157th Question

[PalmettoGuy]

Howdy Haole,
I saw your information on wantscheck.com and I have a couple of questions for ya....

How much, if any, benefit is there to being in state when trying to get a pilot slot with a ANG unit? I grew up in Greenville and will be graduating from Clemson in another year and a half, and am wanting to try for a pilot slot when I graduate. However, from talking to the father of a friend who just got a reserves pilot slot, he said that it is next to impossible to get a slot with the 157th right off the street.

Also,
Is it possible to hold a normal job while at the same time being a fighter pilot with a ANG unit? I don't really have any huge desire to fly for a regional, but I have heard that flying is about the only other job you are able keep if you are only part time with a unit?
Thanks!
PalmettoGuy

[WILLIO]

I'll try to help Haole out and answer this one... I know he's a busy guy. :bigsmile: We have actually taken a guy off the streets numerous times. This past year including... Just check out the SCANG website to get the particulars on where and when to send your package(sts).
www.scmcen.ang.af.mil

Now the job question I can answer from a non-flyers point of view. Everyone that works at McEntire (with the exception of the full timers) has a job outside of the Gaurd. Balancing the two can be difficult at times for some but it is very "doable". Thus far my experience with the Gaurd, the benefits far outweigh the hassles that come with the job. I Love It!!!

Hope this helps! :ylsuper:

BTW man... if you have any other specific questions about applying, feel free to drop me an email or PM. I know it can be tough finding things out so I'll be glad to help in any way I can!

[Haole]

Howdy Haole,
I saw your information on wantscheck.com and I have a couple of questions for ya....

How much, if any, benefit is there to being in state when trying to get a pilot slot with a ANG unit? I grew up in Greenville and will be graduating from Clemson in another year and a half, and am wanting to try for a pilot slot when I graduate. However, from talking to the father of a friend who just got a reserves pilot slot, he said that it is next to impossible to get a slot with the 157th right off the street.

Also,
Is it possible to hold a normal job while at the same time being a fighter pilot with a ANG unit? I don't really have any huge desire to fly for a regional, but I have heard that flying is about the only other job you are able keep if you are only part time with a unit?
Thanks!
PalmettoGuy
Willio is right. It's hard (but not impossible) to be selected if you are not already enlisted in our unit. Your best bet is to get in the car and drive down to McEntire on drill weekends and start meeting us and asking questions and showing some interest in the unit. It's only a couple of hours down the road and it would be well worth your time. We are having drill this weekend as a matter of fact.
I work a "normal job" (non-flying) outside of flying at the base and I can tell you that it is not easy. We do it, but it takes a lot of job juggling and a very understanding boss to get to the base each week to fly. You have to get 6-7 flights per month MINIMUM to stay current. Which equals going to drill weekend each month and then flying at LEAST once a week and sometimes twice at the base. You stay busy!
Hope this answered your questions!
Haole

[Sting]

I work a "normal job" (non-flying) outside of flying at the base and I can tell you that it is not easy. We do it, but it takes a lot of job juggling and a very understanding boss to get to the base each week to fly. You have to get 6-7 flights per month MINIMUM to stay current. Which equals going to drill weekend each month and then flying at LEAST once a week and sometimes twice at the base. You stay busy!

Haole

You almost sound like your complaining...hehe

[WILLIO]

Sorry if I was unclear on "being hired off the street". I meant it as Haole stated... it's tough, but they do it. Everyone is great on base so come out and visit. You'll more than likely have a blast...

:beer:

[Haole]

Sorry if I was unclear on "being hired off the street". I meant it as Haole stated... it's tough, but they do it. Everyone is great on base so come out and visit. You'll more than likely have a blast...

:beer:
Yep! You would have fun meeting everyone. Getting "hired off the street" is hard but if you dont come down, hang out and get your face known THEN it's almost impossible. The non-military guys that have been hired were hanging out down here every drill, going out with us after drill when we have a social event, etc. So it's up to you how bad you want it. Clemson is not the closest town to McEntire, but you are are a lot luckier than some of the out of state guys that are having to buy plane tickets to come visit. Yes, guys are that determined to get here each weekend! So come on down!
Haole