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!
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83