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Question
I am leaving for basic training in the air force in the next 2 weeks. I am Extremely nervous. I have a loadmaster job and want to know do you you think this a good job? the dangers of it? In your opinion what do you think are the negatives about this job? I just want to be sure of what im getting myself into and make sure this is what i want to do. Thanks
Tiffany -
I'm sure you have a lot to be nervous about, but you are in for the ride of your life, and it's going to be fun. There are very few "fun" jobs you can get in the Air Force right off the street, but you've got one of them.
Is it dangerous? In today's military, what job isn't? Probably even more so than sitting at an office desk, things can happen on airplanes. I can say in the 24 years I was on flying status, I logged over 8,300 hours in three different aircraft, and never died once. Were there emergencies? Of course. Did I ever come close to dying? Well, yes. But I'd like to think that my experience and expertise as a crew member helped solve the problems that prevented disaster.
As far as all those things you can expect as a loadmaster, there are too many for me to mention here. I would suggest you browse through my previous answers, as I have answered volumes of questions.
I'm sure that, as you read what I have written to others, some specific questions may arise. If you find yourself with a question, please don't hesitate to write back.
Good luck and congrats on getting one of the best jobs in the Air Force.
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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