September 2014 WOFT board

[StockTrader]

For those on the September 2014 WOFT board. Dont think AD is looked at on this one according to the USAREC schedule.

 

Age: 27

GT:131/ 95 AFQT

SIFT: 70

APFT: 284

Education: B.S Finance 3.2 GPA

Flight physical: Complete and qualified

Waiver: Shoulder surgery in 2005

LOR's: Head college baseball coach, Retired USMC Major RIO, Retired Army LTC, AD Command CW5

Battalion board: 75/75 with good comments

Other info: D1 Athlete - Captain of team senior year, Regional supervisor for the worlds largest custody bank, Volunteer activities supporting veterans

[WTFoski]

Age: 27

GT: 117

SIFT: 48

APFT: 289

Education: 3.0 GPA 39 credits towards criminal justice degree

Waiver: LASIK and kidney surgery

LOR: former CO Major Civil Affairs, retired CW5, retired CSM, retired SF SFC, former PL Captain, civilian law enforcement Captain.

Board: Not sure what I scored, but they told me I was one of the better ones they've had. It was a huge confidence boost.

Other info: 6 years prior service army and 5 years civilian law enforcement. Nothing too special I guess, I'm pretty much just an average guy with a couple more goals I want accomplished.

 

Like always I wish everyone the best of luck. Hope everyone makes it in September!

[Beck0321]

Newbie question, but how can everyone tell if the posted board date is a civilian or AD board?

 

I am AD and have been lurking around here trying to get some questions answered.

I guess I should post my info...

 

Age: 30

GT: 118

SIFT: 54

APFT: Haven't officially run one, but I've run it on my own at a 300. Current Marine PFT is 289.

Education: 46 credit hours with a 3.8 GPA (Weak, but I barely have time to take courses.)

Flight physical: Complete and awaiting approval/dis...

Waiver: PRK Eye Surgery and possible moral...(one thing I have questions on)

LOR's: Don't have them yet, but have been acknowledged by Company CO, Battalion CO, and am in the process to find a third.

Battalion board: Is this required of AD? This is one of the questions I have for AD inter-service transferees.

Other info: I am an AD Marine with 9 yrs TIS (active), 2 years TIG. I have quite a few Marine specialty schools and qualifications (that don't qualify me any more as a pilot). I am currently an instructor of my MOS.

[emoney1185]

All,

 

Here's my stats with a few follow up questions:

 

Age: 28

 

GT: 120/88 AFQT

 

SIFT: 54

 

AFPT: Haven't taken yet....looking for >=270

 

Education: B.S. Finance; Magna Cum Laude (3.84)

 

Flight Physical: Recently finished last week; sent to Ft. Rucker.

 

Flight Experience: PPL; 113TT ASEL; some IFR experience

 

LOR's: 2 Army Lt. Col (Aviators), 1 Air Force Lt. Col, 1 Former Army CPT, 2 College Professors

 

Other Info: Prior Air Force Firefighter (SSgt) with 6.5 yrs TIS (Active).

 

Okay, here's my questions:

 

1.) What's the approximate time frame for approval from Ft. Rucker assuming there are no issues?

 

 

2.) As a civilian, I am told that the WOFT Schedule board posted on USAREC is for current Army or other enlisted members. I am told civilian boards are pretty flexible and will occur once a candidate has their packet together and approval from Ft. Rucker for submission. Is this accurate? By 'board' do they mean their respective 'Batallion Board' in which I will be interviewed, not the national selection board/committee/etc? Can someone please explain/clarify the process?

 

3.) Since I'm the first candidate applying for WOFT at my recruiting station, some of the folks don't fully understand the process nor do they have forecasted manning/staffing data. Does anybody know what the current projections look like? Where can I find this info?

 

4.) Are my stats competitive based on past candidate selection?

 

Thanks and good luck to everyone this applying to this board. Please feel free to reach out or send me a PM regarding my questions.

 

Emoney1185

[Ardo09203]

All,

 

Here's my stats with a few follow up questions:

 

Age: 28

 

GT: 120/88 AFQT

 

SIFT: 54

 

AFPT: Haven't taken yet....looking for >=270

 

Education: B.S. Finance; Magna Cum Laude (3.84)

 

Flight Physical: Recently finished last week; sent to Ft. Rucker.

