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Getting sidetracked and in need of some form of direction

davidc1220

Well-Known Member
Some of you may have recognized my name and know I've been here a while.

I recently got rejected by the May board for the Navy and now I'm wondering what to do. I dont know whether to try somewhere else or to try again for the Navy for both SNA and NFO or just SNA.

The Air Force has been impossible to get a hold of over here so I have been able to speak to anyone about my options there. The Army has pointed towards the WOFT program. Unfortunately I've exhausted my efforts with the Marines. Waiting for the National Guard to open up their selection window.

It has gotten to the point where I will fly anything for anyone who will take me

My big thing is I'm afraid of wasting my time and losing precious time since I'm not getting any younger and honestly I'm ready to start this life and go on with my career.

Some of you may have been in this predicament. What did you do? Did it ever feel like the process was getting longer/ more difficult?
 

Swanee

Cereal Killer
pilot
None
Contributor
Some of you may have recognized my name and know I've been here a while.

I recently got rejected by the May board for the Navy and now I'm wondering what to do. I dont know whether to try somewhere else or to try again for the Navy for both SNA and NFO or just SNA.

The Air Force has been impossible to get a hold of over here so I have been able to speak to anyone about my options there. The Army has pointed towards the WOFT program. Unfortunately I've exhausted my efforts with the Marines. Waiting for the National Guard to open up their selection window.

It has gotten to the point where I will fly anything for anyone who will take me

My big thing is I'm afraid of wasting my time and losing precious time since I'm not getting any younger and honestly I'm ready to start this life and go on with my career.

Some of you may have been in this predicament. What did you do? Did it ever feel like the process was getting longer/ more difficult?


There are 7 units holding UPT boards to fly A-10s, F-16s, C-130s, KC-135s and C-5s. Apply to all of them now. Rush every unit that you can.
 

Hair Warrior

Well-Known Member
Contributor
Army flying warrant program? Dude, that is a badass program. First, just look at the aviators here who wish they could have more time in the cockpit at O4 and above. Next, just read some books and listen to some podcasts about Army warrant helo pilots in Vietnam, Gulf, and later. In 21 years, you will have no regrets with being a retired 20-year Army warrant helo pilot sitting in the VFW hall or some random public spot swapping stories to a fellow vet.

SNFO? Also a great option.

Marine aviation? Also a great option.

If you are getting old for the various entry paths, just pick one (or all) and go for the first program that selects you.

I joined the Navy late in life but whenever I meet a smart, young, in-physical-shape 18-22 yr old kid who has dreams of being a bartender in NYC, investment banker, mortgage lender, FINTECH sales rep, or software contractor, I do my best to crush those dreams by letting them know they could go fly warplanes for a living and be the coolest person at their 20 year HS reunion (who prob doesn’t even attend that reunion, let’s face it)… and then still go do that other job later in life if they want to scratch that itch.
 
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davidc1220

Well-Known Member
Army flying warrant program? Dude, that is a badass program. First, just look at the aviators here who wish they could have more time in the cockpit at O4 and above. Next, just read some books and listen to some podcasts about Army warrant helo pilots in Vietnam, Gulf, and later. In 21 years, you will have no regrets with being a retired 20-year Army warrant helo pilot sitting in the VFW hall or some random public spot swapping stories to a fellow vet.

SNFO? Also a great option.

Marine aviation? Also a great option.

If you are getting old for the various entry paths, just pick one (or all) and go for the first program that selects you.

I joined the Navy late in life but whenever I meet a smart, young, in-physical-shape 18-22 yr old kid who has dreams of being a bartender in NYC, investment banker, mortgage lender, FINTECH sales rep, or software contractor, I do my best to crush those dreams by letting them know they could go fly warplanes for a living and be the coolest person at their 20 year HS reunion (who prob doesn’t even attend that reunion, let’s face it)… and then still go do that other job later in life if they want to scratch that itch.
Everyone has been telling me this and honestly after speaking with them in the process of the becoming one, it's not a bad gig
 

davidc1220

Well-Known Member
I actually was taking a look and I found something called the 160th SOAR. I dont know much about them but from what I can see, after a year or a couple years, wouldn't be a bad path either
 

Swanee

Cereal Killer
pilot
None
Contributor
Lol I see, also looking at the Air Guard possibly, just need my PPL for that
Who told you that?

It helps but it's not necessary. Consistent flight time is good as well, but don't wait to apply, send your stuff in now. Apply like they vote in Chicago- early and often.
 

davidc1220

Well-Known Member
Who told you that?

It helps but it's not necessary. Consistent flight time is good as well, but don't wait to apply, send your stuff in now. Apply like they vote in Chicago- early and often.
Looks like a C5 squadron in my area is hiring ill call the recruiter tomorrow morning to see how I can start the process
 

umijs

Member
Just a heads up, for Air Guard and AF Reserve units, having a PPL is an unspoken rule. Technically it’s not required but if you don’t want your app to get thrown out immediately you need a PPL.
 

davidc1220

Well-Known Member
Just a heads up, for Air Guard and AF Reserve units, having a PPL is an unspoken rule. Technically it’s not required but if you don’t want your app to get thrown out immediately you need a PPL.
I figured, so would you say it's worth getting a PPL and then getting in contact with a guard unit
 
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