In this episode of  @AfterburnPodcast  host John “Rain” Waters sits down with Bob “Bags” Simeone, a former Navy F/A-18 Hornet pilot who flew combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. From low-level strikes over Iraq to night tanking in icing conditions, Bags shares a raw, often hilarious, and deeply personal account of what it was like to be part of America’s return to high-end warfare after Vietnam.

They dive into what deployment looked like aboard the USS America in the early ‘90s, the challenges of navigating pre-GPS cockpits, and the chaos of coordinating missions in a pre–Link 16 world. Bags recounts everything from near-diverts over Australia to accidentally bombing a Kuwaiti beach house to make Saddam think an amphibious assault was coming.

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

Subscribe for more first-hand accounts of air combat, veteran life, and the moments that shaped a generation of military aviators. 🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod
Chapters




In this episode, a former Navy fighter pilot recounts his experiences during a fast-paced air combat mission. He shares the challenges of multiple target switches due to friendly forces and the quick decisions needed in military aviation. Hear a great military history story of skill under pressure.

In July 2012, F-16 pilot Scott “Fester” Fredrick found himself in a fight for survival over the frigid North Pacific. What began as a routine movement flight from Misawa to Eielson turned into a catastrophic engine failure, forcing him to eject over open ocean and spend more than six hours in 55-degree water before rescue.


🔸Join the channel for “There I was…” stories, Fester’s is another great one
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

In this episode, we dive into Fester’s incredible career — from chasing the B-2 Spirit during flight test, to combat over Iraq, to his harrowing ejection and rescue. We talk pilot training lessons, split-second decision making, survival training that saved his life, and how perspective changes after you’ve stared death in the face.

Whether you’re into aviation, military history, or just a great story of resilience and skill under pressure, this one delivers.

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

00:00 Aspiring fighter Pilot's Journey
08:08 From "Woe Is Me" to Fighter Pilot
12:32 Pilot Training Mishaps and Penalties
17:42 Aviation Mishap Anecdote
25:36 Dangerous Nighttime Mission Recount
26:34 JDAM Bombing: Precision Challenges
33:48 Career Risk: Korea or Maxwell?
39:00 "Overcoming Crisis Abroad"
45:26 Mid-Flight Engine Failure
50:21 Unexpected Precision in Flight
58:19 Rescue at Sea by Vessels
59:30 Isolation Stress and Mental Fortitude
01:07:24 Rescue Tale: Cargo Ship Dilemma
01:10:58 Airborne Ejection, Whiskey, and Travels
01:18:07 Miraculous Escape from Plane Crash
01:21:24 Aircraft Incident Investigation Summary
01:27:34 Embrace Life's Uncertainty
01:30:36 Unwavering National Support

In this episode of the Bro Chat, "Flash" "Bender" and "Rain" are joined by Kevin "Konan" Parkhurst to discuss flying the F-35 in the reserves, how to get hired by a reserve or guard unit and more.

Let BogiDope guide you to becoming a pilot in the guard or reserves: launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds
04:52 Conan's Journey Through UPT
09:51 The Unsponsored Track Experience
14:53 Hiring Board Insights
19:40 Evaluating Candidates for Pilot Training
25:12 Evaluating Candidates: The Selection Process
29:38 The Importance of Presentation in Applications
34:15 Navigating the Interview Process
39:17 Making Connections: Tips for Aspiring Pilots
44:01 Understanding the Competitive Landscape
48:41 The Reality of the Hiring Board
51:20 Navigating the Hiring Process
55:04 Pro Tips for Aspiring Pilots
01:00:39 The Importance of Networking
01:06:11 Exploring Different Paths to Becoming a Pilot
01:11:06 Final Thoughts and Reflections

----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

Takeaways

Conan's unique path to pilot training highlights the importance of perseverance.
Networking is crucial in the military, especially for pilot candidates.
The unsponsored track requires extra effort to secure a position after training.
Hiring boards consider both objective scores and subjective impressions.
Candidates should ensure their applications are professional and error-free.
Personal connections can significantly influence hiring decisions.
The experience of rushing units can be daunting but rewarding.
Being proactive in reaching out to units can enhance opportunities.
Understanding the hiring process can demystify the path to becoming a pilot.
Every candidate's journey is unique, and resilience is key. Navigating military culture can be awkward but essential.
Finding a balance in squadron dynamics is crucial.
Being genuine is more important than fitting a stereotype.
Networking plays a significant role in career advancement.
Don't limit yourself to one path; explore all options.
The hiring process is competitive and requires effort.
Personal relationships can greatly influence hiring decisions.
Active duty experience can provide valuable insights.
Be proactive in seeking opportunities and connections.
Persistence is key; make the last person tell you no.

