Leaving West Point for AFROTC

T

The

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Nov 16, 2013
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So I am currently a west point cadet and I feel like I have made a wrong decision in the branch I wish to be in. I really was to be a fixed wing pilot, something that is not really possible in the army. While I love being at a service academy it is more than just the time here, I have to consider what I will be doing in the actual military. I know the air force is cutting back just like the army so how is contracting prospects in the afrotc world. I feel like I would be pretty qualified to pick up a SFT slot even after one semester as I would be going in as a sophomore. How would the afrotc cadre feel about someone who left a service academy. How hard is it for AS250s to get a SFT slot? What are the average non tech stats? How are the stats for rated selection looking as well? When do you apply for a rated board? Also, is there any "gaming" when it comes to college choices if you are joining as a non scholarship cadet? Is SFT selection on a school level or national level, as well as rated slots selection? Basically does you school have any effect on your chances for both SFT and rated? Sorry I kind of wrote this in a rush. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

P.S. I know the chances of getting a pilot and rated are pretty low, but alot of the non rated jobs in the air force are more appealing to me than the army counterparts.
 
There are several cadets that can assist you with explaining the new SFT system regarding selection for non-tech. The gist that I have gotten is non-techs that state they want to go rated, get an edge over non-techs that want to go non-rated when it comes to SFT selection.
~~~However, you must be willing to accept any rated position....CSO, RPA and ABM, not jus pilot.

SFT selection board is national, it is not tied to colleges, in as much as, X college gets Y slots. It is more like the national pool for SAs....WCS, and a line drawn for the number of slots available. Above you go, below you are out. There is a specific formula, it includes the COC rec, CGPA, PFA, and AFOQT. Traditionally, the avg nin-tech cgpa is @3.3/3.4

As a 300 you will meet the rated board. If not selected for rated, the chances of AFROTC dis-enrolling increases greatly.
~ PCSM 2.0 takes into account flight hours. The more hours you have the more points in one subsection you will be given. If you have no flight hours now, start doing it this summer if you can afford to do it.

The other breakdowns will be almost identical as SFT. CoC rec., cgpa, PFA, and instead of the AFOQT, a test called TBAS.

Finally, if you get your PPL you will not be required to go to IFS at Pueblo. IFS=Initial Flight Screening, the precursor to UPT. You will get a waiver and go straight to UPT.

For a glimpse into the AF flying world, check out the site called baseops.net

I will also say the chances of getting g a rated slot are not as low as you may think. Our DS's school for years has had 95%+ if the cadet carries the national avererage. DS was non-tech and is at UPT. The chances are low if all you want is an airframe that starts with an F.
 
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Just my opinion, but I would stay at West Point. You are near the end of the hardest year and only have 3 years until commissioning. I think a limited number of Army Cadets get commissioned into the Air Force. Maybe you could get one of these slots. If not, you might be able to fly in the Army, maybe even fixed wing. Not all Air Force Officers get fixed wing pilot slots.
 
I read at the back of the West Point Catalog that one can commission into any of the armed force branches contingent upon review by the superintendent and approval from that branch. However, if your heart is not set on the Army and West Point, AFROTC or USAFA are good options. You have until your sophomore year to decide. If it truly is because you don't feel as though army can fulfill your career aspirations and needs, then well you already know the answer.
 
Just to place clarification for cross commissioning.

Not only does the Army need to agree to release them, but the AF must agree to take them. If nobody has noticed the AF is cutting 8% personnel for the next 5 years.

Criss commissioning occurs, but the odds are not good and with the AF shedding people I am not 100% on board that the AF will allow it, even if they are an SA grad.

Now am I saying leave WP? No! I am saying that don't think it is a breeze, plus be willing to accept any AF AFSC. There are two threads going currently on AFA/USNA forums regarding a 2 dig that wants to cross commission from AF to Navy. The overwhelming response is, yes it happens, but it is an uphill battle.

040726,

What fixed wing are you talking about for the Army? Not trying to offend, but the last time I checked there are no fighters in the Army, and if the 82nd wants to go somewhere they hitch a ride with the AF. Google Pope AFB, or McGuire.

Now if they want rotor, than they need to stay with the Army, because the AF has very few helos.

Jackie,

Theoretically, you are correct, however, the problem is if they transfer as a rising junior, AFROTC commission is not a viable option. To commission in the AF from AFROTC you must attend SFT, and you must be a POC for at least 3 semesters. Realistically, they would have to delay graduation by a yr or go the OCS route if they left after their 3dig yr. Because of SFT.

JMPO, but wait it out until spring break. I would not be shocked if in March you decide you really want to stay at WP. Not a betting woman, but from experience here I would say in the end you won't be going AFROTC.

Thank you for wanting to defend this great nation, and all of my best wishes to you for your future,
 
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The Army flies some C12s and a few other small fixed wing aircraft.
 
That is true, but for most that want fixed wing they want to be in the action. The C12 is not going to be their top choice. The pretty planes like the 22 or 35 are. The heavy guys are going to want the AC130, C5. Little planes like the 12 are typically the last airframe they want.

I am not trying to be negative against the Army or pro-AF. I am just saying that his decision maybe about long term from his desire to fly. Our DS is at UPT currently, and he is going heavies. His Dad was a WSO for Strike Eagles. The mission the airframe does is/was important to them,

If DS wanted to fly helo's we would have said go Navy or Army due to many reasons, everything from PCS, mission, promotions. Raimius, no offense! The Army's mission is different than the AF.

The needs to ask himself the big WHAT IF question. What if I wash out of UPT in the AF and your new career field is Maintenance do you still want to be in the AF or would you wish you stayed at USMA?
 
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