I have been watching this forum for quite some time and I was curious to get an outside opinion on several aspects of my packet. I am 20yrs old and a civilian. To catch you up on my packet I have,

ASVAB: 96
GT Score: 129
AFAST: 126
PHYSICALS: PASSED
Education: 4.2 High School GPA/3.6 College GPA with 20 credit hours. I also have certifications in advanced aquatic rescue, lifeguarding, EMT, Firefighting, and boat handling.

LOR: CW5, Former CW4, current manager, fire academy head instructor, and another fire academy instructor.

First off, I have seen so many people tout higher scores on their tests that I am wondering, "Am I even competitive?" I was curious if a LOR from a congressman or other representative was a good idea (as though I was seeking an appointment to a military academy)and if my current letters were strong enough? Also, I was wondering how much weight is placed on prior education compared to past leadership experience during the board? I know that I am missing valuable flight experience, but cannot afford to take any classes right now. I do have quite a bit of knowledge about aviation as I have been a aviation buff since I was a kid and my dad is an in flight paramedic for a local fire dept. I was a drum major for a 230 piece marching band in high school and I was the class leader for my fire academy class. Both tasks were incredibly taxing leadership positions that I have acquired much experience from. I have also had several jobs that required a lot of responsibility and maturity from a 20 year old, including a job as a lake patrol, rescue boat operator, and aquatic rescue technician. I want to finish my degree, but I would much rather begin my career in the U.S. Army flying helicopters now as a WO than wait several more years to finish my degree and end up flying a desk more than a helicopter as a CO. I want to be as competitive as possible! Thank you for your help,


-Kyle