Next Board ~ April 2011

[Flying Toaster]

^
What he said. You never know if WWIII is right around the corner and having a giant backlog of applicants doesn't hurt.

I'm wondering how much will expire between now and then. Hopefully things like interviews, LOR's, MEPs etc. don't. I had everything in by the very end of October, so assuming nothing changes it will be at least a year before my packet is seen.

Thanks for the post FlyingToaster,

Did the people at Millington give you any reason why they are still accepting applications but suspending all boards?

Just seems odd (and a disservice to recruiters) that they would still be accepting packets if they're just going to collect dust on somebody's desk.

 

[Goofskater]

Well they just passed another 3 week CR so doesnt look like anything with the budget will change till at least april 8th.

Toaster, did they give you any indication as to why the FY11 quotas were cut? And why not till well into FY11?

 

[JMonte85]

I can't see them not holding a board sometime in the near future.. Just let the dust settle.. Everything will work itself out. People coming in here with talks of there not being a board for another full year or more is just getting everyone worked up. All these recruiters don't exactly know the cut and dry answer. Like one said they just push papers from one pile to another and a lot of them tell you what they believe is true which is opinion based. Why do you think so many people keep coming on here with different stories. I wouldn't trust my recruiters word for anything. He's been wrong on so many accounts it's horrible.

Now.. what I'm thankful is that I'm pursuing the Navy. Those guys over there on AirForceOTS.com are over there rocking stats with 99's across the boards on the AFOQT with biomedical engineering degrees and 3.6 gpas... Those have to be some uptight people. No offense to them and that's amazing stats but man, gotta have a little time for beer, girls, and sports..


BTW.. I told my recruiter I expect to have to put in for a waiver or two and asked him if I could get meps out of the way. He told me they don't let you do that because it'd be a waste of my time and waste of Navy's money it I don't get accepted. Does this hold any truth for anyone else attempting this? Or is this more smoke being blown up my ass. He tells me I should get more flying hours for the next board, which I intend to, but if he's talking about wasting money, it'd be a waste of money to pay for pilot hours if I wouldn't be accepted. He doesn't make any sense...

 

[GreenLantern330]

BTW.. I told my recruiter I expect to have to put in for a waiver or two and asked him if I could get meps out of the way. He told me they don't let you do that because it'd be a waste of my time and waste of Navy's money it I don't get accepted. Does this hold any truth for anyone else attempting this? Or is this more smoke being blown up my ass. He tells me I should get more flying hours for the next board, which I intend to, but if he's talking about wasting money, it'd be a waste of money to pay for pilot hours if I wouldn't be accepted. He doesn't make any sense...

I don't think it matters. I know my OR wants me to have MEPS done before my package gets sent off.

 

[Flying Toaster]

I can't see them not holding a board sometime in the near future.. Just let the dust settle.. Everything will work itself out. People coming in here with talks of there not being a board for another full year or more is just getting everyone worked up. All these recruiters don't exactly know the cut and dry answer. Like one said they just push papers from one pile to another and a lot of them tell you what they believe is true which is opinion based. Why do you think so many people keep coming on here with different stories. I wouldn't trust my recruiters word for anything. He's been wrong on so many accounts it's horrible.

All that information I got wasn't from my local recruiter, it was as close to the horses mouth as you're going to get. It also included the reasoning which seemed to be lacking in other descriptions. That being said I don't entirely disagree, once things settle down and they get a CR done I'd like to think there will be a board in a few months.

BTW.. I told my recruiter I expect to have to put in for a waiver or two and asked him if I could get meps out of the way. He told me they don't let you do that because it'd be a waste of my time and waste of Navy's money it I don't get accepted. Does this hold any truth for anyone else attempting this? Or is this more smoke being blown up my ass. He tells me I should get more flying hours for the next board, which I intend to, but if he's talking about wasting money, it'd be a waste of money to pay for pilot hours if I wouldn't be accepted. He doesn't make any sense...

Not sure why your recruiter didn't have you do MEPs. I did MEPs and had my complete background check done. Getting the background check done was actually much more of a curse than a blessing. Despite trying to keep this on the DL until I was selected it let pretty much every significant person in my life from school, to work, to neighbors, to friends, know exactly what I was doing. Trust me when the "FBI" calls asking to have an interview about you it gets peoples attention. No one ever believes they would go through all of that unless you were selected.

Also just a little FYI. If you want to make a convincing argument you want to be a pilot, saying more money spent on flying is "wasting" it, even though I understand what you're getting at, really doesn't come across all that well. Sure it's not as glorious as a T-6B, Viper, SH-60, or F/A-18, but flying is flying. If you find trolling around the pattern in a 150/172 easy/dull (understandable) find something interesting, don't let it become a chore. I was already at the easy/dull mindset after about 3 hours in a C150, then I tried flying a taildragger and got a big wake up call. 13 hrs and my solo cert later, I'm having a blast. If no one rents a TD around you, try and find a glider club, both will do wonders for your stick and rudder skills. I'd always been of the "I want to fly military GA flying is stupid" mindset, until I started venturing away from the typical "flight training" path and quickly got to the point where even if I wasn't applying for the military I'd still be flying. There is a reason guys who fly very cool aircraft for a living still like to get in a Stearman or Cub when they can.

