Newbie with questions on OCS and API

[jdflyer09]

Hey guys im new to airwarriors, so bear with me

The whole "fail 3, go home" aspect of API... Does that mean 3 written tests? or is there exercises/events that count as a "fail".

I only ask because I have zero flight experience, a college student headed to PLC, great PFT score, and trying to weigh out my chances of actually getting through it all.

Thanks Guys.

 

[Uncle Fester]

Techinally, the skipper can bounce you after one pink sheet, if he feels it's warranted. That's usually resvered for "unofficerlike qualities," i.e., taking a dump on the O-Club bar, that sort of stuff.

After two pink sheets in your jacket - and yes, that's for any graded event failure, PRT, swim, exam - you're referred to a PRB (Personnel Review Board). The Board reviews your record and makes a recc to the Skipper as to whether you should stay or go. Without any exacerbating circumstances (poop on the bar), it's rare to recc a bounce after two pink sheets, but you are definitely officially on notice. After three, Skipper's going to ask some hard questions as to whether you're in the right business.

In other words, nothing's set in stone, and it's ultimately up to the Skipper, but three strikes is the norm.

That being said, don't sweat it. The Skipper doesn't bounce people on a whim. Do your best, and you'll do fine.

 

[jdflyer09]

Newbie checking in to AW

Just checking in before I start asking questions.
I'm Joe. I'm headed out to Marine PLC (juniors) in July 09 and will be taking the ASTB very soon to solidify that air contract. I am a sophomore at Northeastern and cant wait to get outta here and be a Marine.
I've been surfing this site for a little while, and you guys are very helpful.
Figured I would officially join the community!

Things for the record:
-Searched around to try and find a "newbie" section, so sorry if this post is misplaced.
-the "flyer" in my username isn't my attempt at a crafty aviation name, but an old screen name that pertains to my highschool that just stuck haha. (didnt wanna sound like THAT guy)

 

[exo]

Welcome to the community.

 

[jdflyer09]

Techinally, the skipper can bounce you after one pink sheet, if he feels it's warranted. That's usually resvered for "unofficerlike qualities," i.e., taking a dump on the O-Club bar, that sort of stuff.

After two pink sheets in your jacket - and yes, that's for any graded event failure, PRT, swim, exam - you're referred to a PRB (Personnel Review Board). The Board reviews your record and makes a recc to the Skipper as to whether you should stay or go. Without any exacerbating circumstances (poop on the bar), it's rare to recc a bounce after two pink sheets, but you are definitely officially on notice. After three, Skipper's going to ask some hard questions as to whether you're in the right business.

In other words, nothing's set in stone, and it's ultimately up to the Skipper, but three strikes is the norm.

That being said, don't sweat it. The Skipper doesn't bounce people on a whim. Do your best, and you'll do fine.

I'm going to sound like a complete newb but what is a "pink sheet" just a notice of failure on an event/exam?
I am pretty good with physical land tests (PFT and such) but swimming does concern me... I know they will build you up for the long swims, so im not TOO worried, but it is still in the back of my mind.

Not sure if it is at API or not, but the centrifuge training... how lenient are they in giving you time to adapt? I know Im going to lose it the first few times, just didnt know how fast I have to adapt to it?

thanks!

 

[Uncle Fester]

Dude, chill. You're sweating this way too much. It's not like someone throws a down at you every time you don't do a survival stroke quite right. You're not the first guy to show up at the API pool who isn't Michael Phelps.

If you're in halfway decent shape and willing to study your ass off, you'll be fine.

 

[phrogpilot73]

I pooped in the bushes outside a BOQ one time, then again - I was post wings when that happened...

 

[jdflyer09]

Dude, chill. You're sweating this way too much. It's not like someone throws a down at you every time you don't do a survival stroke quite right. You're not the first guy to show up at the API pool who isn't Michael Phelps.

If you're in halfway decent shape and willing to study your ass off, you'll be fine.

thanks for the input.. its the unknown that makes everyone worry so i figured i'd ask.

 

[gotta_fly]

API is nothing you can't handle. The academics aren't too tough, and the physical stuff (survival swimming, etc.) is given to you in baby steps so literally anyone can absorb it all. I can't speak to centrifuge training as that's something that happens a little farther down the pipeline, but if it's anything like the rest of training so far, they'll be expecting you to be less than perfect at first. Really the most important thing to have is a positive attitude. I know that sounds corny, but API is designed so that the average ENS or 2LT will have little trouble as long as they want to be there. The only thing to really be worried about for API is the lack of Dunkin Donuts in this area...

 

[bunk22]

Correct me if I'm wrong but you haven't yet been accepted into aviation?? You are a sophmore in college? Why the f*** are you worried about this shit right now? One, it's not that hard, two, worry about it if and when you arrive.

Oh yeah, welcome to AW

 

[jdflyer09]

Correct me if I'm wrong but you haven't yet been accepted into aviation?? You are a sophmore in college? Why the f*** are you worried about this shit right now? One, it's not that hard, two, worry about it if and when you arrive.

Oh yeah, welcome to AW

Thanks for the warm welcome haha.
Yeah I'm a sophomore, and I know its a few years off, but hey, everyone likes to be prepared for whats ahead. Either I ask now, and ease my curiosity or I can bother you guys later with it.
As for the contract, yeah, I'm in the process. Everyone says always have a positive attitude, and how it gets you places.. So I guess I am asking these questions because I think in the best case scenario.

Come on, you're already a Navy pilot, remember when all this stuff was new to you? And ya wanted all the answers?

 

[bunk22]

Thanks for the warm welcome haha.
Yeah I'm a sophomore, and I know its a few years off, but hey, everyone likes to be prepared for whats ahead. Either I ask now, and ease my curiosity or I can bother you guys later with it.
As for the contract, yeah, I'm in the process. Everyone says always have a positive attitude, and how it gets you places.. So I guess I am asking these questions because I think in the best case scenario.

Come on, you're already a Navy pilot, remember when all this stuff was new to you? And ya wanted all the answers?

Worry about it when it counts, otherwise just wasted time. API is not that difficult. If the Bunk could do it, anyone can do it. Half the time I was hungover for class anyway. Flight school for me was one giant party with some flying in between. Yet I didn't worry until it was time.

 

[jdflyer09]

Worry about it when it counts, otherwise just wasted time. API is not that difficult. If the Bunk could do it, anyone can do it. Half the time I was hungover for class anyway. Flight school for me was one giant party with some flying in between. Yet I didn't worry until it was time.

Good to know. I guess I will just get better at partying now well I'm in college so I can do the same! :icon_part

 

[Uncle Fester]

If the phrase "closest alligator to the canoe" isn't part of your vocabulary yet, now's the time.

Chillax. Enjoy college. Worry about the Program when it's time.

Besides, if we'd said it was insanely hard, what were you going to do, say "fuck it" and not even try?

 

[jdflyer09]

Besides, if we'd said it was insanely hard, what were you going to do, say "fuck it" and not even try?

No no no... just start preparing earlier than I would have ya know. Fixed wing is my preference, and to do ensure I get it, I want to be the top of my class. Cant blame a kid for trying (and preparing all he can) to be the best can ya?
But getting assigned to helos wouldn't let me down either. "Fuck it, its too hard" is never an option, or else why would I even want to be an SNA? :icon_tong

I know I know, just relax and enjoy college. And I will. But I guess I only ask, just to know it and gather as much knowledge as I can here.