What advantages can I obtain so my packet stands out?

Gumby39 · April 20, 2016

So I have decided instead of enlisting and then applying, I am going to apply as a civilian due to statistically I read my chances are higher of being selected. That being said, what advantages can I obtain that would up my chances other than good test scores?

I have a year of college completed and plan to do extra classes this summer. Also I plan to start getting flight hours at my local airport. Is there anything else I can do that the board would like to see and see as a plus?

Open to all input. My recruiter is getting all the info and should be starting the packet soon. Also if there is any tips or info anyone can give me on the whole process I would seriously appreciate it.

I have looked around the internet for info like this, but have not found much except for a couple things here and there. I could just suck at looking, but I'd rather ask than continue to look and fail.

Thanks everyone!

Esdras_R · April 20, 2016

I would say things you can control should be as high as possible. I'm sure you've read about aiming for a high SIFT, a 300 apft, a well written essay, and some good letters of recommendation. I read about one guy getting a congressman, that would stand out for sure.

Coming from the civilian side, you have some highly educated competition so as much college as possible.

Good luck.

TrashHauler · April 20, 2016

Start combing through this forum reading everything you can, EVERYTHING, even if it doesn't seem relevant. Little tidbits of information can weave themselves into unrelated threads. A vast majority of your initial questions you may have can be answered by looking through Lindsey's guide and if it isn't in there then it will surely be in the other sticky threads. Once you have exhausted that start using the search function.

Good luck.

BrightShadow · April 20, 2016

Want to footstomp the weight of Letters of Recommendation. The essay is a big deal, however what you say about yourself does not carry as much weight as what others say about you. Get the best LoRs you can and as many as you can (6 for civ I believe). Have them cover the whole person concept. Have some focus on accomplishments, some character and others potential.

Good luck!

napoleonpp · April 20, 2016

Like others said LORs are a huge part of it I believe. I submitted the maximum number of LORs that I could, I even had 2 or 3 extra so I could pick the strongest letters. From what I've read on here the flight ours may be a waste of money unless you're waiting awhile and going to get quite afew hours on the civilian side. Maybe someone else can confirm this other then what I remember reading at one point.

MuffinMan · April 20, 2016

Like others said LORs are a huge part of it I believe. I submitted the maximum number of LORs that I could, I even had 2 or 3 extra so I could pick the strongest letters. From what I've read on here the flight ours may be a waste of money unless you're waiting awhile and going to get quite afew hours on the civilian side. Maybe someone else can confirm this other then what I remember reading at one point.

I can somewhat confirm this at least from my own packet. No flight hours and was selected in January. LORs were strong though. Submitted 4 in my packet, all from current AD and/or NG. 3 of which were pilots and 1 was JAG lawyer who is personal friend for a long time.

As much as I wanted to get my private pilots license,that school was just not a possibility with my work schedule and the students loans I already have.

Maverick7 · April 23, 2016

Start networking. Look up an aviation unit at your nearest Army base and express your interest and where you are at in the process. You should be able to find someone thats willing to talk to you and give you advice. You would be amazed at the tips you can get from just talking to pilots. Get their email and keep in touch with them throughout the process. Just putting your name out there can also help.