In this episode, deeply personal conversation, A-10 Weapons Officer Lorenzo Harris opens up with Mike "Flash" McVay about the mission that changed his life, and the battle he rarely talks about. From earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for a harrowing 8-hour firefight in Afghanistan to silently struggling with guilt, identity, and loss, Lorenzo recounts how he navigated one of the most intense missions of his career and the psychological toll that followed.

We trace his journey from growing up in North Pole, Alaska, to becoming one of the most respected A-10 instructors in the U.S. Air Force. Lorenzo reveals how he hit rock bottom—haunted by one mission—and how he rebuilt his life with a new mission: helping others through coaching, mindset development, and service beyond the cockpit.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever struggled with identity, purpose, or the weight of leadership. One of the most powerful interviews ever recorded on The Afterburn Podcast.

Lorenzo: https://www.youtube.com/@UCtEKb9z53MlfJQ85ipjmmYg
https://stan.store/iamlorenzoharris

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn

----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

00:00 – Intro: Flash & Lorenzo Reunite
01:25 – Growing Up in Alaska & First Steps Toward Aviation
03:50 – F-16 Ride That Changed Everything
06:45 – A-10 School & Humbling Lessons
09:05 – First Deployment to Afghanistan (2009)
10:38 – Weapons School: “I Almost Quit on Friday”
11:40 – Moody AFB & Becoming a Tier One Patch
13:45 – The Weight of Responsibility as a Weapons Officer
16:10 – Identity, Purpose & the Question of Legacy
19:15 – The Second Deployment (2013) That Changed Everything
22:35 – The Disconnect Between Policy & Purpose
25:05 – April 6, 2013: The Day He Never Talks About
35:30 – The Battle: Surrounded in Kunar Valley
41:40 – Coordinating the Stack: Chaos in the Sky
47:55 – Acting as FACA While Controlling CAS Assets
51:35 – Aftermath: Learning He Couldn’t Save Everyone
53:35 – Carrying the Weight: When the Mission Follows You Home
56:40 – Breaking Down in Uniform, in a Mirror
59:15 – Losing His Purpose, Losing Control
01:01:15 – “Am I Evil?” – The Spiral Begins
01:05:40 – The Therapy Question That Changed Everything
01:07:45 – Building the Next Version of Lorenzo
01:10:15 – From Fighter Pilot to Men’s Coach
01:12:00 – “Create the Man You Admire”
01:14:00 – Final Reflections & Advice for Veterans

🔹 Check out my sponsor https://aura.com/afterburn to get a 14-day free trial and see if your personal information has been compromised🔹

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

This week on The Lowdown, we break down the biggest moves in military aviation and defense:

✈️ F-16s depart Misawa Air Base as the U.S. Air Force prepares for a major F-35 deployment in Japan — a key shift in Indo-Pacific airpower.

🛩️ The B-21 Raider stealth bomber is on track for combat configuration and flight testing by 2026. We cover what that means for the B-1 and B-2 fleets.

🚛 KC-46 Pegasus production ramps up, as the Air Force shelves plans for a stealth tanker and leans on Boeing's multi-role refueler.

⚠️ Threat of the Day: SA-21 Growler (S-400) — Russia’s long-range SAM system is central to its A2/AD strategy. We break down capabilities, variants, and combat history.
This week on The Lowdown, we break down the biggest moves in military aviation and defense:

✈️ F-16s depart Misawa Air Base as the U.S. Air Force prepares for a major F-35 deployment in Japan — a key shift in Indo-Pacific airpower.

