Would this be a red flag for WOFT?

Karver · March 12, 2015

I'm new here but have found this site to be very helpful. A few months ago I started the WOFT process with my recruiter. I have the typical req's out of the way, the phys. and ASVAB (scored a 126 on GT which I noticed is pretty important). So far I'm good, but I have a concern about my turning down Air Force OCS. I processed about a yr. ago, was accepted, but then didn't move forward with it. I didn't swear in or sign anything, but would this be a red flag when I go before the WOFT board? A lot of it was because I wasn't sure the military was the best option for me at the time. Some of it was just nerves over joining the military and embarking on a major change. I've since re-evaluated and decided the military would be a great option for me.

So if the WOFT Board were to question why I walked away from becoming an Officer before, should I just be upfront as stated?

dlaw89 · March 12, 2015

Just be honest. As long as you didn't swear in you should be fine.

zaurus · March 13, 2015

Karver

Two questions for you.

1) What USAF career field were you given once completing OTS?

2) Did you turn down an active duty slot or Reserves/Air Guard?

Karver · March 13, 2015

Z,

I turned down Combat Systems Officer (Nav), Active Duty.

zaurus · March 13, 2015

There's your opening. You weren't offered a pilot slot. No pilot worth a damn will fault you on turning down CSO. Hope you have pilot officers on your interviewing board.

Karver · March 13, 2015

But should I also mentioned I wasn't ready to make the commitment to the military at that time?

Dnr032 · March 13, 2015

But should I also mentioned I wasn't ready to make the commitment to the military at that time?

NO!!!!

Not unless directly asked that question....

Flying Pig · March 13, 2015

But should I also mentioned I wasn't ready to make the commitment to the military at that time?

So your real reason was that you were not ready to make a commitment to the military..... not that you didnt get a pilot spot. So now you are trying to figure out what you should tell them because you've changed your mind and you know the reason will be looked down on. Now people are pointing out your loop hole but it wasnt the reason you declined the offer.

"Yeah Yeah Yeah... thats it.... they didnt make me a pilot, yeah." See the dilemma. But none of us know you so make up whatever story you want.

Cheese · March 13, 2015

Integrity is a huge trait for the military and aviation in particular. Whether it's crew day, speaking up because you have sinus issues or your head isn't right that day or a long laundry list of other scenarios. Personal integrity is at the root of everything as a military officer and aviator. I will leave it at that.

Creep0321 · March 13, 2015

If you are refering to DA-form 61, block 31. You may want to re-read the question. It asks if you have applied and NOT been accepted, not if you turned it down. Attention to detail is also a big trait.

Karver · March 13, 2015

If you are refering to DA-form 61, block 31. You may want to re-read the question. It asks if you have applied and NOT been accepted, not if you turned it down. Attention to detail is also a big trait.

I've never actually seen that form before. I was just assuming the Board might somehow know that I didn't accept another branch's offer.

Karver · March 14, 2015

So your real reason was that you were not ready to make a commitment to the military..... not that you didnt get a pilot spot. So now you are trying to figure out what you should tell them because you've changed your mind and you know the reason will be looked down on. Now people are pointing out your loop hole but it wasnt the reason you declined the offer.

"Yeah Yeah Yeah... thats it.... they didnt make me a pilot, yeah." See the dilemma. But none of us know you so make up whatever story you want.

So the dilemma in being tempted to lie? Or am I missing what you're talking about?

Creep0321 · March 14, 2015

I didn't apply as a civilian so I cannot speak to the board part of the process. However, my advice would be to answer the question on DA form 61 correctly (no) but if asked about that situation during your board, I would not lie.

zaurus · March 14, 2015

Karver

One last question. If you were selected for a pilot slot, would you have turned it down?

Many many years ago, I applied for an AF pilot slot but was offered a CSO position instead. I turned it down without question. Putting my reentry to military service on hold. For whatever reason, the following week I was offered a pilot slot. Raised my right hand again and served until retirement. Obviously that wasn't your case. For me, it was either a pilot slot or striving to become a highly taxed citizen supporting the defense of our country. More than one way to serve.

Karver · March 14, 2015

Well, I certainly wouldn't turn down an Air Force pilot slot, that's for sure.

Were you in the Army as well, or just AF?

'SSASSIN24 · March 15, 2015

I decided to create an account and chime in with my two cents of mentorship simply because my situation was "similar" to your's. Before going through WOFT, I attended USMC OCS 4 years prior on a flight contract. A week before OCS completion, I developed SEVERE stress fractures in my femur and was immediately dropped from the program, with the opportunity to return the following year. Well, life happens and things change. Long story short, I eventually decided against the USMC, but knew I still wanted to serve, hopefully in a pilot-capacity. I went (still as a civlian) to the recruiter and am here today as an Army aviator.

