AFROTC Express ABM scholarship

CodyM'15

5-Year Member
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Mar 27, 2011
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Good news: I and a fellow cadet of mine were awarded a new type of in college AFROTC scholarship tonight. It is an express Air Battle Manager scholarship which, upon signing, guarantees you a field training slot, but also that you will commission as an ABM. Bad news: We both want to be pilots. My eyesight requires that i get PRK before flying in the AF, but I would not elgible for PRK until I was 21, which is the summer before senior year. Pilot boards take place during what will be my junior year. Basically, I'm asking if you can be put up for a pilot slot without yet meeting the eyesight qualifications. We both have our instrument ratings now, so we are definitely set with pilot as #1 choice, but my eyesight gives me a hurdle. I just am not sure on those requirements, and whether I should take this scholarship or not. Also, if anybody knows if you can transfer out of the ABM career to pilot, I'd appreciate hearing it. I am asking others these questions too, I would just like a consensus from different people. I will ultimately make the decision, just hoping somebody has answers to my questions.
 
When my det. went over the CSO Express scholarship the PAS implied once you've commissioned as a CSO, your obligation to that career field would end (after training for X months and being stationed somewhere) and you could then apply somehow to be a pilot. We were also made aware that it's not too uncommon for CSO's to eventually become pilot's after a few years AD. Does that apply to ABM's? I couldn't tell you. ABM to pilot is a much wider gap/training curve than CSO to pilot, though
 
Yeah I realize that about CSO, which is why I'm asking. I actually asked to be considered for the CSO one, but not for ABM. But, I got this offer, and its a good one. Due to my eyesight conditions, I have to give it a good thought
 
Timeout.

CodyM'15 said:
My eyesight requires that i get PRK before flying in the AF, but I would not elgible for PRK until I was 21, which is the summer before senior year. Pilot boards take place during what will be my junior year.

In other words you are not even there yet. Pilots and CSO/ABM have different vision regs.

Before you jump, realize you need to be selected/attended/graduate from SFT. Spend your time worrying about SFT.
 
Timeout.



In other words you are not even there yet. Pilots and CSO/ABM have different vision regs.

Before you jump, realize you need to be selected/attended/graduate from SFT. Spend your time worrying about SFT.
Pima, from his first post it seems that by accepting the scholarship he is eliminating his chance at Pilot/CSO
I and a fellow cadet of mine were awarded a new type of in college AFROTC scholarship tonight. It is an express Air Battle Manager scholarship which, upon signing, guarantees you a field training slot, but also that you will commission as an ABM.

Any insight as to path from ABM to pilot?
 
Correct, Packer ( I hate the Packers). Anyhow, not only insight on the jump from ABM to pilot or even CSO, but if one can be nominated for a pilot slot without yet having the corrective eye surgery. I there is a waiver available for the above situation, I would turn down the ABM scholarship in a heartbeat to keep pilot chances alive. It appears as though you have a ridiculous amount of knowledge on AF specifics, Pima, so if you can answer this question that nobody else has been able to, I would appreciate it.:frown:
 
Correct, Packer ( I hate the Packers). Anyhow, not only insight on the jump from ABM to pilot or even CSO, but if one can be nominated for a pilot slot without yet having the corrective eye surgery. I there is a waiver available for the above situation, I would turn down the ABM scholarship in a heartbeat to keep pilot chances alive. It appears as though you have a ridiculous amount of knowledge on AF specifics, Pima, so if you can answer this question that nobody else has been able to, I would appreciate it.:frown:
Wrong kind of packer.
 
Is this scholarship available to transfer cadets applying as a sophomore?
 
It was available to any AS200 cadet to apply for, I believe. It's definitely too late for this semester, and I'm not sure if theyre continuing that offer in the future.
 
If I knew I could apply now as a non-ROTC student, it would make a huge difference to which school to transfer to in the future.
 
Cody,

The best advice I can give you is to request a 1 on 1 with your det. commander. You have been awarded the scholarship, ask the what ifs?

~~~ Do I have a chance for UPT with PRK?

~~~ Without accepting ABM, am I at risk for not attending SFT?

~~~What if I get PRK, am I locked in?

I have a different perspective than many because I get things that others don't, but as I have always stated in almost every post, talk to your command. They want your success to become a reality. They are ADAF and in the inner circle compared to anyone here. Our opinions are anecdotal, theirs is based on information they can share as an ADAF member.

They are invested in your success in more ways than you can imagine at your age.

Thank you for thinking/assuming I could assist you, but the ones that can give you the best advice are the ones you see weekly as a cadet. This will be your future...relying on those that truly know you as an AF member.

If you were my child, I would have only one question, the same I asked our DS... do you understand the term Service before self?

There is no guarantee; you have to be able to say wherever and whatever I do in the AF I will be happy.

If you think you can't be happy as an ABM and only as an ABM, never a pilot, talk to your family and your CoC. You are a 200 you can walk since you are not on scholarship.
 
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