ALO Interview

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Ethands15

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5-Year Member
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Oct 31, 2008
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I know am late in applying to USAFA, like really late. But initially I was just applying to USNA this year, and then if i did not get an appointment I was going to apply to USAFA next year. At any rate, my Congresswoman suprised me :eek: by nominating me to USNA and USAFA. Because of this, I applied this year. I have my ALO interview in a couple days and I was wondering what kind of questions they ask?
 
Did you have an ALO interview for navy? If so, they will be similar for air force. having said that; realize that there are no standardized questions that the ALO will ask. Their objective is to get a good feel for the candidate. This way they can determine if they really want this and if they will be a good fit. All a matter of perspective obviously. So, depending on the applicant, will determine the types of questions. I.e. If the applicant doesn't seem too excited, they may start asking more questions about WHY they want this. What other schools they've applied to. Do they have family members who are SUGGESTING this. On the other hand, if the applicant is really excited, upbeat, PASSIONATE; the questions might revolve around what they expect to get out of the academy. What are their goals. etc... Each ALO is different. Some ask the same questions to every candidate they meet. Others try to find out about the individual and what type of a fit they would be. best of luck to you. mike.....
 
I would think the questions would be very similar to your B&G interview. My one son applied both to USNA and USAFA and mostly the interviewers were looking for good eye contact, firm handshake, no beating around the bush, honesty, integrity - etc.

The first question the ALO for AFA asked was "Are you prepared to drop bombs on people, possibly killing civilians, if ordered?" He later told us it was the first question he asked EVERY one of his prospectives, just to see their reaction to a possibly uncomfortable question.
 
My best advice would be to have examples for your answers.

i.e. instances where you have shown your leadership capabilities, when and how you've over come adversity or a difficult situation, when you've displayed "honor code" type qualities. etc

Good luck!
 
sit down and creat a list of 20 adjectives to describe yourself. if you remember this list then you can base your answers off of this list. i found it helpful, because i always get really nervous, and seem to think about a million things at once.
 
Ethan15
I am in the same boat as you are. I got a nomination this year and will get my candidate kit after all hard work and persistence. as for the interview, just be yourself because if you stick with who you are, that is the personality the interviewers are looking for which is how you handle yourself and as a future air force officer in the military. keep up the good work and if you are nervous, try to imagine yourself in an f22 cockpit and owning the skies. I hope that helps.
 
From an ALO's perspective... (I've been one for 15 years)

I want to meet a young man/woman that is:

a. Confident
b. A future officer
c. Sure of themselves but not braggadocious (scrabble word)
d. Understands what the academy is/means/is NOT

What will I ask?

a. Why do you want this?
b. When did you decide upon this path? Why?
c. Have you been there?
d. Do you know anyone there, met any cadet, know any AF members?
e. Any members of your family serve in any service? (This for me to know if they might have had any influence, that's the only reason; if nobody has served it DOES NOT MATTER)
f. There are "XX" number of candidates that I have met and have to evaluate. Why should I rate you higher than anyone else? In other words, if it comes down to only one opening, why should that opening have YOUR name on it?
g. What is the honor code? What does it mean, to YOU?


These are just a few of the MANY questions that I or my officers would ask. In short: be ready, confident, and poised. I'm NOT your enemy; rather my role is to interview you, get to know you, and then evaluate you in such a way that I can paint a picture for the academy. They only know you as a file of paperwork. I can give them a "first hand" impression.

But YOU have to give me the paint and canvas.

Steve

Stephen E. Wood, Lt Col, USAFR
Deputy Liaison Officer Director for Arizona
 
Listen to Fleiger he's the go to guy about ALO's:thumb:

I know our DS's ALO also spoke to us...concerned about if we wanted him to do this.

He also took him to Daedalion dinners, which I believe was to see how he interacted within a social pseudo-military situation

You already have a nom, so in your sit it will be about the ALO rec that is a part of your WCS.

Luckily you have found this site and believe it or not it gives you a foot up b/c other kids have no idea what to expect, you have been given a fountain of wealth, it is all up to you and how you use it now.

NO PRESSURE:shake:
 
At the end of the interview, they may ask you if you have any questions for them. Try to have one.

My boy asked, "How have your views of your Academy experience changed over the years and would you do anything differently." (Says he came up with it on the spur of the moment)

They loved it, talked about another 15-20 minutes to/with him and among themselves about their views, memories, what was good, what was bad, etc. All he had to do was smile and nod his head.

People love to talk about themselves, officers included. :shake:
 
Lilly said:
At the end of the interview, they may ask you if you have any questions for them. Try to have one.

My boy asked, "How have your views of your Academy experience changed over the years and would you do anything differently." (Says he came up with it on the spur of the moment)

They loved it, talked about another 15-20 minutes to/with him and among themselves about their views, memories, what was good, what was bad, etc. All he had to do was smile and nod his head.

People love to talk about themselves, officers included. :shake:
Click to expand...

Hi Lily,

Loved your example of a good question to ask the officer doing the candidate interview!! Very good idea for the candidate to engage the officer about their passion!! :shake: :biggrin: :rolleyes:
 
Ethan, how did the Interview go?

Hi Ethan,

After reading how much you want this I really believe that you did well. I was still wondering how you thought your interview went? Do you think you did well? What type of questions did your ALO ask you and what did you ask your ALO? Any tips for those preparing for their interviews for next year? Thank you for your input.
 
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