Expert: James Bell - 9/8/2007

Question
MSgt:

  I'm currently considering joining the WVA ANG as a Loadmaster, as long as I can pass the flight physical.  The unit currently flys the C-5.  I'm a prior service Marine (non aircrew) and my scores are good enough to get the MOS.  My question(s) are these:

How long is the intial MOS school?   I've heard various time frames and I'm wondering.   I know there are follow on schools for aircrew personnel (survival, etc) but I'm curious as to how long, exactly, the MOS school is.

What are the promotions like in this MOS?  I'm close to, but not yet over, my 'max' service limitation;  I got out of the Corps a Sergeant (E-5).  I realize that I need to become proficient in my job before promotion, just don't want to be loving life and then given the boot LOL.

I look foward to hopefully getting into this MOS, it looks like a good job;  I'd be much appreciative of any other insight you could provide on the day to day duties of this job.   

Thanks again, and I very much appreciate it.  

Jason

Answer
Greetings Jason -

First and foremost, the Air Force does not have such a creature as MOS.  We have AFSC's (Air Force Specialty Codes).  The AFSC for loadmaster is 1A2x1.  The lower case "x" is replaced with your skill level: 1A211, 1A231, 1A251, 1A271, 1A291.

Skill level -
1 - Helper ... Unskilled entry level
3 - Apprentice ... Awarded after graduating initial technical school
5 - Journeyman ... Fully Mission qualified to perform duties unsupervised
7 - Craftsman ... Highly experienced in job skills
9 - Superintendent ... Manager of personnel

You will attend two technical schools: In the first you will learn basic of weight and balance concepts, and the second you will apply these weight and balance skills to the aircraft you will be assigned to.  Each school is roughly two months.  Survival School is two weeks and encompasses both land and water survival.

Promotions in the Guard are substantially different than Active Duty.  Since I was never in the Guard or Reserves, you would have to speak to someone in that capacity to get a good answer.

There are so many different aspects to tell about being a loadmaster, and aircrew life in general.  I can tell you I gained a vast amount of experience, and I wouldn't trade a day of anything I did.  I have posted many other comments on this site about being a loadmaster, so I'm sure you can look through my old posts and have a pretty good picture painted.

I hope I answered your questions.  If not, don't hesitate to write back.

Sincerely,
James Bell