USAF Experiences/Advice

[rolex87]

Hi Calguns,

I'm looking at the Air Force after I'm done with college in the spring (Sac State) but can't seem to figure out the physical standards (specifically the run time). Is that what you are required to run at the initial test at the MEPS or at the end of basic/OTS? I have absolutely no issues with the pushups/situps etc., but I've been fighting shin splints which keeps my running times way lower than they should be. I wrestled in high school and am in good shape and am now trying to fix my leg issues so I am better ready...

Also, I'd appreciate it if previous vets/current active duty could give me their experiences/advice regarding their time serving.

Thanks in advance!
Mike R.
rolex87

[gucci pilot]

IIRC, it has been 17 years since I went through field training, the fitness test criteria is the same for those for us currently in the Air Force. Of course, don't think that you "officially" passing the test will good enough for your TI in OCS . I have to go into work tomorrow, I dig around and see if I can get you a copy of the PT standards.

[rolex87]

True, that's why I'm trying to rehab my legs/shins as much as I can. Everything else is great as I've been big into fitness and weightlifting for the last 4-5 years. It looks like the last couple pairs of shoes that I've owned haven't been the best for running, so I just got a pair of "real" shoes and I'll see how they work for me.

[arfan66]

http://www.military.com/military-fitness/air-force-fitness-requirements/air-force-basic-military-training-fitness-test

So, the maximum run times are based on your age. Basically, the younger you are, the less time you have to run 1.5 miles. Just before I retired at age 41 back in '07, my time limit was 12 min. 44 sec. At 2 min. 7.33 sec. per 1/4 mile, it's not an Olympic pace but you should be fair shape to get it done. And to think I smoked for the first 10 yrs. in the Air Force

[rolex87]

Thanks arfan, but I haven't been able to locate the age bracketing though. When my friend joined the ANG, he mentioned that I would have more time since there were age brackets (right now I'm 25) but I haven't been able to locate them. Maybe it's some sort of internal document...the internet seems to be the same "basic" time. But it seems like that the brackets may be pretty small considering the time you gave, so that helps out a lot! I can see by your sig that you were also a good shot when you entered the AF

[arfan66]

Actually, I didn't get the marksmanship ribbon at basic training. I got it when they added the gas mask a few years ago. Go figure......

[rolex87]

Wow I didn't know that was an option.

[arfan66]

http://www.wapscalc.com/extras.html

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you'll find the PT calculator.

http://www.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/AFI10-248.pdf

You'll find the current PT run requirements on pgs. 66 -73. Keep in mind that the standards will change later this year.....

ETA: The gas mask is mandatory for M16 requalification. I'm not sure about the initial qualification at basic or OTS since you haven't been issued a mask yet . Maybe someone that just completed basic/OTS will chime in.

[rolex87]

That's just what I needed. Thanks very much!

[gucci pilot]

Thanks, arfan66! Now I don't have to go into the base tomorrow.

[Striker87]

Actually, I didn't get the marksmanship ribbon at basic training. I got it when they added the gas mask a few years ago. Go figure......

Haha, same here Senior. those rounds that where going downrange when I had my mask on were really lucky.

[CombsForce]

Good to see this kind of post! First of all I was active duty AF for 5 1/2 years. Served right here in Cali at Edwards AFB and some years at Barksdale AFB, LA to include time at Hickam AFB, HI, Minot AFB, ND, Sheppard AFB, TX, and Andersen AFB, Guam. Let me say the Air Force is the best choice I made in my life. Period. There is nothing like the experiences you get and the people you meet. The places you get to go is an experience all on it's own. Being part of our nations history is a humbling experience that I'll never forget. And the honor of being a veteran of this nation's armed forces and serving with other airmen/soldiers is a title well deserved and one you'll have with you forever. There are just too many stories and things to share in one blog post. I don't think you'll regret any of the experiences awaiting you if you follow through and join the AF. It is definitely an adventure of a lifetime! PM me if you have any other questions or want specific information about my personal experiances. Good luck with your endeavors!

[Tom Slick]

I spent 10 years ('94-'04) combined with the USAF active and Air National Guard as a jet and turbine engine mechanic. I was only stationed in Calif. (Edwards and Channel Islands) with a few TDYs to other places.

Are you planning to enlist or commission?

My advice is sign up for a job that is fun. If I could do it over again I'd get an aircrew job.

[tacticalcity]

It's been forever and a day since I was in. I don't remember the run times being all that difficult. I was near the middle of pack and did just fine. Of course, I was in shape as I was a wrestler and football player in high school, and joined right after graduation.

As an officer, you'll probably have your career field pretty much planned out for you. It is always a good idea to get what you will be doing in writing. Avoid Supply, Transportation, Finance, and anything that is 100% clerical. Intel, Operations, Aviation all spectacular.

You are definitely doing it the right way. College first. The Air Force is a great life, especially as an officer. You're going to get firsthand experience in a leadership role. So even if you don't make a career out of it, you'll be qualified to be middle management from here on in. Most college graduates won't be as well off. If you do make a career of it, you'll be able to retire and get a pension long before the majority of your friends. Young enough to start off as upper management in the civilian sector and really be well off.

If you're lucky, you'll get assigned overseas. Either Japan or Western Europe. If you think you don't want that, you're wrong. Everybody wants that, they just don't know it until they are there. I've had buddies curse up and down about an overseas assignment, and every single one of them loved it. They missed home and felt a little out of place at first. Once they adjusted they had the time of their lives, even the guys with families.

There really is no downside. There is some risk, but just walking across the street is risky. There is a lot of structure, but that can be rewarding as well. Off all the services, the Air Force offers the best quality of life.

Personally I think you are making a wise choice.

[rolex87]

[QUOTE=Tom Slick;3708882]
Are you planning to enlist or commission?
QUOTE]

I was hoping to commission, but have read about plans to draw down the size of the AF on multiple news sites although they don't mention the dates of such plans. I called the Reserve at Travis and I got the sense that the officer positions were somehow "full" and that if I wanted to join that unit then I would need to go in as an enlisted member... I'm assuming that the AF likes to commission from within, but I will already have my college done. My dad always told me that he respected the rank regardless of whether they were ROTC or previous enlisted or direct commission...

I was also looking at the Guard unit in Fresno, as my friend is a member who recently got accepted into flight training and I met his relative (or close family friend) who was recently promoted to the position of base commander down there who gave me some good info with pros and cons, which I appreciated. I will probably go this route if the Park Service accepts me in a full-time position in Yosemite since Fresno is close.