 

Flight Experience: PPL; 113TT ASEL; some IFR experience

 

LOR's: 2 Army Lt. Col (Aviators), 1 Air Force Lt. Col, 1 Former Army CPT, 2 College Professors

 

Other Info: Prior Air Force Firefighter (SSgt) with 6.5 yrs TIS (Active).

 

Okay, here's my questions:

 

1.) What's the approximate time frame for approval from Ft. Rucker assuming there are no issues?

 

Anywhere from 24hrs, to 6 mos. Give it a couple of weeks, then call Mr.Garcia to check the status.

 

 

2.) As a civilian, I am told that the WOFT Schedule board posted on USAREC is for current Army or other enlisted members. I am told civilian boards are pretty flexible and will occur once a candidate has their packet together and approval from Ft. Rucker for submission. Is this accurate? By 'board' do they mean their respective 'Batallion Board' in which I will be interviewed, not the national selection board/committee/etc? Can someone please explain/clarify the process?

 

That sounds like the BTN board. The USAREC boards are fixed dates.

 

3.) Since I'm the first candidate applying for WOFT at my recruiting station, some of the folks don't fully understand the process nor do they have forecasted manning/staffing data. Does anybody know what the current projections look like? Where can I find this info?

 

Not sure what you are looking for? If your looking for selection stats, don't waste your time. Not worth it, they're all wrong, and change daily.

 

4.) Are my stats competitive based on past candidate selection?

 

Yes, just make sure that PT is as high as possible.

 

Thanks and good luck to everyone this applying to this board. Please feel free to reach out or send me a PM regarding my questions.

 

Emoney1185

[Beck0321]

How does everyone know all these high ranking pilots?? That's my big set back. I never made solid contacts, most likely because I come from a ground based background. The only experience I've had with pilots is a fair share of rides and then CAS. Never had time to "get to know" a pilot. Not an Army WO 3-5 one anyway.

[SunshineActual]

In the same boat, Beck, coming from a ground-combat Marine unit, we don't exactly come face-to-face with pilots very often, especially warrant officer pilots.

 

Mind you, I'm still working on my LORs, but I literally went through my Facebook friends list, and asked every soldier I knew if they knew any pilots. Got a few leads so far for a letter, but nothing yet.

[NCOtoWO]

How does everyone know all these high ranking pilots?? That's my big set back. I never made solid contacts, most likely because I come from a ground based background. The only experience I've had with pilots is a fair share of rides and then CAS. Never had time to "get to know" a pilot. Not an Army WO 3-5 one anyway.

 

I didn't know a single pilot when I was hunting for letters, I just started networking. Smoking and joking after cold load training, hanging around for a few minutes after a training AAR, etc. Being in the Marines that might be tough as you may not work directly with Army Aviation as much. If you're near an Army airfield, swing by and see what's up. I've found for the most part that Aviation Warrants tend to be pretty laid back and are often willing to help you out. Someone hooked them up back in the day and I've had several tell me that they are always willing to do the same to help an aspiring candidate. Just make sure you're serious and have a good start on your packet, I didn't make it upstairs to see the big dogs until my packet was 100% complete minus the ONE letter I was seeking.

[StockTrader]

How does everyone know all these high ranking pilots?? That's my big set back. I never made solid contacts, most likely because I come from a ground based background. The only experience I've had with pilots is a fair share of rides and then CAS. Never had time to "get to know" a pilot. Not an Army WO 3-5 one anyway.

 

I ended up connecting with the one who wrote my LOR through my current roomate. Friend of a friend type thing. You never know who knows who but try to use your network of friends as much as you can. Also, have your packet in a PDF format ready to go. 99% it is going to be requested. As was said previously, the current WO's were in our shoes at one point and if you approach them with respect and sincerity they will be willing to help you if they can. Sometimes you need to be willing to go out on a limb too, if you want it that bad. Before I even got my letter I had been talking with some other forum members, linkedin, and even taking the random shot in the dark through facebook if I couldnt find another means of contacting them. Everyone I've talked to so far was extremely helpful and insightful.

