Hey everyone! I've been looking at alot of AFSC and am having a hard time choosing the right one for me. I really want to become an aerial gunner. I wouldnt mind being in a C-130 just loading the guns, but i'd rather be in a chopper. My question is, if anyone has the answer, what are the chances of being in a chopper? My favorite is the MH-53 Pave low but i just found out it got retired I'd like to be in the HH-60 or the CV-22(which i heard will replace the MH-53). Are there any others? Any answers would be great!
I am on the -60 so I will tell you what I know. Getting the -60 out of BAG (basic aerial gunner course) is hit or miss. Half of our very small class got the helo. BUT...two of us were reserves so we knew we had it. The rest got the gunship. The CV-22 does not have a gunner...or a gun for that matter...not yet. When/if they do, it will be operator by an FE.
Sign up for the job but know you might end up being on C130's. Also know that there are NO, ZERO HH60's in AFSOC. We are an ACC asset tasked to pickup downed fighter pukes. If you like Florida or New Mexico, then AC-130's might be the bird to go to. More options on the -60..and in my opinion, probably a whole lot more fun...but not nearly as comfortable.
Being on the -60 freaking rocks! Shot the .50 cal yesterday...tons of fun!
Talked to Sgt.Red, the slots that were projected to open up might not be there any more, and I went down to talk to Sgt. Rymer but I still have a few questions. Especially since you went through it recently. How long were you gone before you came back to get qualed at the home station? Im hearing now that the State of CA wont allow me to accrew senority after 6 months unless I burn my vacation, and thats a big factor. How is active duty pay, I would go back in as an E-5 and married with a house, and if I remember right, e-5's dont make squat. My concern is mostly the length of the tech school, It would be great if I could finish the school, come back, go to work for a month than go back on active duty orders for the quals. Let me know what you think. My E-mail is formulad97@yahoo.com
For -60 Gunners. I don't know what gunship dudes do.
Kill people.....and throw J's out. Kidding.
Honestly, for a reserve guy, it is go fly and then go home. For an AD guy/gal...other duties like scheduling, mobility...ect. I know a guy that got out of Kirtland a few weeks after I did and he never flies. He is AD. Another guy with another unit flies quite a bit in addition to being the security manager.
A day of flying consist of showing 3-4 hours prior to take off. Getting your crap ready, briefing for waaayy to long, pre-flighting and nesting. If there are guns, pre-flight and load the guns and then wait for the zeroes to show up. If no guns, terminal area work. Approaches, rope and ladder work (with or without J's), just flying around, maybe do some AR. Guns; gun pattern work, land, reload and go do more gun patterns with some countermeasure procedures thrown in. Guns are fun when they work. If they break and it is a hard break, then it sucks.
Our missions are about 3 hours and I have heard the AD's go as long as 5 which is just plain stupid in my opinion. After 3 hours, you want to get out of the helo. If you cannot get what you need to get done in 3, then you are not using your time wisely.
Oh...and all this takes place if you get the helo started.
As a gunship guy, we have the same responsibilities. We fly majority of the time but when we are not flying we have additional duties. Every crew member is assigned a duty to assist in the day to day operations of the squadron.
I'd like to be in the HH-60 or the CV-22(which i heard will replace the MH-53). Are there any others? Any answers would be great! 
