API in July???

[THRILLER]

Got word yesterday that the AF wants me at Whiting no later than the end of July. Originally, the email that the NCOs at my Det got was that I had a report date of 1 Nov 06 (I commission in about 11 weeks).

Here’s the issue. Right after I got word that I had a 1 Nov date, my NCO’s started searching for when I would be doing casual. While they were doing that, I had a contact at a base at a Logistics Squadron. I had worked for this officer a while back (it’s not who you know…it’s who knows you) and they were going to put in the request that I stay and do casual at this Logistics Sq.

Turns out, after my contact got in touch with AFPC yesterday, and to both of our surprise, the AF is unwilling to have me do casual. In fact, they want me in API ASAP. The AF is sending me to ASBC (LT’s 6 week ABC camp) right after I commission. After that, the wife and I are to be on the road to Whiting.

From what I understand, AFPC noticed that I do not need to do IFS and the Navy has a few AF slots open for a particular API class.

Well, all in all this is good news. I just thought that I’d most likely be waiting several months for an API class. Does the AF get allotted a certain number of seats for API? I always thought it was first come-first serve (regardless of your branch).

Peace,

THRILLER

 

[Gatordev]

Well, all in all this is good news. I just thought that I’d most likely be waiting several months for an API class. Does the AF get allotted a certain number of seats for API? I always thought it was first come-first serve (regardless of your branch).

Peace,

THRILLER

Nope, each seat is paid for by someone, whether it's DON, DOT, DOAF, or an oil sheik. So they have to make room for everyone.

 

[scotty008]

It is nice to see that they're taking care of you AF guys, especially when there are so many Navy/USMC guys waiting 6 months just to class up at API. Are you required to wear those scarves during Primary, or is that contingent upon winging?

 

[THRILLER]

It is nice to see that they're taking care of you AF guys, especially when there are so many Navy/USMC guys waiting 6 months just to class up at API. Are you required to wear those scarves during Primary, or is that contingent upon winging?

Scotty,

Yes, I will be required to wear scarves. The reason for this has to do with fiscal year budgeting for the AF (thank you taxpayers). We have so much friggen money at the end of the year that the AF purchases us these. Otherwise that money goes back to poor old Uncle Sam.

As for after winging… This is when us AF pilots really reap the benefits of the wealth of the AF. Upon winging, each of us is issued keys to a new car. Heavy guys get issued Hummers and Fighters get Corvettes. The new uniform reg that was just published requires that we wear our scarves while operating our issued vehicles.

Hope that helped to clear things up a bit. As you can see, the AF really does suck. And I urge anyone who is considering joining the AF over the Navy reconsider.

All I ask is that you just keep paying your taxes. The word is (on the AF side) that with the extra cash that you will supply us in your taxes, we will be receiving Bose sound systems in the new F-22 and F-35.

:icon_zbee

Peace,

THRILLER

 

[crateofthunder]

Thriller,

Just cause your orders say to come down here right after ASBC doesn't mean you will class up right away for API. In fact you probably won't as there is a huge backup for AF pilots at whiting and they are trying to fix it. People at AFPC have no idea about what goes on down here although they will tell you they do when you contact them ... believe me, I know. Your API class will probably be between thirty and forty students, with 2 or 3 of those being AF pilots and 4 or 5 being AF WSOs. The rest will be Navy, USMC, Coasties, and maybe some internationals. It is all about timing and if you are the first to checkin from ASBC you will be the first to class up for API (and there will pobably be a lot of you). Have fun in Montgomery and PM me if you have more questions.


Scotty008,

While Thriller may have included a little too much information is his post, there is no need to bring out the scarf comment. Have you even ever seen an Air Force pilot in a scarf or is that just a funny joke you learned at TBS? Don't get pissed at Air Force for classing up before you do... you are not in competition with them for API seats, Primary seats, or track selection. Besides, Air Force have the longest wait to start at Whiting right now...once again it is all about timing. Good luck at API and don't use such big words as "contingent", you are going to hurt your little green brain!

 

[Pags]

While Thriller may have included a little too much information is his post, there is no need to bring out the scarf comment.

I didn't realize anyone needed a reason to make fun of the scarf, ascot, or whatever the hell its called.

 

[gregsivers]

I didn't realize anyone needed a reason to make fun of the scarf, ascot, or whatever the hell its called.

Me neither. Way I look at it, AF dudes at Whiting are strangers in an unfriendly land, just as Navy guys would be at Vance.

@Crateofthunder, its comes with the territory, lighten up a little. Its all good natured ribbing, Thriller had some fun with it.

