Ways Forward for Pilot

F

FOODFINDER

Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2021
Messages
10
Howdy y'all, 25er here. Received my job early and did not get great news and dropped acquisitions. Was not aware of how the algorithm was picking people this year and despite a 90+ PCSM and a top third ranking I did not pick up pilot as my second choice. I was encouraged to apply for a very technical AFSC and did it on the grounds that if I didn't get it, I would have another great option right behind it, but now I'm here with my 9th choice. I haven't submitted my hours, but after I do, I'll be sitting at a 99 PCSM with a 99 AFOQT Pilot. I'm wondering about ways to get into a cockpit from this point. I know my stats aren't bad as far as many of the boards go, but I'm not really sure of all of the options. I'm aware of the crossflow boards, but I don't know if stepping into my unit and trying to push up a package next November is even remotely possible or a good idea. I'm also aware of palace chasing and applying to guard units though I have no idea on the timeline for those kinds of things. Also, I know the waitlists exist, but my order of merit has since dropped off and I'm not believing in a guarantee that I make it off the waitlist despite everyone succeeding last year. Any advice or wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
 
unitedaviate.com

United Aviate

Start flying for a world-class global airline in record time with United’s specialized pilot development programs.
unitedaviate.com unitedaviate.com

I am not being sarcastic. If being a pilot is your goal, serve honorably for 5 years while still doing the type of things that keep that dream alive either inside or outside of the USAF.
 
If I am understanding you correctly, you didnt choose pilot first. That may have been your problem but who knows? I would submit your hours regardless of what happens. It could help you in the future. Unfortunately, i dont have any advice to give you.
 
@FOODFINDER I am sorry that you did not get the job you were hoping for. I had many conversations with my son about how he would feel if things didn't turn out the way he wanted. I tend think along the lines of @Humey since you had pilot as a second choice it threw your selection off. I hope you continue to follow your dreams, don't give up!
 
No such thing as a bad assignment. I was a Tweet FAIP at Laughlin for 6 years. Certainly a "career killer" for what 23 year old me wanted, turns out it was the best thing that could have happened.
 
I don’t know how it works but I do know last year more cadets were allocated pilot slots after the initial job drops date. I would talk to your higher up’s and find out what you can do to try to get in that pool of second rounders. Good luck!
 
FOODFINDER said:
Howdy y'all, 25er here. Received my job early and did not get great news and dropped acquisitions. Was not aware of how the algorithm was picking people this year and despite a 90+ PCSM and a top third ranking I did not pick up pilot as my second choice. I was encouraged to apply for a very technical AFSC and did it on the grounds that if I didn't get it, I would have another great option right behind it, but now I'm here with my 9th choice. I haven't submitted my hours, but after I do, I'll be sitting at a 99 PCSM with a 99 AFOQT Pilot. I'm wondering about ways to get into a cockpit from this point. I know my stats aren't bad as far as many of the boards go, but I'm not really sure of all of the options. I'm aware of the crossflow boards, but I don't know if stepping into my unit and trying to push up a package next November is even remotely possible or a good idea. I'm also aware of palace chasing and applying to guard units though I have no idea on the timeline for those kinds of things. Also, I know the waitlists exist, but my order of merit has since dropped off and I'm not believing in a guarantee that I make it off the waitlist despite everyone succeeding last year. Any advice or wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Knew a 23er who got pilot after dropping something else. Not sure if it's because the numbers were better for them, but no loss in talking to your AOC.
 
I have flown with several pilots who did not get pilot right away out of USAFA and then got to UPT after a few years in the AF. One guy was a aircraft maintainer in the early 90's when slots were hard to get and eventually got a pilot slot and ended up a F-22 Squadron Commander! Fly at the Aero Club on your base to keep active. Civilian route is still possible to the airlines if you do not get to UPT.
 
FOODFINDER said:
Howdy y'all, 25er here. Received my job early and did not get great news and dropped acquisitions. Was not aware of how the algorithm was picking people this year and despite a 90+ PCSM and a top third ranking I did not pick up pilot as my second choice. I was encouraged to apply for a very technical AFSC and did it on the grounds that if I didn't get it, I would have another great option right behind it, but now I'm here with my 9th choice. I haven't submitted my hours, but after I do, I'll be sitting at a 99 PCSM with a 99 AFOQT Pilot. I'm wondering about ways to get into a cockpit from this point. I know my stats aren't bad as far as many of the boards go, but I'm not really sure of all of the options. I'm aware of the crossflow boards, but I don't know if stepping into my unit and trying to push up a package next November is even remotely possible or a good idea. I'm also aware of palace chasing and applying to guard units though I have no idea on the timeline for those kinds of things. Also, I know the waitlists exist, but my order of merit has since dropped off and I'm not believing in a guarantee that I make it off the waitlist despite everyone succeeding last year. Any advice or wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
I had to wonder what very selective job you were competing for as your first choice and did not get despite your incredibly high ranking.
 
