Hey everyone,

So I am a pilot training washout, but still have a good attitude, motivation, and desire to serve in the AF (or Army if they don't want me or put me behind a desk too early in life). I am going to have to put down some AFSC choices soon and hope that what I want aligns with the all-powerful needs of the Air Force.

I've been thinking about SF, but I hear the officer side is different than the enlisted in terms of progression, advancement, and I would imagine working with enlisted instead of officers like in the pilot community.

First, does anyone know what the chances are of getting reclassified as an SF officer would be these days? I got a pretty good write-up leaving pilot training despite being an idiot at flying skills (the "Billy tried really hard but he was the little engine that couldn't" spiel), and have a clean discipline record.

Second, does anyone have insight into how the SF officer track goes? A day in the life, the deployments, career progression? I have heard / seen different things from second hand info and from reading online.

Thanks for your help.

I'm assuming you're in casual status now. Try to get an appointment with, or just drop by and see, the SF squadron CC or Ops Officer at your UPT base. I'm sure he/she will be more than happy to fill you in on all the details.

You can also call the SF assignments officer at DSN 665-2781 and talk with him.

quote:

Originally posted by southboss05:
Hey everyone,
So I am a pilot training washout

Sorry, I am having a McGuire AFB 1995-1998 flashback.....

Yeah, I'm in casual now. Good idea about the assignments number and going to the local SF squad.

statebear: I can only imagine, if I get SF I will hit you up on what not to do as a dumb LT...I'm guessing you had either the dumb LT or overzealous LT experience.

For everyone else interested, I talked to a guy who just got reclassified from a UPT washout. He said that there was a wave of people wanting SF of late and not enough slots for all of them to get them. Not sure if that still holds, we'll see.

quote:

Originally posted by southboss05:

.... statebear: I can only imagine, if I get SF I will hit you up on what not to do as a dumb LT...I'm guessing you had either the dumb LT or overzealous LT experience.

....

Only thing worse is both dumb AND overzealous.

Watch it sir, I'm dumb and overzealous all the time!

There's one of those career-progression pyramids in the labyrinth that is the AFPC website. That can give you a generalized idea of how things can go.

But, if you've got the time, definitely seek out the assignments officer and try to talk to the officers at your local SFS. That's likely to get you more than trying to find anything on that website.

quote:

Originally posted by scpd3045:
Watch it sir, I'm dumb and overzealous all the time!

I know that, but you're one of the SMART dumb ones. That's very different, you know.

Upon making rank in a civilian department, I don't know if:

1) I'm top of the bottom, or
2) Bottom of the top.

I doubt if I'll ever know, but at least I look good!

quote:

Originally posted by scpd3045:
Upon making rank in a civilian department, I don't know if:

1) I'm top of the bottom, or
2) Bottom of the top.

I doubt if I'll ever know, but at least I look good!

Just like going from "E" to "O" in the AF. Ain't NOTHIN' lower than a brand new Second Balloon.

I went from Tech with almost 11 years in service and more than a year TIG to Second Lieutenant. Yeah, there was a little trauma there, but I got over it eventually. I will confess that, a couple of times, I DID answer the phone as "Sergeant Graham." Yeah, my coworkers laughed at me, but only just a little.

Bernie Kerik is a former NYPD detective. That position doesn't involve supervisory or administrative duties. He was mostly involved in narco buys & busts until he got involved in politics. Riding the shirt tails of Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Kerik became police commissioner even though he never held a position as a boss.

Kerik couldn't shake his shady (mob connected) ways and ended up indicted and facing prison time. While out on bail he's been accused of trying to manipulate a juror. The judge revoked Kerik's bail and called the disgraced commissioner self-centered at the height of arrogance.

Mr Kerik is now lodged in the same jail building that bears his name; the Bernard J. Kerik Center.

How's that for poetic justice? My brother is a 30 yr-career politician. Brother hated that guy. Looks like my brother was right a long time ago.

quote:

Riding the shirt tails of Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Kerik became police commissioner even though he never held a position as a boss.

No argument about Kerik's questionable behavior (only time, and a jury will tell), but he's held quite a few positions as "boss". Commissioner was only one of them.

