xposted with Stealth.
I agree with him that it use to be everyone would get a fighter, but recently as he has said they have been all over the place. Yes, your chances are greater, but if the AF says that they need more heavies than they can fulfill out of the other UPT bases than you can get a heavy.
Stealth's DS did not go to ENJJPT, he went to Del Rio. As he stated never give up.
Now for the OP.
I would die in something that's not a fighter.
So many people say this even when they get to UPT. It is funny because after a year at UPT everything changes, all you want is the wings!
I have never met a pilot that does not believe their airframe is the absolute best and their mission is the most crucial. IE...KC pilots are refuelers...those pointy nose planes need them to refuel. No refueler = 16s going back to base earlier than needed. C130s drop not only pallets with parts and supplies, but people too. They give the Army a ride to where they want to go. If you don't have them than that impacts the military mission.
Hence, when I said keep an open mind, keep an open mind because every single military member has an integral part regarding the success of the mission. This starts from the enlisted member working life support to the pilot dropping a GBU.
OBTW, I think the guys flying AF One and Two think that their job isn't too shabby as a heavy pilot!
I've heard it's hard but I get my work done and make all A's what usually causes people to wash out??
Keep getting A's. However, understand every SA is on the level of an Ivy League education. It is not just about getting A's, it is about the whole package. If all you are is book smart and nothing else than you will not be an ideal candidate. They want those ECs because being something like an Eagle Scout shows long term dedication and time management. Being an Eagle Scout and in a sport all 4 yrs shows even more because now you also illustrate team skills. Being an Eagle Scout, Captain of a sport, and let's say President of NHS shows, commitment, dedication, team building skill and leadership, while maintaining a 4.0.
Why do some wash out? There are a lot of reasons, but here are the most common in my opinion.
1. UPT is a pressure cooker. You will get up at 5 a.m. go to academics, than a sim or maybe a flight. Get home @5 p.m. make dinner, and chair fly/study until 10-11 at night. This is your Monday- Friday schedule. Friday night through Sunday @noon is down time. Sunday you hit the books again.
~ You will be tested on some level almost daily for @54 weeks.
2. UPT is not just academics, it is handling the stick.
~ You can be the smartest person in the room, but when it comes to landing a T-6 with cross winds it is a whole different story...it is about your ability with the stick.
3. See #1. It is a pressure cooker. Chances are you will bust a ride (flight) or a sim. If you cannot dust yourself off and perform like it was just a bad day and will not happen again...i.e. believe in yourself, than you will be okay, but if you mentally start doubting yourself than chances are you will bust that re-do (aka an 88 ride) and have to do an 89 (last chance ride) which will make you feel even more under the gun. Fail that ride and you are out. It is about mentality dealing with failure.
~ Pilots, be it fighter or heavies are Alphas. They all fought to get there and prior to UPT, they were the cream of the crop in every aspect. (see above about being an A student, Team Captain, etc. etc. etc.)
~ You will live with IPs telling you constantly that you all are the worst class they have ever seen. You will watch others wash out. It is mentally wearing.
~~ Fencers and my DS's class started with 28 students. After the T6 phase they had 21 left. When they started the T38/T1 phase they added in 7 wash backs, and were back to 28. When they winged @7 months later they winged 21.
You are young, and before you go down this path I suggest 2 things.
1. Medical
~ You will do a DoDMERB exam for USAFA or AFROTC. That exam is not like an FAA FC1 physical. FAA is much longer and more in depth. If you have any medical issues start addressing them now.
~~ For DoDMERB they will look back starting at the age of 13.
2. If you can financially afford it, start taking flight lessons. See above regarding handling the stick.
~ Reading books is great, but it has nothing to do with real life experience.
Best of luck.