ALO Meeting

Ask your ALO if S/He has a preference. My son's ALO, also monitored his CFA at the base gym, and did his interview right after doing the CFA. Son did his interview in her office on base and he basically changed right out of his sweat pants and into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I'm not recommending this, just that it was the most convenient for her and him being they were both together already after doing the CFA. Ask your ALO what's convenient for them. Maybe they come to your house, maybe a public place. Each ALO is different. But I'd start off being considerate to their schedule. Remember, many, if not most, of the ALO's aren't doing this as their full time job. They have regular jobs; military or civilian; and they have lives too.
 
Hey,

From just looking at your profile it looks like you have 2 years before you even start the application process (prospective 2017). I am very surprised that your ALO is even talking to you with many other 2014's and 2015's starting up. Did your ALO ask you to do the interview, or are you just sitting down to talk? Get everything in order so that you will be ready. Good luck.

Later,

Brian
 
I E-Mailed him just to ask a few questions, and then he offered to meet me and he said he will "need to recommend/direct and properly conduct and document the necessary ALO interview (part of your complete application package)” I don’t know if he meant the official interview, or what. but either way we will be talking about the application process, and its a first impression, so that will eventually play a role in how he thinks about me during the official interview. He said it was very good that I started talking to him early, although it might have just been to be polite, either way he suggested meeting me.
Any advice for things I might want to know will be greatly appreciated :shake:
 
Ok, so would a plain white polo and khakis be fine? I think I will suggest to meet him in the town library, is that a good place (there are areas where we could talk without being disturbed)? What are some areas that might be better to meet?

Thanks!
I've met in the library and that would be fine attire.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
That sounds good. I didn't mean to sound rude. You are ahead of the game. I wish you the best of luck you are right on top of the game. You will find that just talking with your ALO now will help your future interview go way better. Be honest and do your best. When it is over you will find things that you wish you had done different. Take those things and improve on them. Your ALO is just trying to get to know you, don't be intimidated by them "interrogating" you. Try to carry on a normal conversation and be respectful.

Later,

Brian
 
Ours had his interview in a community library. She mentioned to him that she appreciated that he made the effort to dress appropriately and arrive on time (he drove 70 miles). He showed up in suit and tie despite it being a very hot and humid day in Pennsylvania. She was in service dress.
 
One thing I need to "re-emphasize" to all...I needed to remember, a new cycle is beginning...more folks will be showing up here that we haven't worked with yet...

Do NOT be "scared, frightened, intimidated" by the ALO. Yes, we're there to interview you and yes the interview is VERY important to your candidacy. BUT BUT BUT...
(enough emphasis?)

You need to know the following about ALO's...

a. We are "typically" air force reserve officers who have served between 5-15 years of active duty prior to transferring into the reserve. FYI, we also have some active duty ALOs and some ALO's that are guardsmen. But we're ALL air force!
b. NOBODY is "assigned" to the role of ALO. We have to request the assignment and then it goes to
1. The local ALO unit for their consideration, interviews with the state director, other ALOs, etc.
2. IF it gets past the state ALO unit, then it goes to USAFA for their review.
3. IF USAFA agrees, then it goes to HQ ARPC (Air Reserve Personnel Center) for their "checks and balances."
4. IF all has gone well, the member will be offered the assignment and then transferred into the 9001st Air Reserve Squadron.

Now that's for a "full time" ALO. Other ALOs may have different reserve/guard jobs and do the ALO mission as an "additional" duty. They'll still be screened the same way.

Now...the officer has been assigned as an ALO.

Oh, did I forget to mention one key thing? ALO's are NOT PAID. We are the ONLY category of AF reservist that is unpaid; it's called "Category E." We receive "retirement points" for duty we perform, but no pay.

Which just BEGS the question: why would anyone take a job that might require them to take a couple days off from work, drive several hundred miles, stay in a motel, and then go visit some schools in the middle of nowhere, when they're not getting a dime for it?

The answer should be obvious: BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT WE WANT TO DO! We want to help outstanding young men and women become air force officers and we're willing to go that extra mile to do it.

