Expert: James Bell - 2/25/2008

Question
Just wondering if you could help me in my decision on cross training to a c130 load after being maintenance for 11 years.  Currently ANG, Comm/Nav 7-level, GAC 5-level.  Have opp. to cross train, just wondering what benefits this would afford me money wise and deployment wise.  I understand I will be getting alot more days for training.  Plus not sure if I can handle the POW portion of the survival training.  I am pretty claustrophobic and being locked up in a fetal position scares the heck outta me.  Oh and what is the enlisted flight crew school like and cover in Lackland?

Thanks

Answer
Greetings Daniel -

As far as pay incentive, you would be receiving monthly flight pay in addition to your current pay.  As you would be going TDY a lot more, you would be getting a lot more per diem upon your return.

As far as the POW portion of survival school, I can't help you much there.  Yes, they will put you under duress, and there will be some confinement time.  But, it's all training and, if you keep that in mind, there should be little you can't manage.

I made it through and had very little problem, but another crew member in my squadron let his captors get under his skin and took a swing at them.  Training was terminated and he did NOT graduate from Survival School.

The aircrew indoctrination school is something they started after I went through the program, so I can tell you very little about it, other than it provides the opportunity to make sure you are a good fit for the aircrew career fields.  It gives you a chance to back out if you don't think it's right for you, and it gives your instructors the same opportunity.

Good luck on making a decision.  If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to write back.

Sincerely,
James Bell