[Creep0321]

Beck and Sunshine, remember you can get a field grade aviator from the Corps too, I did that first. And now I am working on a CW3-5. Networking is key I was introduced to a CW4 through some joint training we had going on on deployment, and contacted an old friend who is a ground LT in the Army, who put me in touch with a LTC aviator, who happened to be in charge of the DUSTOFF unit that flew for us my last deployment in AFG. Now that LTC is working on getting me in touch with another CW4.

[SunshineActual]

Creep-

 

Funny, almost an hour after I made that post yesterday, I remembered a Navy JROTC Commander whom I used to work with, volunteering my time to work with his cadets, was a retired LDCR Naval Aviator. So he said he'd be happy to write me a letter, and is also putting me in contact with the PCO at a Blackhawk unit being stood up in the area.

 

I suppose with letters from those two individuals, along with a CWO, I should be set.

[Creep0321]

Good to hear, just don't forget about your Co. CO and BN Cmdr, if your still active too.

[Beck0321]

Yo Creep,

 

I spoke (finally) with a WO Recruiter. She told me that the 3rd LOR HAD to be an Army WO 3-5. An Active one at that. I would LOVE if someone could CONFIRM this info, because almost everything I hear I take with a grain of salt. I'm not very trustful lately.

Man, you sure lucked out with your contacts lately. I could a little luck.

[Ardo09203]

Yo Creep,

 

I spoke (finally) with a WO Recruiter. She told me that the 3rd LOR HAD to be an Army WO 3-5. An Active one at that. I would LOVE if someone could CONFIRM this info, because almost everything I hear I take with a grain of salt. I'm not very trustful lately.

Man, you sure lucked out with your contacts lately. I could a little luck.

If your applying for active duty that is incorrect. I know selectees with no WO LOR's. If your guard it may be a requirement such as in LA ARNG.

[Diesel5187]

If you are a civilian applicant, you do not need a CW3-5 LOR. Although, it would be to your benefit.

 

If you are currently enlisted in the ARMY, you must have one in the packet.

 

You do not need to know a CWO to get his LOR, he can do an interview and decide if he wants to give it to you. That's how I did it. (I am a civilian selected on May14 board.)

 

I can back this up with info from the WO site, I am away from my pc, I can get it to you when I'm back home on the 13th. If anything, I'm sure someone else here has the relevant links.

[USAR153D]

Good to hear, just don't forget about your Co. CO and BN Cmdr, if your still active too.

The Officer Accessions NCO I worked with for the USAR forced me to use the HQ USAREC Form 3.3, despite my being told by other Marine selectees that they submitted standard memo format LOR's with their unit's letterhead etc.

 

Sometimes it's better to go with the grain than against it.

 

Also, being that not all of the USMCR is structured similarly to the Army, I used my Platoon Commander (O3) as my Co. CO and my CO (O6) as my BN CO for LOR purposes.

Edited August 7, 2014 by Marine4WOFT

[Creep0321]

Yea my platoon commander is an O-3 he's also the Maritime Raid Force commander on the MEU. Since we are part of command element, and work directly for the MEU CO, so he is writing my Company commander LOR. My options for Battalion commander LOR are the MEU XO (O-5 F-18 guy) or the MEU CO (O-6 Cobra guy) probably going to go with the XO since he is the RO on my FITREP and its easier to get in touch with him.

 

I definitely would use the new USAREC form for LOR, especially since it is in PDF now.

 

On the website it still says sister service can use a field grade aviator. So like I said, I got that one easy, an O-4 MV-22 pilot on the MEU who does a lot of work with our platoon. But I am still pursuing a CW4/5. You can always submit your packet with only a field grade aviator from the Corps, if you don't get selected, use the extra time to find a senior WO aviator.

[StockTrader]

Board changed again. I'm just praying it stays at some point next week. Its gone from July 8th, to August 5th, to August 11th, now to August 13th. Recruiter told me I will be the only one there also.

[Diesel5187]

Board changed again. I'm just praying it stays at some point next week. Its gone from July 8th, to August 5th, to August 11th, now to August 13th. Recruiter told me I will be the only one there also.

It happened to me too.

[StockTrader]

Battalion board is done. 75/75 but didnt get to see the comments.

