Pilot Selection Process

**UNIT SELECTION BOARD** (Pilot)

The USB is convened when the unit is notified that a pilot training slot is available from the Air Force, or when deemed appropriate by the unit commander. The Operations Group Commander will convene a board of officers assigned to the unit, who review the applicant's records. This includes past history, resume, college transcripts, AFOQT scores and other information collected during your processing. The main purpose is to select individuals for the available slots. The selection is made on the "Total Person" concept.

While all of the above factors are looked at very carefully, selection is made of those individuals who will most likely contribute to the unit once they have returned from training. Therefore, while previous flying time is definitely a plus, it is not the sole consideration for being selected to pilot training.

**INTERVIEW** (Pilot)

A maximum of ten to twenty applicants per slot will be selected for interview. Questions will be divided among the board members. Allow 30 minutes to an hour for your interview. Applicants will be rated by point values based on AFOQT scores, educational experience, aviation experience, work experience, activities, personal appearance, leadership potential, and desire. The board will determine the ranking of the applicants. The board is directed to eliminate any applicant which it concludes to be not suited for commissioning or flying training.

Think of it as if you were applying for another job. The board wants to know the real you. They know that you want to fly or you wouldn't have applied, so what they'll be interested in are your interests and hobbles, and more importantly, your plans for the future. Once again, they're looking for those individuals who will be able to contribute to the unit, not only as a pilot but as an officer in the New Jersey Air National Guard.

**BAT TEST** (Pilot)

The Basic Attributes Test (BAT) is a computerized test battery. The BAT consists of five subtests which include psychomotor skills, cognitive aptitude, and personality traits. It is used as an aid in the selection of United States Air Force pilot candidates. BAT scores are combined with the candidate's Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), pilot composite score and flying hours to produce a Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PSSM) score. The PCSM score provides a measure of a candidate's aptitude for pilot training.

Their PCSM score will be given to the selection board along with other "whole person concept" information to make decisions concerning pilot candidate selection. The test is mentally challenging, and it is recommended that you get a good nights sleep before the test. The test takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Several of the tests are self paced, which means actual test times will vary. Only one opportunity to take the BAT test will be given.

**FLIGHT PHYSICALS** (Pilot)

Flight physicals are given to the finalists prior to final ranking by the selection board. The physicals are administered at the unit and, in some cases, at an Air Force base closest to your home of record. Physical may take anywhere for 3-5 hours. Hearing - no significant loss of hearing. Blood Pressure/EKG, Lab Work, Dental Check, and finally a Flight Surgeon Evaluation, Eyes - requirements were listed previously in general qualifications area.

**FINAL SELECTION**

The purpose of the final selection board is to select the primary and alternate candidates for the unit commander's final approval. The long hard process to selection is over. However, the hardest test to win your wings and a cockpit seat is just beginning.

**FLIGHT SCREENING PROGRAM** (Pilot)

Upon approval of you appointment package, you will attend a four week Flight Screening Program (FSP) conducted in San Antonio, Texas. This course is designed to test your general aptitude for flying and is also designed to evaluate your ability under the stresses of flight. Once you have successfully completed the FSP program you will attend the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science in Knoxville, Tennessee.

**ACADEMY OF MILITARY SCIENCE (AMS)** (Pilot)

This six week course is designed to acquaint officer candidates with their duties and responsibilities as officers in the Air National Guard. The course provides instruction interleadership and management, Air Force organization and history, military customs and courtesies, interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, supervisory skills and other courses to help you become a leader in today's Air National Guard. upon graduation you will earn your "gold bars" as a Second Lieutenant in the Air National Guard and the United States Air Force.

**UNDERGRADUATE PILOT TRAINING** (Pilot)

This training begins with a basic 52-week course designed to qualify you to perform the duties and responsibilities of a pilot in the Air National Guard. Graduates are qualified to fly USAF jet aircraft and usually proceed to advanced flying courses.

Following completion of the basic pilot training program, you will attend a transition program that will prepare you to fly the F-16 or the KC-135. This transition training may be with the active Air Force or with an Air National Guard Flying training school. You will also be required to attend a basic survival training course during your initial pilot training program.