Advice and Support Please!

[Anonymous]

Help! I just talked to the local recruiter this morning and am sooo discouraged. In the last few years I have been able to get my pilot's license and have been working on my instrument rating. I'm at the crossroad between going commercial and going military and am having a tough time deciding. My dad just retired last year and is totally against me going active duty but would be supportive of the Air Guard (mother is a TOTALLY different story!). I know it's my decision but the recruiter made it sound pretty much impossible due to knee injuries (torn ACL in both knees due to soccer) and I'm 20 lbs. overweight. The weight issue is tough but I know I can do it if I put my mind to it. I've already lost 20 this year and am determined to get the last 20 off - mainly by running. The first three questions he asked over the phone - what's my degree in, what my height was, and what my weight was. I was just calling to get some information about the training and what all was involved! UGH. I would go to another recruiter but that would be about an hour away. You would think that they'd be a little more supportive and want people interested in the military rather than turning them off to it! Okay...feel better. :) He told me that the commitment would be 10 years, minimum. Is that true? Should I continue to pursue this? I'm 25 - what is the cut off age? Any advice or support would be greatly appreciated! -j

jsteen@benchmark-assoc.com

[Anonymous]

I just signed my paperwork for the Air Force yesterday and I really want to tell you that it is not all that the recruiter says. First, I had to lose 14 pounds and it wasn't nearly as difficult as I had anticipated. Then, the recruiter had told me not to tell them about my surgery, knee injury and so on because I would not be taken. Well, rather than lie, I told them about my surgery and injury. I got in with no problem. I was told that the recruiters make it seem that anything that has ever happened to you is cause to be left out of the military. It isn't true. Give it a try. It really isn't as bad as it seems.

Help! I just talked to the local recruiter this morning and am sooo


: discouraged. In the last few years I have been able to get my pilot's
: license and have been working on my instrument rating. I'm at the
: crossroad between going commercial and going military and am having a
: tough time deciding. My dad just retired last year and is totally against
: me going active duty but would be supportive of the Air Guard (mother is a
: TOTALLY different story!). I know it's my decision but the recruiter made
: it sound pretty much impossible due to knee injuries (torn ACL in both
: knees due to soccer) and I'm 20 lbs. overweight. The weight issue is tough
: but I know I can do it if I put my mind to it. I've already lost 20 this
: year and am determined to get the last 20 off - mainly by running. The
: first three questions he asked over the phone - what's my degree in, what
: my height was, and what my weight was. I was just calling to get some
: information about the training and what all was involved! UGH. I would go
: to another recruiter but that would be about an hour away. You would think
: that they'd be a little more supportive and want people interested in the
: military rather than turning them off to it! Okay...feel better. :) He
: told me that the commitment would be 10 years, minimum. Is that true?
: Should I continue to pursue this? I'm 25 - what is the cut off age? Any
: advice or support would be greatly appreciated! -j


wickedlust_98@yahoo.com

[Anonymous]

Dont be discouraged. If another recruiter is an hour away, you could at least call them and see what they say. I had to get a waiver (not for the same thing) and it took five months and it was denied by the SG once and it was a real pain, but my recruiter was the greatest and she helped me track down all the paper work I needed and never told me to forget about joining. And if the other recruiter is an hour a way maybe they can meet you somewhere in between if you dont want to drive that far; but an hour isn't really that bad if you really want to do this. You don't want to look back on this in ten years if you don't at least try and regret it because you didn't want to drive that far. Also, if you talk to the recruiter and they give you different info you can callthe first recruiter back and tell them what you found out. It is impossible for every recruiter to know everything so maybe he was mistaken. Also, tell them you have already lost 20lbs. and that you don't forsee any problems losing another. Or you could just go back after you do lose the final 20 and see what they say. They cant really do anything for you if you don't meet the weight requirements. I know its kind of harsh but a lot of recruiters dont have time, so they will just say call me when you lose the weight and I'll see what I can do for you. I don't know about the ten year commitment for active duty, it doesn't sound right, but then again I really don't know anything about going in as an officer and pilot. I am sure you could find that out on the web. Check out the airforce.com site, I am sure it would be on there. And that is what they ask everyone when the first talk to them (height, weight, any surgeries, criminal record, traffic tickets, school, etc.). If you call the other recruiter they will ask you the same questions right off the bat. Just don't lie about anything. There are some really great recruiters out there I am sure you'll be able to find one. Best of luck!