No boss positions until after he got assigned to the Mayor's Protection Sqd. Then he became Corrections Commissioner from a political appointment. He was never a sergeant, lieutenant, capt., etc.

"Hey commissioner, want an extra baloney sandwich?"

quote:

Originally posted by scpd3045:
No boss positions until after he got assigned to the Mayor's Protection Sqd. Then he became Corrections Commissioner from a political appointment. He was never a sergeant, lieutenant, capt., etc.

"Hey commissioner, want an extra baloney sandwich?"

Simply pointing out that the guy has an extremely diverse and impressive resume and history if you take time to look at it. Both from the perspective of different experiences, and copious amounts of awards and citations. I'm not saying he's some kind of personal hero to me or anything, because he's not. But he's no bum off the street either. Read the guys full bio.

Notwithstanding his resume he's been a somewhat shady character for some time.

Recall his 2004 nomination for Secretary of Homeland Security. Allegedly he withdrew over unclear legal status of a housekeeper and a nanny. However, there was also foot dragging on his part relating to his ethics filings which would detail his sources of income and financial liabilities.

This little cluster f#@k certainly burned the tail feathers of Rudy Giuliani.

In police work many times the best typists are those with the most amount of awards. Along the same line the mayor's driver is highly decorated.

I would bet he influenced that book with his own accounts.

quote:

Originally posted by scpd3045:
In police work many times the best typists are those with the most amount of awards. Along the same line the mayor's driver is highly decorated.

I would bet he influenced that book with his own accounts.

I certainly agree with what you are saying, especially with regards to those who look good on paper but haven't ever actually accomplished anything. But again, looking at his work history, it is extremely impressive whether you like the guy or not (dating back to the 70's). Whether this guy turns out to be clean or completely dirty through and through, he did not simply show up out of nowhere with little to no experience and qualification. As far as the medals go, he's one of the most decorated commissioners in history, to include a decoration for valor in a gunfight, and atleast a couple other awards for heroism. He is not simply shrouded in "office warrior" decorations, although I'm sure he has plenty of those as well.

If the Mayor of NYC selects his driver to become the Commissioner of Corrections, then Police, I'm sure many of the NCO's and officers I've served with could also figure out how to do a good job if given the opportunity.

Kerik prided himself as a battlefield general. He was miserable to deal with. The indictments and witness tampering charges indicate he is also a thief and a liar.

quote:

Originally posted by scpd3045:
If the Mayor of NYC selects his driver to become the Commissioner of Corrections, then Police, I'm sure many of the NCO's and officers I've served with could also figure out how to do a good job if given the opportunity.

Kerik prided himself as a battlefield general. He was miserable to deal with. The indictments and witness tampering charges indicate he is also a thief and a liar.

Indictments indicate his is being formally "accused" of being a thief and a liar. I think I'll wait for the trial myself. Again, don't get me wrong, it doesn't look good for him. Just saying.

I hate to sound like a guy who's pulling for him, because that's not the case. But the fact remains, this guy has done some amazing **** in his life whether you like it or not, and whether you like him or not. This guy was not a one hit wonder.

-Army MP/K9 Handler
-Taught hand to hand at the John F Kennedy unconventional warfare center
-Security expert in the middle east and worked for the Saudi Royal Family
-Joined NYPD and was a star Narc who helped bring down the Cali Cartel
-Medal of Valor for shootout in Washington Heights among countless other citations throughout his career
-Bodyguard for Giuliani
-Department of Corrections director of investigations
-Commissioner Corrections
-Commissioner Police/Biggest crime drop in 5 years
-Nominated for the DHS gig
-Interin Minister of the Interior of Iraq

I simply picked out the popular highlights for that bullet list. Look, all I'm saying is they guy has played the game at all levels. If he's guilty then so be it, let the jury find him so, and then lock him up accordingly. I am 100% on the side of justice, and hope it is served accordingly. But even the devil get's his due.

Off topic; Perfect Storm;

I have the range this week:

1) The serial number on my Glock is 666.
2) My assigned shooting station is number 13.
3) It's full moon.
4) Watch out!