 

[crateofthunder]

greg,

I didn't think I needed to lighten up...I wasn't even pissed, just giving everyone a hard time b/c the only thing he could come up with was a scarf that no one even wears, nor has he ever seen one being that he hasn't even started API yet! How about making fun of us for being the first ones to receive Flight Pay, or the fact that we get better gear during equipment issue, or the fact that I got my DLA three months sooner than my USNA buds, or the fact that during the end of API it was emphasized daily how superior our equipment was. However, I hope you don't really consider us "strangers in an unfriendly land" ... we are all brothers in arms, aren't we? Did you go to Vance and experience animosity for AF guys? The only reason I have seen animosity is from all the Navy/Marine guys getting pissed about the Air Force guys finsihing 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, and 17th in their class during API.

 

[THRILLER]

Trying to get the thread back on track...

Thriller,

Just cause your orders say to come down here right after ASBC doesn't mean you will class up right away for API. In fact you probably won't as there is a huge backup for AF pilots at whiting and they are trying to fix it. People at AFPC have no idea about what goes on down here although they will tell you they do when you contact them ... believe me, I know. Your API class will probably be between thirty and forty students, with 2 or 3 of those being AF pilots and 4 or 5 being AF WSOs. The rest will be Navy, USMC, Coasties, and maybe some internationals. It is all about timing and if you are the first to checkin from ASBC you will be the first to class up for API (and there will pobably be a lot of you). Have fun in Montgomery and PM me if you have more questions.

Crate,

Wow, I didn’t realize how small a number of AF guys are in API! No wonder we have a bottleneck. You mentioned of a huge backup for AF studs at Whiting, do you have (or have you heard) of any numbers, future forecasts, etc.

I'm just trying to get an idea. What really confused me was that I originally had a 1 Nov date, and now they are wanting to send me to the 1st ASBC class (13 Jun) and give me no time at all to report to Whiting in late July. Actually, after ABC camp, it's going to be like 5 or 6 days to get my stuff out of the great state of Texas and over to Florida and report in.

I've already spoken to the wife and told her that she might have to set up most of the move on here own. We've got some good friends over here that can help supervise our place (that way she's not alone) while they're boxing up.

It's going to be quite frustrating if I get there in this huge hurry, report in, and sit on my ass for 3+ months on the beach...wait a minute....did I just say that? :icon_smil

All kidding aside, the reason why I was trying to work casual at the local base here was do to the fact that the wife has a great (stable) job. We could have really knocked out some debt while waiting.

BTW...(off topic) anyone know how the job market is in Milton or on Whiting itself. She is used to applying for GS positions on the AF side of the coin...any of you Navy guys have some pointers that you could throw my way on applying her for a GS position at Whiting or NASP?

Peace,

THRILLER

 

[TheBubba]

Thriller,

Give the Fleet & Family Support Center a call. I don't know if Whiting has its own or they operate through NAS P-Cola's FFSC. Check Whiting's website for the number.

They have a dept. that can help your wife find a job in the area.

-Bubba

 

[gregsivers]

greg,

I didn't think I needed to lighten up...I wasn't even pissed, just giving everyone a hard time b/c the only thing he could come up with was a scarf that no one even wears, nor has he ever seen one being that he hasn't even started API yet! How about making fun of us for being the first ones to receive Flight Pay, or the fact that we get better gear during equipment issue, or the fact that I got my DLA three months sooner than my USNA buds, or the fact that during the end of API it was emphasized daily how superior our equipment was. However, I hope you don't really consider us "strangers in an unfriendly land" ... we are all brothers in arms, aren't we? Did you go to Vance and experience animosity for AF guys? The only reason I have seen animosity is from all the Navy/Marine guys getting pissed about the Air Force guys finsihing 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, and 17th in their class during API.

I didn't even get DLA when moving to Pcola, damn it. I went to Corpus.

Back on track, Whiting does have its own Fleet and Family Support Center. Can't give the number, but I drive past it everyday on the way to work.

 

[Gatordev]

I didn't even get DLA when moving to Pcola, damn it. I went to Corpus.

And you shouldn't have if you came directly from your commissioning source. Appointment orders don't rate DLA (unless this has been changed recently).

 

[gregsivers]

And you shouldn't have if you came directly from your commissioning source. Appointment orders don't rate DLA (unless this has been changed recently).

Yeah I understand that. But free money is always nice.

 

[Ex Rigger]

And you shouldn't have if you came directly from your commissioning source. Appointment orders don't rate DLA (unless this has been changed recently).

If your a prior you get DLA.

 

[Gatordev]

True, but I believe your orders are different. You are already on Active Duty and therefore are just a PCS, where as appointment orders are orders to active duty. Either way, you get the point.