I recently went out for a rated slot through AFROTC, and the results of the selection board just came through. It turns out that I've been put on the alternate list for pilot (I didn't apply for nav or ABM). I'll ask my cadre members and other cadets at my detachment, but I was hoping there might be some people here with some insight into what it means to be put on the alternate list.
I don't think it's possible to find out your exact standing on the list, but does being on it mean that you've got a relatively good chance of getting a slot once they open up? Or does everyone who doesn't get a slot get put on the alternate list and have a lousy shot at picking one up? When do filled slots typically start opening?
It was a very quick phone conversation with my commander when she informed me about the results. She said "Congratulations" and "Just be be patient for a slot to open up." I wasn't sure if she was simply sugarcoating the situation and essentially saying, "Congratulations, you've got a snowball's chance in hell of getting a pilot slot!" lol. Obviously not the end of the world if I don't get a pilot slot, I'd like to do Civil Engineering if the pilot thing doesn't work out. But if anyone has more information on the alternate list or has been in the position themselves, please let me know. Thanks.
Its tough to say based on when i saw in AFROTC... One year almost all the alternates moved up, the next no one from my det moved up, but one alternate did get a strike nav slot. Not really an option for you though I guess.
It's not pilot, but I got picked up from the Nav alt list, along with one or 2 other cadets from my Det. We didn't have any pilots pulled from the alt list in my commissioning class, but we have in years past. I had a space and missiles slot up until 2 weeks before commissioning. We've been having a fun time filling in the gaps between the FC 3A physical for S&M and the FC 1A physical required for Navs. AETC is still dragging their feet with an approval signature.
but I digress...it's possible to get pulled up. Cross your fingers and toes.
Hang in there. It doesn't mean a snowballs chance in hell. It's just a matter of timing. As their needs increase, the more trainees will be called. You could get that call now or a year from now. Just be patient, expect the worst case scenario, and hope for the best. At least you're on a list. It's like waiting for your line number to come up on promotion. It'll happen, when it happens. You don't have control of that, so don't worry.
