is honorable, and as such should be highly regarded, but for anyone pat you on the back and say flying a desk is just as rewarding an enterprise as Flying Vipers is smoking crack! Having my background and fighting in several confrontations across the entire planet, being shot at etc, the son of a enlisted maintainer, a non-rated officer, navigator, and fighter pilot their are few that would have my perspective of your situation. Bottom line, DON'T GIVE UP. the squeaky wheel gets the oil.

For recommendations, I would say don't walk but run as fast as you can to a ANG unit or Reserve unit. Not only are these guys great, the Ops /Maint relationship is great, Guard units are extremely well trained, very motivated, and have a great family atmosphere where guy's really care about you and your family. And guard units often have boards for sending young folks to UPT, and the good news is that if a viper unit "hires" you, well then you're going to fly vipers. Its not a cake walk to get into these units, they're very selective in nature, not looking for a kiss a$$ or a know-it-all, but rather good hands, great can do attitude, willingness to serve for a very long time, and a 2Lt that can be a great snack-o. Good luck.

VprDrvr wrote:

Bottle Rocket,

Same thing happened to me in my young career. Graduated USAF, bad times, pilot slot taken away, assigned as Air Traffic Controller. Competed non-rated boards, selected as Navigator (C-130), competed again 2 yrs later, selected pilot training (sheppard) flown vipers for the past 14 years. So everything is possible.

It is exceptionally rare for me to post on [Link pending approval], however I feel your pain bro. Contrary to all of the "idealistic" posters on this subject, there is nothing wrong with chasing your dream and following your God given talent. Military service in any capacity is honorable, and as such should be highly regarded, but for anyone pat you on the back and say flying a desk is just as rewarding an enterprise as Flying Vipers is smoking crack! Having my background and fighting in several confrontations across the entire planet, being shot at etc, the son of a enlisted maintainer, a non-rated officer, navigator, and fighter pilot their are few that would have my perspective of your situation. Bottom line, DON'T GIVE UP. the squeaky wheel gets the oil.

For recommendations, I would say don't walk but run as fast as you can to a ANG unit or Reserve unit. Not only are these guys great, the Ops /Maint relationship is great, Guard units are extremely well trained, very motivated, and have a great family atmosphere where guy's really care about you and your family. And guard units often have boards for sending young folks to UPT, and the good news is that if a viper unit "hires" you, well then you're going to fly vipers. Its not a cake walk to get into these units, they're very selective in nature, not looking for a kiss a$$ or a know-it-all, but rather good hands, great can do attitude, willingness to serve for a very long time, and a 2Lt that can be a great snack-o. Good luck.

That was exactly the input I was looking for. So when you say go to the ANG or Reserve units (there is one right down the road, 457th FS) do you mean wait till I am out of college and apply as a pilot? Right now I am on contract with ROTC. I know of Palace Chase and being able to get out after serving half of your commitment to leave and join an ANG or Reserve unit, but it sounds like you are referring to something different.

Bottlrocket, listen closely to VprDrvr! 2 yrs. of fighting for what he wanted and the payoff was 14 yrs. in tactical jets! 2 yrs. will seem like FOREVER when your in your early 20's, might even be more yrs. than that before you get what you want, but keep trying!

bottlerocket wrote:

Thanks for the input Chuckie

cchief16 wrote:

USAF Core Values?

Well lets see... Those would be Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do.

Integrity First: Don't see any integrity violations here...
Service Before Self: I see this as service to my country. I stated I would rather fly for the Coast Guard than be at a desk in the Air Force. Coast Guard still serves our country. If you don't agree with that, you need to learn a few things. I never said anything about an option to separate from the AF, just other options as to be a pilot
Excellence in All We Do: I know I'm a good pilot and not the greatest with computers (cant even build a website). If we are to strive for this, why not try to be where you can benefit the country the most?

I do not see what I am doing wrong.

Bottlrocket, you showed outstanding poise in response to the Core Value throwdown...that means you have the attitude of a fighter pilot...now you just need the timing.

I didn't get my first choice coming into active duty because of eyesight. But I was lucky, had people that looked out for me, and great timing. I still went to UPT as a Lt (albeit a 1Lt) and had 6 straight viper assignments (this also had its naysayers as saying it couldn't be done).