FOODFINDER said:
Howdy y'all, 25er here. Received my job early and did not get great news and dropped acquisitions. Was not aware of how the algorithm was picking people this year and despite a 90+ PCSM and a top third ranking I did not pick up pilot as my second choice. I was encouraged to apply for a very technical AFSC and did it on the grounds that if I didn't get it, I would have another great option right behind it, but now I'm here with my 9th choice. I haven't submitted my hours, but after I do, I'll be sitting at a 99 PCSM with a 99 AFOQT Pilot. I'm wondering about ways to get into a cockpit from this point. I know my stats aren't bad as far as many of the boards go, but I'm not really sure of all of the options. I'm aware of the crossflow boards, but I don't know if stepping into my unit and trying to push up a package next November is even remotely possible or a good idea. I'm also aware of palace chasing and applying to guard units though I have no idea on the timeline for those kinds of things. Also, I know the waitlists exist, but my order of merit has since dropped off and I'm not believing in a guarantee that I make it off the waitlist despite everyone succeeding last year. Any advice or wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
I would also go ask the person that encouraged you to compete for that highly technical afsc what your options might be, especially if that person was your academic advisor.
 
FOODFINDER said:
Howdy y'all, 25er here. Received my job early and did not get great news and dropped acquisitions...Any advice or wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
First of all, congrats to those who came away happy.

Now, for those who didn't. Life in the AF isn't always going to be what you want. That's life. But there is some good news. Regardless of when someone graduates from the Zoo, the benefits of this education includes something seldom discussed or even acknowledged.

And that is the ability to use the stresses of cadet life to give a person the strength to face adversity or discouragement, and press on. Some advice:

1. No blame games. Suck it up and move on. Nobody likes someone who nurses his beer at the bar, ever-willing to tell anyone within hearing range how he got screwed. Even if there is some basis for the complaint, the world will quickly tire of hearing about it.

2. No ring-knocking. Being a zoomie didn't get you into this position, and it won't get you out. Only your character will, that and a little luck.

3. The Lord helps those who help themselves. Get smart on the ways to move out of this assignment while doing the very best job you can while in that assignment.

Best of luck to you.
 
Talk with your leadership and ask if there is a way to get that pilot slot. Be humble. Even if you don't get it out of the academy, there are chances later. (Cross-flow, guard/reserve, or other government/civilian).
 
Stormbird said:
I had to wonder what very selective job you were competing for as your first choice and did not get despite your incredibly high ranking.
Click to expand...
I put in for chemist and was hoping to shred out as a nuclear chemist through grad school. I was told that there would be between 0-2 spots and so far, I haven't seen anyone get it. It would appear I threw away my easiest shot at pilot for a job that was not even possible to get this year. As much as it sucks, most of the commanders I have talked to have been stunned I didn't get it, but also stated they would be even more shocked if I didn't get off the waitlist in the first set in October. Last year everyone was able to get off the list with some even having the minimum score required. As much as it sucks, it's just a waiting game now to hopefully get off the waitlist or get out of my assigned AFSC to have a better chance at crossflow later.
 
@FOODFINDER So sorry to hear about this, I'm sure it was very disappointing news. I can say last year, there were NUMEROUS people who did not get pilot slots initially and then got off the waitlist after a couple months. So I would definitely recommend talking to your AOC about getting on the waitlist ASAP when it opens and updating your PCSM hours in the meantime. Chin up and keep fighting, I knew people who dropped pilot days before grad. It's not over til it's over.
 
FOODFINDER said:
I put in for chemist and was hoping to shred out as a nuclear chemist through grad school...
Click to expand...
And you also want to be a "pilot". I'm sure you understand that this is a pretty general statement. What type did you have in mind? What career path are you imagining?

Are you thinking that you could be both graduate level nuclear chemist and pilot? Because I'm not seeing that as a workable plan. The commitments are so different. Better to choose one or the other. But, should you want to pursue both, it will likely be more doable to transition from rated to non-rated.
 
soccer67 said:
And you also want to be a "pilot". I'm sure you understand that this is a pretty general statement. What type did you have in mind? What career path are you imagining?

Are you thinking that you could be both graduate level nuclear chemist and pilot? Because I'm not seeing that as a workable plan. The commitments are so different. Better to choose one or the other. But, should you want to pursue both, it will likely be more doable to transition from rated to non-rated.
Click to expand...
i dont want to answer for him, but from his writing, he wanted the chemist position but if that fell through (as it was likley) , being a pilot would be a great way to go. Instead he got neither
 
soccer67 said:
And you also want to be a "pilot". I'm sure you understand that this is a pretty general statement. What type did you have in mind? What career path are you imagining?

Are you thinking that you could be both graduate level nuclear chemist and pilot? Because I'm not seeing that as a workable plan. The commitments are so different. Better to choose one or the other. But, should you want to pursue both, it will likely be more doable to transition from rated to non-rated.
Click to expand...
Humey is correct. Chemist was my top plan with pilot as a backup. I never had a plan to cross out of pilot, unless I lost my medical, but I did make sure my stats were competitive to crossflow into rated if I needed to leave the chemist field. The only real upside I've gotten out of this situation is a grad school spot, but it'll be at the cost of base preferences if I switch later. It is what it is though, I wanted Laughlin anyways.
 
FOODFINDER said:
Humey is correct. Chemist was my top plan with pilot as a backup. I never had a plan to cross out of pilot, unless I lost my medical, but I did make sure my stats were competitive to crossflow into rated if I needed to leave the chemist field. The only real upside I've gotten out of this situation is a grad school spot, but it'll be at the cost of base preferences if I switch later. It is what it is though, I wanted Laughlin anyways.
Click to expand...
No advice for you, but I wish you luck in getting your pilot slot. Sounds like you have a really good chance to get off the waitlist.

I do wish you had better understanding about the algorithm going into listing your preferences. Is this something you are briefed on before submitting your preferences? It seems like it changed slightly this year according to my ds (an observation made after job drops).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top