Becoming A Pilot in the VTANG

Thank you for your interest in becoming a fighter pilot in the Vermont Air National Guard (Vermont ANG or VTANG)! We are seeking highly motivated men and women to join our team. The Vermont Air National Guard will begin accepting applications beginning January 1^st, 2019 and closing March 31^st, 2019 for an Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) Board to be held in June 2019. This will be a selection board to hire new F-35 pilots into the VTANG.

Application Packages

Pilot application package must be submitted in full by March 31^st 2019. The VTANG will not accept partial packages -- all contents must be accounted for upon delivery to the 134^th Fighter Squadron (FS). Candidates will be notified if they are selected for an interview based on the candidate's ability to meet the outlined pre-requisites and the competitiveness of their application. All interviews will be held in person at the 134^th FS located in South Burlington, VT.

The 134^th FS will host an outreach event for all applicants to visit the VTANG on May 4^th. If you plan to attend please let us know. Attendance is not required, though this a unique opportunity for applicants to tour some of the aviation facilities and explore the local area. There will also be a brief by the Squadron Commander and a social to follow.

Pre-requisites for Pilot Training Applicants

• Must be in good overall health
• Must be a U.S. Citizen capable of obtaining a Top Secret clearance
• Age: Air Force regulation mandates that any student attending UPT must start flight training prior to their 30th birthday
• Must possess a 4 year college degree (or have at least 90 credit hours completed)

• Degree must be obtained before being sent to ANG Academy of Military Science (AMS) 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, though any civilian time should be submitted for consideration.

Required Application Items

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• AFOQT Scores
• TBAS/PCSM Scores
• Letters of Recommendation (Three Maximum)
• Most recent 2 OPR/EPRs if current serving in the Armed Forces
• College Transcripts
• Copy of pilots license and most recent logbook page (if applicable)
• Current Photograph (within last 6 months)

Mail completed application package to:

So Burlington VT 05403-5870

Summary of Selection Process and Pilot Training:

This hiring board will select an undetermined number of 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. A current FAA physical does not meet USAF standards. When the physical is complete packages are sent to higher headquarters for approval and assignment of dates for the ANG Academy of Military Science (AMS), Introductory Flight Screening (IFS), and Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT). Typical timeline to begin training is 6-12 months and AMS, IFS, and SUPT will take approximately 18 months.

After completion of SUPT, new pilots will attend Land Survival at Fairchild Air Force Base and Water Survival at Pensacola NAS, FL. These two courses take approximately six 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 Air Force Base.

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 4 years.