Just started my AGR orders in the AF Reserve. Is it too early to think about pursuing my dream of flying?

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:32:04 -0500

I just started AGR in the Air Force reserves and will have my Bachelors in the spring. I am currently a SrA but will be putting on SSgt in May of 2020. Some background is ive had a really good career so far. Im SecFo and in my 3 years of service ive been a Basic Training Honor Grad, got my CCAF, was Security Forces Airman of the Year for 2018, am one semester away from my Bachelors, and just got my acceptance for the AGR program at my base. Im not one to flaunt myself or my accomplishments, but I do feel these are things that I am proud of that I can use to my advantage. With the momentum ive built I think its time to really follow my dream of becoming a pilot. I do not have a house, wife, or kids so I see this as an opportunity to either easily move my life into the direction I want without those factors. I went AGR for the simple fact that I do enjoy the job and the pay is really good for my age (24) but I do not want to be here for very long. And even the 3 year AGR contract seems a bit long for my goals. I have this intense feeling of acting on and pursuing my dream immediately.

So I have a few questions;
1. As AGR with a 3 year contract, can a OTS acceptance allow me to curtail those orders early?

2. What factors will set myself apart from other canidates? Is there anything I can do in the meantime to give myself better chances?

3. Do I have the right mindset in that I want to make a big leap into what I REALLY want to do? Or should I take more time to relax a bit and reapproach later on?

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 8:41 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:41:54 -0500

Generally, if you would make a good candidate, you can gain the support to commission at about any time. When I commissioned after being enlisted 2.5 years, I was supported because of high marks in academics and generally had volunteered at all levels(not to get anywhere, just liked volunteering). I believe that the support from your leadership is the most important part.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 8:48 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:48:17 -0500

You would have a better chance of becoming an officer from active duty. I was also a Reservist. It took me 7 months from my initial visit with my recruiter to finally become an active duty member. Even then, I had to endure 6 months of getting administrative and financial issues resolved, as it is extremely uncommon for members to cross from Reserve to Active Duty.

You should really talk to a recruiter. They can give you a better answer. As young as you are, with no dependents, you may be eligible to attend the Air Force Academy. OTS is an option but it is a "last resort" for folks who can't qualify for the Academy or "better" option for commissioning.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 8:56 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:56:03 -0500

Aim high!!!!!!!!! Its NEVER too early to pursue a dream. You know what you want to do, so go for it. Now you just need to figure out what steps you need to take to get there. Form a checklist of the items you need to make it happen and check them off one at a time. Dont let anyone tell you you cant do something. You got this. Best of luck to you, hopefully you can come back and update us all once youve achieved your dream!!!!!!!

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 11 at 2019 9:34 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 09:34:37 -0500

Not sure how it works for the USAF. In the Army, if accepted on a commissioning program (not ROTC) it trumps everything else. Based on your statement, you’re so close to complete your degree program, therefore go ahead and do so. After that, apply to OTS and push for it. Word of advice, commissioning doesn’t necessarily equates into acceptance on the flying program!

Perhaps you might want check the Army’s a Flight Warrant Officer Program. Just an option to look into.

Nevertheless, don't disqualify yourself. Push as hard as you can in order to achieve your goals.

Best of lucks on your endeavors!

Response by 2d Lt Cinthia W. made Dec 11 at 2019 12:24 PM

2d Lt Cinthia W. — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:24:12 -0500

1. Please don't call it SecFo!! lol
2. Work with your leadership and keep them in the loop. Sometimes there aren't happy when AGR members leave the program, but if your leadership is good, they will help you achieve your goals.
3. Start studying for the AF Officer's Qualification Test (AFOQT). I recommend purchasing a prep book, familiarize yourself with it. Then start doing the practice exams, during the AFOQT exam, they are really strict with time. I recommend "AFOQT Study Guide 2019-2020: AFOQT Study Guide 2019 & 2020 and Practice Test Questions for the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test [NEW Edition]" on Amazon. Focus on all the different sections, don't just focus on the Rated. However you will need to score extremely high for Rated to be considered. In the Guard/Reserves, we have a high number of candidates that have a Bachelors Degree. So your test scores will be one of the many things to set you apart.
4. As Security Forces, one the greatest advantages that we have is that we are the face of the base. Start networking and getting to know people on your installation. Find a pilot that you get along with and respect, ask him/her to be your mentor. They can provide you great advice on how to get into the Rated side of house.

I just got selected for commissioning at my Guard base and am waiting for TFOT dates. Send me a message and I can help you with preparing for the AFOQT and your package; but again also find a pilot that is willing to mentor you!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 11 at 2019 3:02 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:02:54 -0500

This my non technical thoughts. Going OTS and pilot training is the deep fight, but you still probably have to conduct close shaping operations to prepare you with the deep fight. If you make it to OTS be humble as others resent the "honor grad".

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 11 at 2019 7:45 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 19:45:28 -0500

Figure out the type of aircraft... get your private pilot's license... ask to go on orientation flights... M ask to sit in cockpits... flight simulator if allowed.. maybe get a flight physical.. I was in the AFR.. in the 80's and did alot of these things... even packed parachutes.. under supervision... ask.... I was Air Cargo... 37MAPS... March AFB... I even got stick time in the Army...

Response by Col John "Coach" Allison made Dec 18 at 2019 10:53 AM

Col John "Coach" Allison — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 10:53:50 -0500

It's never too early! Go for it!