- Joined
- Dec 12, 2012
- Messages
- 2,253
Attended a short meeting with a parent’s group rep who attended USAFA parent’s association meeting hosted by Gen. Mitchell. Here is what was passed along:
#1: RPA slots. This is the #1 mission that needs to be filled. (No surprise there) Anyone looking to “5 & dive” should consider this career field (As per our rep. I cannot say if this is the General’s opinion.) DD stated that unfilled slots from class of 2016 would be passed down to classes of 2017 & 2018.
#2: A parent-driven sexual assault awareness program: Any parent interested in starting this would be supported by USAFA. Obviously there are privacy rules & other hurdles to cross, but the Academy is willing to assist within legal bounds.
#3: Cyber: This field is rapidly expanding & any cadet who has “the special set of skills” to excel here should definitely consider it.
My Thoughts:
As to #1: Everyone has their own opinion about the RPA program and the use of AF pilots to perform this assignment. To me, the lifestyle along with the lack of time to further your education (due to the very demanding work schedule from what I have gathered) make this career field a non-starter for most who are in the Academy. I just don’t see RPA pilots “moving up” (the General’s phrase) to an airframe pilot. Some more research into the pro’s & cons of this assignment would have to be made by those interested before making the request to be assigned here.
#2: I think one would have to live in the C Springs area for this to work. Don’t know if a social worker or another type (LE, health-care, etc.) of background would be necessary for this to work.
#3: Seems like an excellent career field, but don’t expect to be assigned outside the continental US; you are too valuable. I have met cadets who are going into this and they are insanely smart; I will be sleeping easier knowing they’re on this extremely important job.
PS: on a lighter note: Football team’s offense & special teams looked good. However, the defense let expected plays succeed. Sideline throws & screen passes repeatedly moved the chains when our team should’ve been getting off the field. Hopefully, this will be cleaned-up for the next game.