Embrace whatever job you do the best you can, keep your superiors informed on how you want to serve, and make your own luck by researching/networking and taking chances. You might be surprised where your path might take you.

Good luck to you and keep standing up against those people who blindly follow words without knowing the meaning behind them.

People who blindly follow get the "change" they deserve.

I did not read any replies to your question so maybe someone already answered you. As a previous UPT instructor i saw a bunch of OTS guys and they all did great. I would NOT...NOT...NOT... be in the air force as an officer unless your a pilot. Once you're in you'll figure out why. OTS seems like a real good deal so I would go for it. **** afpc..they suck...and **** all the a$$ kissers at ROTC...some of the best pilots i have ever trained where dudes who were luke warm in math but could drive the crap out of their motorcycle. Flying is not about how smart you are. It's about your hand eye coordination. Make it happen man!! don't give up.

I fail to see what is so wrong about a guy simply trying to make his desires and dreams align with the needs of the Air Force! Everyone knows that the AF's needs come first but come on. The way AFPC selects people for assignments and jobs is such an arbitrary process void of many considerations that would define whether the person would even be good at the job. Bottlerocket knows himself better than an AFPC spreadsheet and if wants to fight to be a pilot versus being stuck at a desk then more power to him. Good luck man. Evil or Very Mad

bottlerocket wrote:

VprDrvr wrote:

Bottle Rocket,

Same thing happened to me in my young career. Graduated USAF, bad times, pilot slot taken away, assigned as Air Traffic Controller. Competed non-rated boards, selected as Navigator (C-130), competed again 2 yrs later, selected pilot training (sheppard) flown vipers for the past 14 years. So everything is possible.

It is exceptionally rare for me to post on F-16.net, however I feel your pain bro. Contrary to all of the "idealistic" posters on this subject, there is nothing wrong with chasing your dream and following your God given talent. Military service in any capacity is honorable, and as such should be highly regarded, but for anyone pat you on the back and say flying a desk is just as rewarding an enterprise as Flying Vipers is smoking crack! Having my background and fighting in several confrontations across the entire planet, being shot at etc, the son of a enlisted maintainer, a non-rated officer, navigator, and fighter pilot their are few that would have my perspective of your situation. Bottom line, DON'T GIVE UP. the squeaky wheel gets the oil.

For recommendations, I would say don't walk but run as fast as you can to a ANG unit or Reserve unit. Not only are these guys great, the Ops /Maint relationship is great, Guard units are extremely well trained, very motivated, and have a great family atmosphere where guy's really care about you and your family. And guard units often have boards for sending young folks to UPT, and the good news is that if a viper unit "hires" you, well then you're going to fly vipers. Its not a cake walk to get into these units, they're very selective in nature, not looking for a kiss a$$ or a know-it-all, but rather good hands, great can do attitude, willingness to serve for a very long time, and a 2Lt that can be a great snack-o. Good luck.

That was exactly the input I was looking for. So when you say go to the ANG or Reserve units (there is one right down the road, 457th FS) do you mean wait till I am out of college and apply as a pilot? Right now I am on contract with ROTC. I know of Palace Chase and being able to get out after serving half of your commitment to leave and join an ANG or Reserve unit, but it sounds like you are referring to something different.

I echo what VprDrvr said.

I was part of the '90 post Soviet drawdown. Two months from starting UPT at Willy, slot was yanked. I Was told by the active duty I'd never fly airplanes. I Spent the next 1.69 years chasing down a guard/reserve slot and was in pilot training a year after that at Reese.

Three fighters and numerous good times; here I be. Nothing can replace the glory of flying fighters, nothing.

Run, don't walk to the guard/reserve units you can contact to obtain a slot. Your ambition and good attitude are exactly what they're looking for. Good luck to you in your search.

Cheers,

Horhay

Thanks everyone for the input, it has been very eye-opening. My biggest question that has been brought up by all of this is my ability to go to a Guard/Reserve unit. Ross you said after less than 2 years you were in UPT. I know that palace chase offers a move to Guard/Reserve after 2 years and if your AFSC releases you. Are there other options on getting there?

I know it can be done, I have seen many examples; here especially. But I was wondering the finer details. I know I can't just call up AFPC one day and tell them I'm headed out to fly fast movers at some random Guard squadron, there is a process. I know its a lot to ask, but could anyone explain that?

Forum: Future F-16 crew

Stuck, need options