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Hey yall, I am currently about one month from track selecting, and am slated for the tanker. I have had my flight commander, and a few others, suggest I try to get a guard fighter slot, and that is what I have always wanted...specifically the A-10.

I had Battle Creek, and Boise in mind. Does anyone know how I would go about checking that out, if they would take a student finishing 37's who would have a recommendation from his flight commmander? He said he would even make calls for me, or take them.

I know...prolly get "yelled" at for this one, but I dont know how else to see.

THanks!

Are you active duty? If so, you're out of luck. If you are ANG, then you can work it by contacting the units directly to see if they are hiring.

If you are one month from track select, how do you know you're slated for a tanker?

Coach

Hey Coach,

Ya I am slated for a tanker as a guard guy.

Ok, I will try to contact them. Does anyone happen to have a good name to contact there?

Thanks!

So, you are a guard guy...did your unit send you to UPT expecting you to return and fill a position in the unit? They might want to know about your plans. I'm not a guard guy, but I do know if you don't do this right, you may not be flying for anybody after you graduate. I recommend you discuss with your unit before you make any commitments. I also assume you "qualify" to fly the A-10 based on your performance so far at UPT. Flight commander endorsements don't always carry a lot of weight out in the real world, depending on who they are.

Coach

I don't know......if a KC-135 unit sent you to UPT after you applied to their unit for their slot to fly their planes...you know, sort of a contract between you and the unit? A good faith contract if you will? That's a hell of a bridge to burn if you burn them and they lose you as an asset because you went elsewhere. Heck, with the process just to get a Guard UPT slot in the first place, it sort of sucks to know that you don't really want it when there's TONS of guys I personally know that would love to be in the position you're in now. And IMO, I don't know what a "new" Guard unit (for example, Battle Creek) would think of your situation...other than maybe "he burned that tanker unit, what's to say he won't leave to (for example) Boise or Baltimore if he doesn't like it here." Guard units don't appreciate spending money on you...you're their future investment, if you will......only to get burned later.

Not bagging you per se, just making an observation.



Edited by - Type 7 on Aug 06 2004 6:10 PM

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I don't know......if a KC-135 unit sent you to UPT after you applied to their unit for their slot to fly their planes...you know, sort of a contract between you and the unit? A good faith contract if you will? That's a hell of a bridge to burn if you burn them and they lose you as an asset because you went elsewhere. Heck, with the process just to get a Guard UPT slot in the first place, it sort of sucks to know that you don't really want it when there's TONS of guys I personally know that would love to be in the position you're in now. And IMO, I don't know what a "new" Guard unit (for example, Battle Creek) would think of your situation...other than maybe "he burned that tanker unit, what's to say he won't leave to (for example) Boise or Baltimore if he doesn't like it here." Guard units don't appreciate spending money on you...you're their future investment, if you will......only to get burned later.

Not bagging you per se, just making an observation.



Edited by - Type 7 on Aug 06 2004 6:10 PM
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I agree 100%. I wouldn't want someone who can't keep their word in my unit. You need to address your sponsor unit candidly about this if it's viable. And I'm sure that the Tweet Flt/CC (who's a disgruntled C-5 guy, just a guess) knows all about what it takes to make it in the Hawg world. Remember the dude a few years ago who was AD and then tried to sell his "wares" to the Guard? His e-mail got forwarded to every Hawg dude on the planet.
In any event, til you've been in the Hawg for about 2 years or so you got nothing to offer me. I don't care what your Tweet Flt/CC says.
"Not bagging on you, per se". I'll candidly bag on you. I don't give a rip...

ATTACK!!!!!!!

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Remember the dude a few years ago who was AD and then tried to sell his "wares" to the Guard? His e-mail got forwarded to every Hawg dude on the planet.
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LOL. That dude was at both of my Hog assignments.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>Hey yall, I am currently about one month from track selecting, and am slated for the tanker. I have had my flight commander, and a few others, suggest I try to get a guard fighter slot, and that is what I have always wanted...specifically the A-10. <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote>

To be honest, any Commander worth his weight in favor returns, would feel out your intentions, observe your actions, and ensure you would get pulled there. With large Guard Commands they may have a C130, KC135, A CSAR and possibly a few Fighter Squadrons under their wing.

When I went through this in the early 80's I was pleeding for Helicopters. I was dropped to OV10's and spent the rest of my Career in fighters and Test. Even after looking to go Guard their was no way in hell after i established that the Guard or Reserve could use me in Helicopters. The point being you are a Designated Resource with Qualification and differnt levels of proficiency.

Your Mother Agency that brought you in is going to want you back. I would pursue what is available toyou through the wing.

A good friend of mine I Flew eagles with in the early 90's is a Vice wing Commander now in the guard. I had amutual friend, a young captenent that had all the traits of being a great needle burner, but life took a sad turn for him.

He blew out his knee. Rehabilitated and blew it out again rehabilitated some more. He lost a good 18 months and only had 200 hours in the jet. They put him through a crash course recert but he just wasnt up to speed as he was in the past. He couldnt make MQT. But being the Guard command he was under and having Heavies. They decided that His career and talent was salvegable and gave him an opportunity to meet his commitment and come back once he has more feathers in his cap in 4-5 years from now.

With all this being said. He is now going through C-130 Upgrade and is actually happy that he followed the wishes of his command and see's the path that will get him back to where he wants to be. he has since Crewed up with a MudHen Wizzo (blew out his Back) and they are aceing their academicsand spent their first Stick time in a few months last Friday.

The point i'm making here is that Being the best Aviator you can be at all assignments is what is going to open opportunities to your personal intrests. but you have to commit to your obligation and how the cards lay.

Tommarow is another day. Check around, but dont drop names. Your Commanders may be doing this allready. Do not whatever you do. Wine or bitch about your intrests. That will smoke your career.

I think Type 7 and W30 said it best. Prove what you got, and let them get you where you want to be.

"The power to Destroy the planet, is insignifigant to the power of the Air Force----Mudd Vader