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Does anyone know just how many A-10 slots open up per year? I'm specifically looking for AD #s. I'm applying to OTS in August, and if I get my pilot slot, I want to shoot for the A-10 at SUPT. I would consider going for ENJJPT if that will improve my chances, but from what I hear, on average only 1 or 2 OTS grads get into each ENJJPT class. Plus, if I go ENJJPT, the ONLY fighter I want into is the Hog, so I don't want to take a significant risk of getting stuck in a fast mover. If I'm going to be in a combat role, I want to do CAS, so if the chances of going A-10 after ENJJPT aren't that great, I want to go to SUPT so I'll at least have the option of shooting for the C-130. Any advice on the best route to being a Hog driver will be very appreciated!

1st, get into any UPT slot you can.

2nd, if you really want A-10s and have the oportunity, go to ENJJPT. Every other class of OTS grads is given one (1) ENJJPT slot. There, everyone gets 38's (fast movers) for phase 3. Every where else, you'll either get 38s or T-1 (cargo/transport). In my class of 22 (not ENJJPT), there were 5 T-38 slots. In a class of 22 at ENJJPT, there will be 22 T-38 slots.

3rd, once you work your ass off in T-37/T-6 and get your T-38, work your ass into a divot to be very high ranked in your class. Ask for an A-10, cross your fingers, and live with whatever you get.

There really aren't many A-10s given out each year. Everything is based on AF needs, with who is qualified to fly what (class ranking) playing a small role, and who WANTS what playing a very small role.

Balancing the desire for C-130s and A-10s, JSUPT is a better choice, because there you essentially have 2 chances at getting C-130s, along with one chance at A-10s. You can request T-44s after T-37/6s, or you can go T-1 and request C-130 from there. But, the selection process is the same: AF needs primarily, your class rank somewhat, and what you want barely.

Make sure you know that what you really want is to fly, not just to fly A-10s, before you make the commitment because it's a pretty slim shot. It can't be too devastating when you don't get what you want (coming from someone who got her LAST choice out of T-37s). Also, you may find (depending on your flying experience) that you get to UPT and realize that you hate pulling Gs or wearing the oxygen mask or the mentality of the fighter community and will change your mind to fly C-17s because it's right up your ally. It may seem impossible to you now, but there were 4 guys in my class that did a complete 180 about a month into T-37s and are happily flying the T-1 now, dreaming about their KC-135.

"See that green switch? Flip it down."

I am an ENJJPT graduate and was an instructor there in the T-37 for 3 years.

I will probably get in trouble on here for saying this, but if you want to fly a fighter, ENJJPT is the best place in the world to go. From your first rides in the T37, you are taught by fighter pilots. You are taught based on considerations of a fighter pilot. You know that you are going to get a T38 is you complete T37s, so there is no competition there, except with yourself.

Comparing being a pilot of an A-10 to the pilot of a AC-130 is like night and day. The pilot of an AC-130 does not do the killin'. It is an awesome platform for night CAS, but the pilot drives the guns there and flies circles for the gunners.

I am always of the opinion of aim for what you want and you will get closer than if you try to play the system. Your best chance for getting a CAS platform is to go to ENJJPT, do well, and ask for it. Beyond that, do the best that you can at everything you do and you can't be disappointed at the results.

My $0.02.

Beginning next year, there will be 48 B-course slots for active duty A-10s. That's down from about 72 right now.

Coach

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Beginning next year, there will be 48 B-course slots for active duty A-10s. That's down from about 72 right now.

Coach


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What's the reason for the nearly 50% reduction? Does that say anything about the active-duty service life of the Hog?

It is a function of the number of units, experience levels, and the ability to absorb new pilots. The units are being buried with new pilots and are unable to generate enough experience on them quickly enough to fill all the other requirements.