SO all that being said...don't be afraid of us! We're here to be YOUR ADVOCATE! As I tell candidates: "I am the artist, you supply the paint, canvas, brushes, and the inspiration and I will create the masterpiece." In other words, if you "bring it all to the table" I will (from the interview and other conversations we will have) create an evaluation form that builds a picture in the minds of the review panel and they will KNOW you from that!

So...greet us with a smile, relax, answer our questions honestly and one more thing...it's okay to say "Gee sir, I don't know."

You see, some questions we'll ask might not have an answer. We're trying to see how you think, and MOST importantly: WILL YOU BS US? Don't do that...it's the quickest way to poison a relationship with an ALO or anyone else.

Just relax, and enjoy! MOST of us get to know our candidates VERY well. Trust me...folks ask me if I have any kids and I'll say "Yep, in the class of 2010 I had one, I have 4 in 2011, 3 in 2012, and 2 in 2013."

"THEY" are my kids! :thumb:

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
After reading the Facebook thing, I just wanted to chime in. One thing a lot of people seem to forget is to have a professional sounding voicemail greeting. If an ALO/BGO/MALO/etc. happens to call you and you don't pick up, how embarassing would it be to have them hear "YOOOO WAZZZZZUPPPP" or something. :shake:

You have received a lot of good advice on this thread! A lot of advice I can use as well :thumb: Good luck on your interview, and don't sweat it!

Flieger, is it common/a good idea to get ALOs gifts as a token of appreciation? I never realized how much effort ALOs put in, just for us! :biggrin:
 
After reading the Facebook thing, I just wanted to chime in. One thing a lot of people seem to forget is to have a professional sounding voicemail greeting. If an ALO/BGO/MALO/etc. happens to call you and you don't pick up, how embarassing would it be to have them hear "YOOOO WAZZZZZUPPPP" or something. :shake:

You have received a lot of good advice on this thread! A lot of advice I can use as well :thumb: Good luck on your interview, and don't sweat it!

Flieger, is it common/a good idea to get ALOs gifts as a token of appreciation? I never realized how much effort ALOs put in, just for us! :biggrin:
Hi!

Nope, nothing at all. Just a smile, a good attitude, honesty, etc.

Trust me...OUR satisfaction is working with a candidate that is SERIOUS about the process and their goal!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
One "gift" that you may be able to give your ALO is some of your time after you become a cadet. There are programs that allow cadets to go back to high schools in their home area and talk about the Academy. Another option would be to attend special events in your area where your ALO is doing recruiting. Our son's ALO from back in 2006 is now the head ALO for the state of Wisconsin. The last two summers, and again this year, our son gave up part of his leave to work with her and other ALOs at EAA/Airventure Oshkosh in the USAFA booth. She has said that having a real cadet there to talk to the interested kids was so much better than a Lt. Col telling them what to expect.

Remember to ask your ALO if there is any need of help in the future.

Stealth_81
 
One "gift" that you may be able to give your ALO is some of your time after you become a cadet. There are programs that allow cadets to go back to high schools in their home area and talk about the Academy. Another option would be to attend special events in your area where your ALO is doing recruiting. Our son's ALO from back in 2006 is now the head ALO for the state of Wisconsin. The last two summers, and again this year, our son gave up part of his leave to work with her and other ALOs at EAA/Airventure Oshkosh in the USAFA booth. She has said that having a real cadet there to talk to the interested kids was so much better than a Lt. Col telling them what to expect.

Remember to ask your ALO if there is any need of help in the future.

Stealth_81
CONCUR CONCUR CONCUR!

Many of "my kids" have done this!! And it always makes a great impression on potential candidates when someone that might even have been in their school a year or two ago, can "relate" to them and connect.

VERY valuable!!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
If I get appointed ill be sure to visit my ALO :thumb:

So what exactly would my ALO look for in a potential appointee? Like what qualities do they look for? Or what do they like to see/hear?
Dont get me wrong I’m not going to try and change to seem more fitted for a recommendation, I think bs-ing my way through will do more harm than good!
 
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