The PCSM is a % of the WCS. I believe it is 20%. The scores include other things their ranking (big %), their cgpa, their PFA, ranking out of SFT.
Being a CTA to me means they could be a shining star at their unit. In turn, that means the biggest % (ranking) and add in if they have a strong cgpa, a low PCSM could just be a ding and allow them to still score high enough on the OML to get a pilot slot.
Just putting that out there so posters do not get false hope regarding chances for pilot slot. Think about it....how many CTAs are there nationally during SFT. Not a lot when you compare them to how many apply for rated. Maybe 5%.
I would also say for them, beware. Share with them Raimius's blog (it is his signature line here with a link). It is true to what life will be like as a UPT student. Getting a pilot slot is the easiest part. I believe statistically 90+% get pilot as a C300. However, 3 yrs from now when they wing, 35%+ will not wing.
~ 3 yrs because 1 yr left in ROTC, 1 yr wait time to start UPT, and 54 weeks at UPT.
~~ JMPO as a spouse and a Mom of a pilot. The AF is trending now in a more efficient way with regards to lowering wash out rates. PCSM includes flight hours and TBAS. You can be the best ROTC cadet, the highest cgpa, and the most physically fit, but when you get to UPT, the IPs don't give a crap about that. The slate is wiped clean. Now it is about landing a T6/38 or 1 with cross winds. It is about flying in finger tip formation. It is about your real world life is no down time for a yr if you want to wing.
I am not trying to divert the thread. I am trying to impress upon all of those going up that it is easier to get a pilot slot than it is to wing, especially when the biggest % is your CoC ranking.
I will also say, YEP the AF is short on pilots, but the AF also knows that the pipeline is clogged, and cannot get them through fast enough. Currently, even if you get an EAD of October, it is common to be casual status for 6 months. USAFA grads are also waiting a yr to start UPT.
~ The AF produces @1200 pilots annually. The retention rate is horrible now even with 6 figure bonuses. The last I read, they had @30% takers for the pilot bonus.
~ On top of that UPT for the entire FY16 dropped 2 RPA slots for every class out of every UPT base. minus ENJJPT. Getting a pilot slot no longer equates to flying a manned airframe.
Just saying