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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/loadmaster info
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hi james, my names justin, 17, im going to basic in june 2009, and my recruiter has me going toward the career field of a loadmaster, on c-130s.im a bit nervous about the whole situation, but from wat i hear loadmaster is the best kept secret in the air force,and a wonderful chance to travel and see the world.but im enlisting in the air force RESERVE.im wondering how that would affect my travel vs. active duty. And also i would like any info concering loadmasters on c-130s, and info on the tech schools i will be attending, thanks for your time and consideration,
justin nettles
Justin -
Don't underestimate the Reserves. When I was active, we often envied our Reserve counterparts because when trips would come down from the planners, the Reserves always got the good trips. They got the air shows and trips to neat spots while we were going to the desert and getting the missions that sucked.
Yes, I believe there are two awesome jobs you can get right off the street ... loadmaster is one, and the other is boom operator. Both do the loadmastering thing, but the boom operator has the additional task of refueling aircraft inflight ... totally awesome.
I think you are in for a most rewarding job, one that you could easily make into a 20-year career. As far as info on other details of the job, such as tech school info, take a look at some of my past responses ... I have posted many times on this and it is much easier than trying to recap here.
Good luck and don't hesitate to write back if you have any more questions.
Sincerely,
James Bell
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Answers by Expert:
James Bell
Expertise
I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations. NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.
Experience
Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager
Education/Credentials
Aircraft Loadmaster Initial Qualification - 1980. Mission Qualification (C-5A) - 1981. Fixed Wing Aircraft Performance Course - 1987. Initial Flight Engineer Qualification (C-141B) - 1987. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1988. KC-10 Initial Qualification Course - 1994. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1995. Instructor Qualficiation (KC-10A) - 1997. Evaluator Qualification (KC-10A) - 2000.
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