 

[JMonte85]

Also just a little FYI. If you want to make a convincing argument you want to be a pilot, saying more money spent on flying is "wasting" it, even though I understand what you're getting at, really doesn't come across all that well.

"even though I understand what you're getting at." .. So I guess no one else will have a clue huh?

Thanks for the 2 pennys. But it is a waste when you have a lot of bills and students loans. Of course I love flying and have already racked up some hours but until I find a career job I wouldn't be spending 180$ a pop for lessons.. I'm only doing this sooner, (while not making much money currently) to prove to the boards the dedication I have for it.

So yes it would be a waste to throw three thousand dollars to finish up getting my pilot license right now when I have a lot of other bills, to later be told I'm not medically qualified after the fact.

I've ventured... I have a couple hours in an Aerobatic plane as well.


BTW, a little FYI for you. Just because you're going through the process like I am and many others on this forum, doesn't make you an expert, or give you the right to tell me I'm conveying something negative to others on this forum. I understand your thought process but I don't need coaching from someone who hasn't stepped foot in the military and is only aspiring like the rest of us. I took the step to serve out of high school and have been through the highs and lows of the military. Just because you have your pilot license doesn't make you an expert. I know what I'm getting myself into.. Do you?

 

[fattestfoot]

There have been several cases in the past in which an age waiver was granted for a non-prior individual. If you look around here you will see what I'm talking about. Recently the individual needed to obtain a Pro-Rec before the waiver is considered though.

I don't know where this statement that you received from Eaglei22 came from but I don't think he meant it towards Mr. Dodge.

I'm curious as to why you changed your mind? http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php/155032-Am-I-too-late

Not that this really matters since, given that the Navy would likely take someone who doesn't need a waiver over someone who does with the influx of applications they will get for the next several boards (whenever they may be).

 

[Flying Toaster]

"even though I understand what you're getting at." .. So I guess no one else will have a clue huh?

BTW, a little FYI for you. Just because you're going through the process like I am and many others on this forum, doesn't make you an expert, or give you the right to tell me I'm conveying something negative to others on this forum.

Woahhh, that was a perfectly reasonable response until the edit. Remind me not to offer any advice next time.

Perhaps they will, but the possibility exists they may not. As one of the "others" on this forum I know what I thought when I read what you wrote for the first time. The fact I said "I understand what you're getting at" is because after reading it again and understanding the context I didn't think you had any less desire to be a pilot. If (or rather when) I say something stupid or something that could be misinterpreted, I appreciate when people chime in and correct/offer suggestions. I don't get my panties in a when I hear something I don't like (I'll make an exception this time under the guise of offering advice). If I don't feel it was necessary a simple "I disagree but I appreciate the advice" usually suffices.

I understand your thought process but I don't need coaching from someone who hasn't stepped foot in the military and is only aspiring like the rest of us. I took the step to serve out of high school and have been through the highs and lows of the military. Just because you have your pilot license doesn't make you an expert. I know what I'm getting myself into.. Do you?

That's good to know you don't need coaching or suggestions from fellow applicants, feel free to put me and everyone else in this thread on your ignore list. Last time I checked the entire point of this section of the forum was exactly that. I know I've learned a hell of a lot more about the process from fellow applicants than anyone else. I don't have my PPL either, nor do I profess to be an expert. I'm in the same boat as you in terms of work, finances, graduating, etc. I just don't blow off flying time as a "waste" of money.

I can assure you while the Navy doesn't view flight time as all that important the Guard certainly does (as you may know if you were Guard). If for whatever reason you had a change of heart or circumstances and go spouting off at about how private time is a waste of money or you can't afford it while you're rushing a unit, you will not get very far. Their logic being if it is something you really have a passion for you will find a way.

 

[twobecrazy]

I'm curious as to why you changed your mind? http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php/155032-Am-I-too-late

Not that this really matters since, given that the Navy would likely take someone who doesn't need a waiver over someone who does with the influx of applications they will get for the next several boards (whenever they may be).

I never changed my mind. He was 27 already about to turn 28. You need to be commissioned prior to your 27th B-day for non-prior applicants.

If you apply at 26 and have an OCS date which commissions you prior to your 27th B-Day you are good to go. The recent cases in which the Navy has granted age waivers for non-prior applicants has come when the applicant has an original OCS date in which he/she will graduate prior to their 27th B-Day. Due to unforeseen events the Navy must now push their OCS date beyond the individuals original OCS date. However, now the applicant is too old. The Navy then says this was our fault not yours so here is a waiver. It doesn't happen all the time but that is the rare case in which it has happened.

