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But enough babbling, what are the steps I should take in order to be a pilot(preferably a hog pilot)? I didn't do that good in the AFOQT last time I took it (I'm not majoring in being an engineer so how could I know most of that pilot stuff...).
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I thought you WERE an Aerospace Engineering major? Your last sentence there has me confused...I'm thinking you ARE an Aerospace Engineering major, and that's why you say, "...so how could I know most of that pilot stuff..."
Well, you better get to know that 'stuff'! First off, before I say anything else, read this next sentence and comply. DO NOT TAKE THE AFOQT AGAIN UNTIL YOU ARE FULLY PREPARED FOR IT AND ARE CERTAIN YOU WILL EXCEL ON IT. I say again, DO NOT TAKE THE AFOQT UNTIL YOU KNOW YOU WILL DO WELL ON IT!!! You only get two chances at the test, and it sounds like you blew one of them. The AFOQT is a HUGE factor in determining whether you will get to pilot training, so treat it as such.
A friend of mine was in your detachment at Embry-Riddle about 6 or 7 years ago, and took the AFOQT without preparing for it. The ROTC commander had this individual take the test again when they weren't ready for it, and BINGO, a potential pilot slot was pissed away. Do not let anyone force you into taking the AFOQT again before you are ready. I don't care if your detachment commander orders you to take the test tomorrow, or else you'll be kicked out of ROTC. Don't take it again until you are ready. Understand???
Now, you do need to prepare for the test, and here is the book that will help you with that:
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0768910 ... 46-0503227
On that page, you'll also notice they have a 'great buy' where you get the Military Flight Aptitude Tests (Military Flight Aptitude Tests, 5th Ed) by Solomon Weiner (which is the one I recommend) and another book for prep for $42.42. I can't say anything about the other book, since I used the one by Solomon Weiner to prepare for my test. However, if you want to do well, I'd get both books, buckle down, and learn them inside and out. One tip, which you will most likely find in the books, is to not leave any blank answers on the entire test. If you leave a question blank, it is wrong. If you make an educated guess, or you run out of time for a particular section and just start filling in circles, you might just get a few more points than if you left the questions blank. It doesn't count against you, so go for it.
On to the next point...you asked what 'steps' you have to take to get into the cockpit of an A-10. Well, there isn't a 12-step program to the Warthog cockpit. Instead, you have to strive to do your best and work hard day to day so that five or six years from now you find yourself at the A-10 FTU.
Having said that, there are certain things you can do to help yourself out. One of those things is to develop rigid self discipline and high personal standards. Those two traits were practically beaten into me in the Marines, but you don't have to spend 12 weeks at Parris Island to get them. If you keep your eye on the prize and remind yourself that discipline will help with everything you do in life, you'll do good. Take a look at some of your friends (or people you know)...how disciplined are they? Look at those people who have already dropped out of ROTC. Some did so because the military wasn't for them, but I'll bet you most of them beat feet because they suffer from a common trend among Americans: laziness, lack of discipline, low personal standards. How many people do you know at Riddle who sit in their dorm room, watching t.v. and scratching their a$$ instead of doing something productive with their time? These individuals should be studying, working out, etc. Instead, they waste precious time and don't get anything out of school. You get the point.
Another thing that you can do to help yourself out is to set goals. For each goal you make, you should write it down and put it somewhere that you can see it multiple times each day. On your refrigerator or above the desk where you study are good places. This way you will be constantly reminded of what you're working towards. Your goals should be specific, measurable, and attainable. For example, how about this goal: "I will pass the AFOQT with 100%." Is that a good goal? Not really. First, passing any test with 100% is asking a little much. No one is perfect. We should always strive for 100%, but let's also face reality here. So, make it attainable by saying 95% would be great on the pilot and nav scores. If you score higher, that's gravy. If you score a few points lower, you're still doing well. You also want to set a time frame that you will take the test in, like a month or two from now. So, here is how I would write that goal:
"Pass the AFOQT on 15 December 2002 with 95% on both pilot and nav sections."
I can also put other goals or notes below that to help me accomplish that task, and I would write them like this:
Pass the AFOQT on 15 December 2002 with 95% on both pilot and nav sections.
- Order AFOQT test prep books on 23 OCT 2002
- Study for AFOQT Monday through Thursday, 1700-1800
- Take practice tests in prep books on 1 December 2002
You get the idea. You want to set short, medium, and long range goals that will get you to where you want to be. Some short range goals should be passing tests in various subjects at school, passing the AFOQT, earning leadership positions in ROTC, etc. Medium range goals might be things like graduating Riddle with a good GPA, investigating the application process to go to UPT at Sheppard AFB through the ENJJPT program, and things like that. Long range goals such as getting into the cockpit of an A-10 are going to be less measurable since they are so far off into the future, but they should be written down as a constant reminder of why you are working so hard. By analyzing your long range goals, you might be surprised what goals you can come up with in the short and medium range to help you achieve what you want to do. I would recommend that you only post your short term goals in immediate view, since looking at all of your goals may seem overwhelming. As you accomplish these things, cross them off your list, but save that piece of paper even when everything is crossed off of it. When it seems like you're not getting anywhere, you can look back at goals you've accomplished and realize you are working hard and getting things done.
Speaking of not getting anywhere, there will be days (sometimes an entire week) that you work your a$$ off and it seems like you can't get anything done, or that you are continually screwing up. Don't let it phase you, no matter what it is. Maintain your discipline, push through it, and things will get better. Keep your chin up, having a s--t day or week builds character.
You asked about a work out program...I do mainly anaerobic exercise (weightlifting) with aerobics to maintain the cardiovascular system. I concentrate on lifting weights because it builds G tolerance, my body type doesn't lend itself to packing on much muscle, and the chicks dig it (which is especially important in Daytona Beach). I work out upper body on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and lower body on Tuesday, Thrusday, and Saturday. Sunday is my day off. I usually work out around 0530, but that's a holdover from the Marines. However, I notice my day is much better and I have more energy if I work out before I really start my day. I also change what exercises I do once a week or once every other week to continually 'shock' my muscles. If you do the same workout over and over, you'll get bored with it, your muscles will adapt to it and not show measurable gains in mass or the amount of weight you can lift. For aerobics, I usually do about 20 to 30 minutes in the afternoons on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As far as what type of exercises, how to do them, etc., I can recommend the book Body-for-Life by Bill Philips. It is a good place to start building a program for yourself, though you can easily find good exercise routines in Men's Health, Muscle and Fitness, and other fitness magazines.
One thing that is often overlooked is proper nutrition. If your body isn't getting the right fuel, you're not going to perform to your peak performance level. Fresh fruits and vegetables that are not overcooked (like they are in the Riddle cafeteria) are important. I eat a lot of chicken and tunafish, because they are great sources of protein for building muscle. Also, drinking a lot of water and staying hydrated is huge, and is a big factor in Florida where you sweat a lot.
Well, that's about all I can think of right now. Let me know if you have any more questions, I'm always glad to answer them if I can. Stay focused, work hard, set high standards for yourself and maintain the discipline to accomplish your goals. Much success in the future, I'm looking forward to the day you can tell me about firing the 30mm for the first time!
PUSH IT UP!
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