So, with that being said, as far as it being a red flag? Yes, IF you still have doubts about the military being right for you. You've gotta answer that question first, and on your own. If you know deep down you wanna do this now and you can accept making personal sacrifices, then proceed. There isn't any documentation (to my knowledge) that will expose you being doubtful in joining. The process alone kinda satisfies that requirement. Whatever talk about previous officer schools in other branches rarely came up, and when it did, it was just with my recruiter. But, if/when you get to the WOFT board, ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. If you go in confident that you wanna serve in the military, then you'll have no problems. However, there is no need to advance the conversation by adding "well, once upon a time....." ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. From what I remember, the questions are very basic. Like, what is your background, what does your family think, are you ok with deploying, etc.... And these are all legitimate questions to ask yourself as well. I remember getting a bit emotional because I kept thinking of leaving my wife and little daughter, but I knew I had to do it. BE CONFIDENT, but not arrogant.

Couple more things, then I'll shut up. The Army is going thru quite a change right now. To be honest/realistic, I'm not even for sure how many "street-to-seat" applicants they are accepting anymore. But don't let that stop you. Fly this thing all the way thru the crash if you have to. With the divestiture of the Kiowa (my baby), there's gonna be a subsequent decrease in the demand for pilots, even in other airframes. Temporary? Maybe. But again, give it a whirl, just go about it with an open mind. Think about other possibilities that might arise, like UAS.

I wish you the best of luck and don't hesitate to reach out to me with other questions. I'm still a little butt-hurt to lose my mission with the Kiowa, but I've got a new, shiny toy now. Good luck.

Karver · March 15, 2015

I decided to create an account and chime in with my two cents of mentorship simply because my situation was "similar" to your's. Before going through WOFT, I attended USMC OCS 4 years prior on a flight contract. A week before OCS completion, I developed SEVERE stress fractures in my femur and was immediately dropped from the program, with the opportunity to return the following year. Well, life happens and things change. Long story short, I eventually decided against the USMC, but knew I still wanted to serve, hopefully in a pilot-capacity. I went (still as a civlian) to the recruiter and am here today as an Army aviator.
So, with that being said, as far as it being a red flag? Yes, IF you still have doubts about the military being right for you. You've gotta answer that question first, and on your own. If you know deep down you wanna do this now and you can accept making personal sacrifices, then proceed. There isn't any documentation (to my knowledge) that will expose you being doubtful in joining. The process alone kinda satisfies that requirement. Whatever talk about previous officer schools in other branches rarely came up, and when it did, it was just with my recruiter. But, if/when you get to the WOFT board, ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. If you go in confident that you wanna serve in the military, then you'll have no problems. However, there is no need to advance the conversation by adding "well, once upon a time....." ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. From what I remember, the questions are very basic. Like, what is your background, what does your family think, are you ok with deploying, etc.... And these are all legitimate questions to ask yourself as well. I remember getting a bit emotional because I kept thinking of leaving my wife and little daughter, but I knew I had to do it. BE CONFIDENT, but not arrogant.
Couple more things, then I'll shut up. The Army is going thru quite a change right now. To be honest/realistic, I'm not even for sure how many "street-to-seat" applicants they are accepting anymore. But don't let that stop you. Fly this thing all the way thru the crash if you have to. With the divestiture of the Kiowa (my baby), there's gonna be a subsequent decrease in the demand for pilots, even in other airframes. Temporary? Maybe. But again, give it a whirl, just go about it with an open mind. Think about other possibilities that might arise, like UAS.
I wish you the best of luck and don't hesitate to reach out to me with other questions. I'm still a little butt-hurt to lose my mission with the Kiowa, but I've got a new, shiny toy now. Good luck.

I've done a lot of thinking/soul-searching and I know the military is definitely the right move now. In my mind, there is no doubt. I'm just concerned the board may still have doubts if I tell them the truth. The truth is that I wasn't ready to commit at the time, some of it nerves, but a lot of it because I was progressing very well in my civilian position until the time I got picked up.

Some of you said it probably won't even be discussed or asked. I agree. But I just want to be prepared if it is. With that said, would you think the board would frown upon my truthful answer if asked? I know many of you are in the military, so figured you could share your input on this.

zaurus · March 16, 2015

Karver

Yes, I had the opportunity in flying in both services in the pilot seat. I would guess at least 20% of military pilots wouldn't have served if not offered a pilot contract. Your case is not that unusual. Be truthful, confident and enjoy the ride.