JoeDodge falls in the same category as the individual in the link you shared... He is past his 27th B-day as a non-prior applicant. Thus, he will not receive a waiver.

Is this a little more clear to you now? If not, PM me and we will discuss it further!

 

[JMonte85]

Woahhh, that was a perfectly reasonable response until the edit. Remind me not to offer any advice next time.

If you're going to offer advice possibly belittling someone's motives, doing so through a personal PM is more than just.

Perhaps they will, but the possibility exists they may not. A one of the "others" on this forum I know what I thought when I read what you wrote for the first time. The fact I said "I understand what you're getting at" is because after reading it again and understanding the context I didn't think you had any less desire to be a pilot. If (or rather when) I say something stupid or something that could be misinterpreted, I appreciate when people chime in and correct/offer suggestions. I don't get my panties in a when I hear something I don't like (I'll make an exception this time under the guise of offering advice).

It's unnecessary, And I felt you were talking as if you're an expert. Hence the bashing. I simply asked if others were going to Meps and getting a pre-physical.. I didn't ask if I sounded like I was gung ho about becoming a pilot. That's what the Pro Boards are for.

If I don't feel it was necessary a simple "I disagree but I appreciate the advice" usually suffices.

When someone puts themselves on a pedestal to me (whether you intentionally or unintentionally did), the reaction is to take defense, which you got.

That's good to know you don't need coaching or suggestions from fellow applicants, feel free to put me and everyone else in this thread on your ignore list. Last time I checked the entire point of this section of the forum was exactly that. I know I've learned a hell of a lot more about the process from fellow applicants than anyone else. I don't have my PPL either, nor do I profess to be an expert. I'm in the same boat as you in terms of work, finances, graduating, etc. I just don't blow off flying time as a "waste" of money.

First off, I don't mind COACHING OR SUGGESTIONS from fellow applicants. You did well at first but then you just had to put your two cents in where it didn't belong. If you had a question about my intentions for flying go ahead and ask. Don't assume the role to call me out as possibly insulting others, with speaking of wasting time paying for flying hours.

Which you again at the end of this paragraph do. I guess you haven't gotten it yet.

I can assure you while the Navy doesn't view flight time as all that important the Guard certainly does (as you may know if you were Guard). If for whatever reason you had a change of heart or circumstances and go spouting off at about how private time is a waste of money or you can't afford it while you're rushing a unit, you will not get very far. Their logic being if it is something you really have a passion for you will find a way.

All I'm getting at is you really should know who you're talking to on these forums. Although your "suggestion" or "advice" may have been harmless, if you feel other's may have a problem with it a personal pm will do just fine.

If you have anymore problems with me or my "wasting money flying," PM me and I'll gladly continue this conversation.

 

[Flying Toaster]

If you have anymore problems with me or my "wasting money flying," PM me and I'll gladly continue this conversation.

Fair enough. Sent.

 

[colecobb]

This is true about October 1st. I too just spoke with my recruiter today. Only thing that is open still for the April board is Special Forces and Nukes. Im going to put in a Seals package because I have been on standby with the Navy for about a year now. I want pilot but all is closed as of now. Since the board may not even happen til November, I'm keeping my options open. It's not that bad for me cause I need to improve my aviation scores anyway. But I understand the aggravation to the people who have their packages ready to go. Best of luck to all!

 

[fattestfoot]

Special Forces are a branch in the United States Army.
Seals are a marine mammal.
SEALs are a unit in the United States Navy.

I'm not usually one to nitpick those, but if you're applying for it, you'd better get them right beforehand. Just FYI, Special Operations is the word you're looking for to replace Special Forces (or Special Warfare if you're just talking Navy).


Also, thanks twobecrazy for clarifying your previous comment. That makes sense as far as already being selected and then getting a waiver.

 

[GreenLantern330]

Special Forces are a branch in the United States Army.
Seals are a marine mammal.
SEALs are a unit in the United States Navy.

I'm not usually one to nitpick those, but if you're applying for it, you'd better get them right beforehand. Just FYI, Special Operations is the word you're looking for to replace Special Forces (or Special Warfare if you're just talking Navy).


Also, thanks twobecrazy for clarifying your previous comment. That makes sense as far as already being selected and then getting a waiver.

According to his profile, he's prior military, so he should know that, however, based off his only two posts, I highly doubt that to be the case.

 

[fattestfoot]

Not necessarily. For those outside the Special Operations community, not knowing the difference between Special Forces/Special Operations isn't uncommon. I've also seen people write Seals before, and often. But individuals in the SEAL community will rip you a new one for it, and if you're hoping to join their ranks, it's not a mistake you want to make. Hence my post, which probably came off as too condescending as opposed to what it was supposed to be, informative.