Welcome Message
“I appreciate your interest in becoming an aviator with the 158th Fighter Wing. When preparing your application, please avoid using expensive folders and bindings. Save your money—we are primarily interested in the facts. The pilot screening board wants to know why you would make a great officer and aviator.
"While references and letters of recommendation can be valuable, they will not guarantee a position. We prioritize qualities like selflessness, teamwork, openness to feedback, humility, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
"As a fighter pilot, you travel worldwide, sometimes to challenging environments. You are responsible for both taking and saving lives. Sometimes, you are sleep-deprived, stressed, and lonely; however, at the end of the day, you experience a profound sense of meaning and purpose.
"It’s important to understand that the Vermont Air National Guard is not a flying club. We are a dedicated military organization providing airpower to the Combatant Commanders. If you are ready for this challenge, I look forward to meeting you this September.”
Lt Col Trevor “Tank” Callens, 134th FS CC
Application Packages
Thank you for your interest in becoming a fighter pilot in the Vermont Air National Guard (VTANG)! Applications for Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) with the Vermont Air National Guard closes on July 15, 2025.
Pilot application package must be submitted in full and postmarked by July 15, 2025. All content must be accounted for upon delivery to the 134th Fighter Squadron (FS). Candidates will be notified if they are selected for an interview based on the candidate's ability to meet the outlined prerequisites and the competitiveness of their application. All interviews will be held in person at the 134th FS located in South Burlington, VT.
Prerequisites for Pilot Training Applicants
- Must be in good overall health
- Must be a U.S. Citizen capable of obtaining a Top Secret clearance
- Age: Applicant must start flight training prior to their 33rd birthday
- Must possess a 4 year college degree (or have at least 90 credit hours completed)
- Degree must be obtained before being sent to Officer Training School (OTS) for officer commissioning
- Must have taken, and received the results from the following tests:
- Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)
- Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS)
To schedule the AFOQT and TBAS tests, contact any Air Force or Air National Guard Recruiter. Military members may contact the local base training office to schedule the AFOQT and TBAS tests. Flying experience is not required.
Required Application Items—Please compile the following items into a 1/2" - 1" Green Binder:
- VTANG Questionnaire (Click here to open attachment)
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- AFOQT Scores
- TBAS/PCSM Scores
- Letters of Recommendation (Three Maximum)
- Official College Transcripts (original or copy)
- Copy of pilots license and most recent logbook page (if applicable)
- Current Photo
- If currently serving in armed forces:
- Most recent 2 OPR/EPRs
- Current fitness test results
Mail completed application package to:
158th Operations Group Administration
ATTN: Pilot Selection Board
108 NCO Drive
South Burlington VT 05403-5870
No changes will be made to packages following submission. Following the application deadline, approximately 50 applicants will be selected for video interviews. Video interview guidance and instructions will be provided upon notification of selection. Invitations to rush events occurring May-August will be sent out following application review. The selection board interviews will occur September 25-26 2025. Results will be posted by October 31 2025. Please let us know if you need clarification on any part of the application process.
Summary of Selection Process and Pilot Training:
This hiring board will select two applicants for pilot training and follow on F-35 training. Once selected, applicants will be scheduled for a USAF Class I Flight Physical at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. When the physical is complete packages are sent to higher headquarters for approval and assignment of dates for Officer Training School (OTS), Introductory Flight Screening (IFS), and Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). Typical timeline to begin training is 6-12 months. OTS, IFS, and UPT will take approximately 18 months.
After completion of SUPT, new pilots will attend Land and Water Survival at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. These two courses take approximately three weeks to complete. Pilots will then attend Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) lasting about 3 months. Finally, pilots will attend the F-35 Basic Course (B-Course) lasting approximately 9 months at either Luke AFB or Eglin AFB.
Upon completion of the B-Course, pilots will return to the Vermont ANG, where they will complete their initial Mission Qualification Training (MQT). During MQT pilots will continue to further their skills to become combat ready fighter pilots. Officers will remain on continuous active duty from the time they begin SUPT until they complete MQT.
After completion of all MQT requirements, the now combat-ready F-35A pilot has the opportunity to revert to a Drill Status Guardsman (DSG, part-time status) or compete for a full time position if one is available. Pilots are required to perform monthly ground and flying duties as required for flying currency and minimum training standards, or as directed by the unit Commander. This entire process will take approximately 3-4 years.
Contact Information:
Capt Ethan Allen
VTANGapps@gmail.com