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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Airframe Preference
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Question
I'm looking to retrain from the 3C0X2 (Communications - Computer Systems Programming) career field into 1A2X1 (Aircraft Loadmaster) and have a question about airframe assignments. Is there a "dream sheet"-like way of stating your preference to a particular airframe? Or is it simply based off of your base assignment "dream sheet?" I'd prefer the AC-130, C-5, or C-17 (ergo, not a C-130), but of course, I'll take what I get and give it all I have. I'm tired of the "chair force" and looking forward to flying for a living.
AJ -
I can't really speak for how things are now, as I know they change from time to time, but when I was still on active duty just a few years ago, they still tried to get you to a base you had listed on your dream sheet. I would look at the airframe I wanted to fly on, and put those bases down as bases of preference. If you choose three bases such as Hurlburt AFB, Florida, McGuire AFB, NJ and Travis AFB, CA, those bases have the aircraft you wish to fly on, although I do believe C-130's are also in Florida in addition to the gunships. If you choose a joint base (i.e. Travis has C-5 and C-17), then you might get either. If you choose Dover AFB, DE, that's C-5 only.
Again, I would load up the dream sheet with those bases that have the planes you want. Try and get a feel for the manning at those bases as well. If you want a C-17 assignment, I know it's easier to get an assignment to McGuire than it is McChord. Other than that, it often does feel like you are just rolling the dice.
I hope this helped you a little.
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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