Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/singing sergeants

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Expert: - 6/12/2004


Question
Ok, I was wondering if you knew anything about the singing sergeants, because I thought it would be interesting to see if it was a career opportunity that I could choose for the Air Force. The only reason I found out about them is because they were singing at President Ronald Reagan's funeral procession Thursday. I watched most all of the procession. Did you? It was lovely. Well, get back to me when you have the time.
Angela

Answer
Hello again Angela -

I know the Singing Sergeants very well.  A few years ago I was attending the NCO Academy, and a classmate was one of their singers.

Unfortunately, I was working during the funeral, and did not get to see them perform.  You would have to ask a recruiter what the requirements are to joining their group, as I am not sure.  I know the woman I attended the Academy with had a degree in music, and she said that because there are so many that want to join them, their selection criteria is very stringent and they are very selective.

Good luck and let me know how things turn out.

Sincerely,
James

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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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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