-K-

[Anonymous]

: Help! I just talked to the local recruiter this morning and am sooo
: discouraged. In the last few years I have been able to get my pilot's
: license and have been working on my instrument rating. I'm at the
: crossroad between going commercial and going military and am having a
: tough time deciding. My dad just retired last year and is totally against
: me going active duty but would be supportive of the Air Guard (mother is a
: TOTALLY different story!). I know it's my decision but the recruiter made
: it sound pretty much impossible due to knee injuries (torn ACL in both
: knees due to soccer) and I'm 20 lbs. overweight. The weight issue is tough
: but I know I can do it if I put my mind to it. I've already lost 20 this
: year and am determined to get the last 20 off - mainly by running. The
: first three questions he asked over the phone - what's my degree in, what
: my height was, and what my weight was. I was just calling to get some
: information about the training and what all was involved! UGH. I would go
: to another recruiter but that would be about an hour away. You would think
: that they'd be a little more supportive and want people interested in the
: military rather than turning them off to it! Okay...feel better. :) He
: told me that the commitment would be 10 years, minimum. Is that true?
: Should I continue to pursue this? I'm 25 - what is the cut off age? Any
: advice or support would be greatly appreciated! -j


Alabamajer@AOL.com

[Anonymous]

Hello Janna,

I know a little about the USAF pilot applicant process; therefore, I will write what I know.

Your questions are as follows:

Q: "He told me that the commitment would be 10 years, minimum. Is that true?"

A: Your recruiter is correct on that one.

Q: "I’m 25 – what is the cut off age?"

A: The cut off is indeed 30 years of age.

Q: "Should I continue this process?"

A: By all means--GO FOR IT!!! You never know unless you try!!!

You mentioned a torn ACL in both knees, which, of course, required corrective surgery. Have you completed physical therapy? Does the past injury effect your range of motion? Your ability to run? Have you been cleared medically by your civilian physician and are able to return to an active lifestyle?

As far as your recruiter giving you the runaround, well it happens quite a bit, that is, he/she dishing out the BS. A buddy of mine just recently submitted a package, hoping to report to OTS 28 Nov. 2000, then SUPT (Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training). His recruiter definitely gave him the runaround. STAY PERSISTANT BUT BE RESPECTFUL…that is the key!!! If you have any questions regarding flying for the USAF, check out this web site:

http://www.studentpilot.net/miltraining1.html

Once you connect with the introductory web page, scroll down to the bottom of the page and locate the words Military Bulletin Board. Then, click on that phrase, and--congratulations--you have just entered the military flying discussion board where all or almost all of your questions can be answered. Future, former, retired, and AD (active duty) AF pilots dominate that forum. These folks are willing to answer any and all your questions, if possible. Therefore, please do not be shy and post away! I have posted there myself on several occasions, gunning for relevant information and received the gouge, for the most part. I am looking at NA (Naval Aviator--i.e., Marine Corps pilot).

Janna, please do not give up--fight for a pilot slot! Do not fret about your major, either!!! An AFROTC buddy of mine received an ENJJPT slot, guaranteeing him the privilege and responsibility to fly fighters or bombers. And guess his degree??? PSYCHOLOGY!! I have several buddies that are either pilots or future--soon to be pilots (i.e., Army, AF, and Marine Corps). With that statement in mind, only one of my buddies obtained a "technical" degree from Embry Riddle. The rest of the gang obtained or will obtain a "cake" degree (i.e., CJ [criminal justice], sociology, psychology, and so forth). You have already demonstrated an aptitude for flying by attaining your PPL. Congratulations on that accomplishment, Janna! I am currently working on my PPL and desire to obtain my Instrument Rating, too. How many flight hours have you accumulated thus far? Flight hours are a determining factor in an applicant’s PCSM score, carrying a lot of weight for those applying to OTS. The maximum amount of flight hours permitted is 200. However, the more hours you accumulate and certificates you receive (i.e., PPL, Instrument, Mulit, Comm) are definitely looked at because the AF looks at the "whole person concept," thus, having additional flight hours and certificates only helps. With all that being said--go right ahead and apply for OTS, checking the box for pilot. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain!

I hope that helped!!?? If you have any further questions, post them here or email me directly. I know this process will seem insane at times, but DO NOT GIVE UP!!! I have witnessed the frustration my friends encountered and endured, but they stayed on top of things, by being persistent and verifying info the recruiter spewed out. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. All the best!!!

Semper Fi,

Stacey

P.S. I have had difficulties in the past accessing my school email account; therefore, you may contact me at barnes_unit143@yahoo.com. If you shoot email to my school address and don’t hear from me within a week then send it to my yahoo account.



barnes2@uakron.edu

[Anonymous]

: your recruiter was doing his/her job when asking you your weight, degree and health history. I am recently retired AF recruiter with over fourteen years expereince. You have to remember, we get many, many phone calls from applicants wishing to be pilots. Very few make the cut. Also, it is a ten year committment. So, if you want the free training and the opportunity to fly high performance jets, continue to lose weigh, ask for a waiver for your knees, and do well on the AFOQT. Good Luck helen