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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Picking a plane
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Question
Dear James,
I have just graduated BMT and start tech
school Mon for loadmaster. My follow on
schools include Pensicola NAS and Fairchild
AFB before going on to either Altus AFB or
Little Rock AFB. I assume that I must pick a
plane so I know where my loadmaster school
is. At what point in time am I able to choose, if
I get to choose?
Josh -
Things have changed a lot since I was in, so I can't give you any current information. I remember filling out my "dream sheet" in Basic and getting my assignment around the third week of tech school. Your assignment is based on the base you choose, and what the Air Force gives you. You don't choose the plane, you choose the base ... the plane comes along with the base assignment.
I'm sure if you talk with your instructors they will be able to tell you how the process works these days.
Good luck and congratulations on reaching the next milestone in your military career.
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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