[emoney1185]

Battalion board is done. 75/75 but didnt get to see the comments. Recruiter will pull them once they are scanned in. Now the waiting game begins.

 

Congrats on the Batt board! I'm hoping to get my physical back soon from Ft. Rucker so I can interview and make this deadline. How long does it usually take? My recruiter sent my physical to Ft. Rucker about two weeks ago? Lastly, do you know how much weight the board puts towards all metrics such as GPA, flight time, SIFT score, AFQT, etc? I'm looking to gauge my stats. Good job!

 

Emoney1185

[emoney1185]

How does everyone know all these high ranking pilots?? That's my big set back. I never made solid contacts, most likely because I come from a ground based background. The only experience I've had with pilots is a fair share of rides and then CAS. Never had time to "get to know" a pilot. Not an Army WO 3-5 one anyway.

 

Beck0321,

 

Depends on the definition of 'know' right? I was pretty lucky and happened to meet one of the Lt. Col's through my TA (it was her father) via a finance lab in college. She mentioned we was a helo pilot in the Army years ago and I saw an opportunity. I begged the question, set up a formal interview, and he was happy to write one for me. Completely random!

 

The other recommender was also a complete random event. I was selling my accord on the Lemon Lot and my first inquiry was an Army Lt. Col who just happened to have aviator wings. I mentioned I was in the process of applying to WOFT and just took it from there. He eventually bought the accord, and ended up writing an LOR for me...two kills one stone!

 

Although I've never worked for these individuals, I was able to set up an informal/informal interview with them displaying my prior military experience, scores, flight log, etc. and they made their best judgement call. They're letters even reflected that. Keep your head up, and I've learned if you want something bad enough, the universe will deliver!

 

Emoney1185

[StockTrader]

All,

 

Here's my stats with a few follow up questions:

 

Age: 28

 

GT: 120/88 AFQT

 

SIFT: 54

 

AFPT: Haven't taken yet....looking for >=270

 

Education: B.S. Finance; Magna Cum Laude (3.84)

 

Flight Physical: Recently finished last week; sent to Ft. Rucker.

 

Flight Experience: PPL; 113TT ASEL; some IFR experience

 

LOR's: 2 Army Lt. Col (Aviators), 1 Air Force Lt. Col, 1 Former Army CPT, 2 College Professors

 

Other Info: Prior Air Force Firefighter (SSgt) with 6.5 yrs TIS (Active).

 

Okay, here's my questions:

 

1.) What's the approximate time frame for approval from Ft. Rucker assuming there are no issues?

 

Mine was one month to the day.

 

2.) As a civilian, I am told that the WOFT Schedule board posted on USAREC is for current Army or other enlisted members. I am told civilian boards are pretty flexible and will occur once a candidate has their packet together and approval from Ft. Rucker for submission. Is this accurate? By 'board' do they mean their respective 'Batallion Board' in which I will be interviewed, not the national selection board/committee/etc? Can someone please explain/clarify the process?

 

Only the Active Duty schedule is posted to USAREC. From what I am told, civilian WOFT is every other month. September being next.

 

3.) Since I'm the first candidate applying for WOFT at my recruiting station, some of the folks don't fully understand the process nor do they have forecasted manning/staffing data. Does anybody know what the current projections look like? Where can I find this info?

 

Typically is had been 13 selections for civilians each board. From a very credible source (CW5), FY15 will only allow for 54 civilians over the entire year.

 

4.) Are my stats competitive based on past candidate selection?

 

Yes they are. But it really will come down to who you are up against on that particular board.

 

Thanks and good luck to everyone this applying to this board. Please feel free to reach out or send me a PM regarding my questions.

 

Emoney1185

[StockTrader]

So are we only rolling with 2 applicants this board? Me and WTFoski? Theres gotta be more out there ready to go. Or any civilian rollovers from July?

[Creep0321]

So are we only rolling with 2 applicants this board? Me and WTFoski? Theres gotta be more out there ready to go. Or any civilian rollovers from July?

Im sure theres plenty, I just don't think a high percentage are on this site. Most of the people I've seen on this site, get selected, they seem to be the people willing to do the research and put the effort into a good packet. So best of luck brother.