Northeast units and AFOQT scores

F

ff615

Well-Known Member
Hello all,
Im usually just a lurker having only posted once before. I posted over at baseops.net a while ago concerning this, I figure I would see what anybody here had to say. I am getting ready to send out packages in the northeast; New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut and anywhere else that may be accepting packages. I had a question concerning my AFOQT and PCSM scores, for the AFOQT I currently have a 88 in the pilot section while the other sections are in the 50s, PCSM is 84. Does anyone on this forum have any experience with units up here in the northeast and can shed some light on the chances of getting an interview with the above scores. I will be eligible to retake the TBAS at the end of February and the AFOQT at the end of March. Thanks in advance for any information.
 
Don't dwell on your scores, Pilots get picked up with really low scores all the way through high scores. Sure higher scores are better, but not the end all. Its the over all person concept they are looking for, not that you have a 99 Pilot and 99 PCSM score. To be honest, and most others will tell you, those scores really don't mean jack about how well you are going to do in UPT or as Pilot in the unit.

Retaking is one way to possibly improve your scores, or hurt them as well. Do you have any previous flight time or a PPL? You can bump up your PCSM score with more flight time unless you are already over the 200+ hour mark.
 
I will add one thing though.... If you don't visit units so that they can put a name to your Resume and scores, your going to be hard pressed to get an interview if they are judging you on paper. The 143AW in Rhode Island is very good about visiting and even recently had an open house for candidates. Definitely start visiting... it will make a huge difference.
 
@OP:

It really depends on the unit. All units are different. Some allow base visits, some don't. Some go for higher scores, some look for other things. Some like higher flight time/ratings, some don't. I didn't get a chance to visit the unit that hired me prior to the board. The other guy that got hired didn't as well. Every person that interviewed had better than a 93 or 94 pilot and PCSM. Having said that... I also had a low GPA and stuff, there were a lot of really qualified guys in there... I was surprised and humbled when they told me I was hired - so I'm not sure it's all about numbers.

Your AFOQT situation is not an easy question to answer, but I would say do everything you can get to a better advantage than the next guy who throws in an application.

Good luck!
 
Ya again it depends on who is reviewing the packages. an 88 for pilot is not nearly as concerning as getting in the 50s for everything else. However depending on the rest of your package I think you should be able to get some interviews. I'm trying to remember what my scores were, they weren't bad, but defiintely not stellar. The only interview I got turned down for was F-16s, even with what in reality was probably an average package I still had one for A-10s. I'm also a guy that got hired somewhere I hadn't visted the wing prior to interviewing, so who knows seems like a lot of work on your part to make good packages, a good interview then a little luck, and yes as ryan1234 mentioned you will be humbled by the other guys you talk to at the interviews, especially since I was just some 21 or 22 year old punk at the time. So ya it's really not about PCSMs or AFOQT scores or whatever.

Specific unit to check out, the 103rd AW in Connecticut, great group of guys. I really liked it there, even though I didn't get hired. I highly recommend getting in contact and visiting. PM if you would like a point of contact.
 
Soku39 said:
Ya again it depends on who is reviewing the packages. an 88 for pilot is not nearly as concerning as getting in the 50s for everything else. However depending on the rest of your package I think you should be able to get some interviews. I'm trying to remember what my scores were, they weren't bad, but defiintely not stellar. The only interview I got turned down for was F-16s, even with what in reality was probably an average package I still had one for A-10s. I'm also a guy that got hired somewhare I hadn't visted the wing prior to interviewing, so who knows seems like a lot of work on your part to make good packages, a good interview then a little luck, and yes as ryan1234 mentioned you will be humbled by the other guys you talk to at the interviews, especially since I was just some 21 or 22 year old punk at the time. So ya it's really not about PCSMs or AFOQT scores or whatever.
Click to expand...

+1 I got turned down for an interview at an A-10 (visited that unit) and two F-16 units, and then got hired by another F-16 unit.... it's extremely hard to say what will and won't make you the person that they want to interview, and equally hard to say who will get hired.
 
ryan1234 said:
+1 I got turned down for an interview at an A-10 (visited that unit) and two F-16 units, and then got hired by another F-16 unit.... it's extremely hard to say what will and won't make you the person that they want to interview, and equally hard to say who will get hired.
Click to expand...

Which units turned you down and what one picked you up if you dont mind me asking?
 
Thanks all for the info and words of encouragement. I did in fact attend the 143rd AW open house, great group out there. Also I will be sending the 103rd AW my package in the next few days here. You guys are great I didn't expect any replys this quickly. I am sure I will be back for more nuggets of info. Thanks again
 
Here's a nugget: Guard units want to see if you will be a guy they want to deploy with for the next 10 years. I rushed/interviewed at all three of the units you mentioned. If you can visit, by all means do it. Don't forget that you should be interviewing them as well.

I'm in UPT with about 25 other Guard studs in various phases. AFOQT/PCSM scores run the gamut from 99/99 to the high 70s. Total time/ratings go from 5,000 hour CFII/ATPs to guys with 30 hours but no PPL. Some are 30 now, others are 23. If you can, find a mentor in the unit you want to apply to who you can keep in touch with before and leading up to the interview.

PM me if you have any questions.
 
The best thing about the Guard is that you work around the same people all the time.

The worst thing about the Guard is that you work around the same people all the time. And the politics and drama that come with that.
 
I figure I would come back on here and update you guys. I took the TBAS again last week and got my PCSM up to 96 (a little higher when I hit 201 hours).
 
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