How'd you rank your preferences? I know a few people with private pilot's licences and everything who got RPA because they put both pilot and RPA as high interest when they applied.
My preferences were pilot high, CSO medium, and ABM/RPA low. In hindsight I wish I did not put CSO medium as I now realize I have no interest in going CSO...my temporary AFSC is Space Ops which I would be more interested in. I am hoping that putting CSO medium did not cause the boards to put me CSO (maybe there was a high demand for CSOs this year?). At the same time, I do not know why they did not select me for my highest interest as I had the scores for it. I honestly do not know how they really factor in interest levels, as I have friends who got pilot slots who put both CSO "medium" and CSO (and everything besides pilot) "low"
How did you do on the NAV section on the AFOQT? Maybe you did so well the boards decided to take you as a CSO instead of Pilot. I am not sure if this is correct thinking, but it could have played a role. I hope everything works out and you end up getting a pilot slot, it sounds like you earned one with your scores.
Nav was 59, pilot 72. There is speculation that since I put medium as CSO I was slotted as CSO. I really wish I did not put medium for that position. I can remain on the alternate list for pilot but I do not know if I need to accept or deny my CSO slot. I’ve heard that if I dent my CSO slot, I will be removed from the pilot alternate list and can never apply for a pilot slot again. On the other hand, if I accept CSO and do not get bumped up to pilot I will be stuck in a position I do not want to do. Really is a rock and a hard place situation.
If you got CSO with a medium and lost a Pilot with a hig
How'd you rank your preferences? I know a few people with private pilot's licences and everything who got RPA because they put both pilot and RPA as high interest when they applied.
My preferences were pilot high, CSO medium, and ABM/RPA low. In hindsight I wish I did not put CSO medium as I now realize I have no interest in going CSO...my temporary AFSC is Space Ops which I would be more interested in. I am hoping that putting CSO medium did not cause the boards to put me CSO (maybe there was a high demand for CSOs this year?). At the same time, I do not know why they did not select me for my highest interest as I had the scores for it. I honestly do not know how they really factor in interest levels, as I have friends who got pilot slots who put both CSO "medium" and CSO (and everything besides pilot) "low"
How did you do on the NAV section on the AFOQT? Maybe you did so well the boards decided to take you as a CSO instead of Pilot. I am not sure if this is correct thinking, but it could have played a role. I hope everything works out and you end up getting a pilot slot, it sounds like you earned one with your scores.
Nav was 59, pilot 72. There is speculation that since I put medium as CSO I was slotted as CSO. I really wish I did not put medium for that position. I can remain on the alternate list for pilot but I do not know if I need to accept or deny my CSO slot. I’ve heard that if I dent my CSO slot, I will be removed from the pilot alternate list and can never apply for a pilot slot again. On the other hand, if I accept CSO and do not get bumped up to pilot I will be stuck in a position I do not want to do. Really is a rock and a hard place situation.
I dont know how it works, but I would assume you put pilot first. For whatever reason they didnt offer you pilot so they went to your next choice which was CSO. Regardless of what how you ranked them they would have given you the next job on the list. I guess if you had put low next all of the rest, they could have gone with CSO, RPA or ABM. Since you put them in low on your list, i would imagine you wouldnt have been happy if they given you those either. I dont think they would have thought to themselves, "this guy only wants pilot and since we arent going to give it to him, lets not give him a rated job". When you applied for a rated position, your open yourself to any rated position. By the way, there is no law that says you have to take CSO . I think the problem is that they will never allow you to get another rated position.
It is good to know that I (probably) did not backstab myself by putting CSO medium. However I do understand that I am not forced into CSO and will be denying that position. I believe it is too great a risk to accept CSO with the hope of being picked from the alternate list for pilot. If I am not picked up for pilot, I will be of course stuck with CSO which I did not want. At least this is the way I understand it (correct me if I am wrong...).
CSO in training here...Don't be too disappointed in getting a CSO slot. I was in the same boat as you and being here has really changed my mind. We have the opportunity to go to great places with CSO, can do some really badass stuff, and go to some really great locations! Hell, nearly half of the planes that we can drop are AFSOC! I'm of the firm belief that Pensacola is the most beautiful and fun training base in the AF. White sand beaches, temps above the 60s year round, Blue Angels flying above your head twice a week, and Destin, Hurlburt, Eglin, Biloxi, and New Orleans are all within 3 hours of driving...you can't beat that! If you have any questions about the program feel free to send me a PM.
Edit: I'd seriously reconsider turning the CSO slot down and believe you'd have a higher chance of getting to pilot through this route anyways.
