Forum: Future F-16 crew

I'm new to posting on the forum, but have been reading for a while. I'm an ABM about to finish IQT for JSTARS. I always wanted to be a Viper driver and my ROTC APASs all said ABM was the best way to go if I ever wanted to crosstrain. Like many ABMs, my eyes DQ'ed me. I've found a way to get LASIK/PRK after a few deployments.

What would my career progression look like if I was to get a UPT slot as a first year captain? In 3 years, I'll be 26 w/masters degree and just put on Capt. Any chances for Weapons School or any major hindrances in progression? Also, I know the first 2 ABMs to get the UAS assignment...is that maybe a better route to go?

I guess my main questions is, will I be behind the power curve if not CMR until a 6/7 year Capt? Thanks

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Forum Veteran Joined: Jul 01, 2007 - 07:22 PM Posts: 620

When the time comes put in a package to cross train. Talk to your commander about it then. Don't go UAS unless that is what you REALLY want to do for the rest of your career. A first year Captain is easily doable and not out of the ordinary. It's all about the politics at the time and can't be percieved this far in advance.

As for career progression, after pilot training, you'll be around 28 or so. Another year at Luke (if you get Vipers) and you're 29/30. That's only about a year behind where I am now. I've been on the ROK for about a year so you're not that far behind. I definately recommend going to the ROK right out of the gate if you can get here. Gets the remote out of the way and sets you up for a follow-on even though they aren't technically giving follow-ons from the B-course. The latest guys that showed up here were told that they'll get Vipers but that remains to be seen.

All of what I'm telling you is based off of current data. In three years, it will have all changed a hundred or more times. So make decisions for yourself based of the data you get as you go along. Your first hurdle is to get into UPT and kick a$$ there.

Good Luck

Thanks, what's your opinion of ALO assignments?

Forum Veteran Joined: Jul 01, 2007 - 07:22 PM Posts: 620

sucks, but other options suck worse. If you are going ALO, go remote since it is only a year.

Forum: Future F-16 crew

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