🛩️ The B-21 Raider stealth bomber is on track for combat configuration and flight testing by 2026. We cover what that means for the B-1 and B-2 fleets.

🚛 KC-46 Pegasus production ramps up, as the Air Force shelves plans for a stealth tanker and leans on Boeing's multi-role refueler.

⚠️ Threat of the Day: SA-21 Growler (S-400) — Russia’s long-range SAM system is central to its A2/AD strategy. We break down capabilities, variants, and combat history.

Also in this episode:

SOCOM cuts OA-1K Skyraider II buys

B-1B bombers getting a massive firepower boost

E-7 Wedgetail drama on Capitol Hill

AI wingmen take to the skies in Valkyrie drone tests

Snapshot stories from NORAD intercepts to HH-60W VIP conversions

📩 Subscribe to The Lowdown Newsletter for the full breakdown:
👉 https://www.lowdownnews.us

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

🔹 Check out my sponsor https://aura.com/afterburn to get a 14-day free trial and see if your personal information has been compromised🔹

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

Welcome to this week’s Lowdown with The Afterburn Podcast! 🚀 Dive into the latest defense and aerospace news, including China’s new J-20S twin-seat stealth fighter, DARPA’s warning on quantum sensing threatening F-35 and B-21 stealth, Chinese espionage arrests targeting the U.S. Navy, a grounded British F-35B in India, NATO F-35s guarding Ukraine-bound supplies, and a KC-46 tanker mishap. Plus, Rheinmetall’s new F-35A plant in Germany, retired generals pushing for more F-35As and E-7 Wedgetails, and our Threat of the Day: China’s Chengdu J-10. Stay ahead with breaking military aviation news!

🔥 Key Topics:
J-20S Stealth Fighter: Twin-seat game-changer for China’s PLAAF
Quantum Sensing: Is stealth technology obsolete?
Chinese Espionage: FBI arrests uncover MSS operations
F-35B Emergency: British jet stranded in India
NATO F-35 Mission: Guarding Ukraine supplies
KC-46 Tanker Issues: Boom arm failures persist
Rheinmetall F-35A Plant: Boosting NATO’s defense industry
Chengdu J-10: China’s multirole fighter unpacked

🎙️ Subscribe for weekly defense news updates! Listen to The Afterburn Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Visit https://TheAfterburnPodcast.com for more.

#MilitaryAviation #DefenseNews #J20 #F35 #QuantumSensing #Espionage #NATO #KC46 #Aerospace #ChengduJ10 #AirForce #StealthTechnology #TheAfterburnPodcast

🔔 Hit the bell for notifications! Like, comment, and share your thoughts below! What’s the biggest threat to modern air superiority?
🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

In this episode of  @AfterburnPodcast  host John “Rain” Waters sits down with Bob “Bags” Simeone, a former Navy F/A-18 Hornet pilot who flew combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. From low-level strikes over Iraq to night tanking in icing conditions, Bags shares a raw, often hilarious, and deeply personal account of what it was like to be part of America’s return to high-end warfare after Vietnam.

They dive into what deployment looked like aboard the USS America in the early ‘90s, the challenges of navigating pre-GPS cockpits, and the chaos of coordinating missions in a pre–Link 16 world. Bags recounts everything from near-diverts over Australia to accidentally bombing a Kuwaiti beach house to make Saddam think an amphibious assault was coming.

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

Subscribe for more first-hand accounts of air combat, veteran life, and the moments that shaped a generation of military aviators. 🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod
Chapters




In this episode, a former Navy fighter pilot recounts his experiences during a fast-paced air combat mission. He shares the challenges of multiple target switches due to friendly forces and the quick decisions needed in military aviation. Hear a great military history story of skill under pressure.

In July 2012, F-16 pilot Scott “Fester” Fredrick found himself in a fight for survival over the frigid North Pacific. What began as a routine movement flight from Misawa to Eielson turned into a catastrophic engine failure, forcing him to eject over open ocean and spend more than six hours in 55-degree water before rescue.


🔸Join the channel for “There I was…” stories, Fester’s is another great one
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

In this episode, we dive into Fester’s incredible career — from chasing the B-2 Spirit during flight test, to combat over Iraq, to his harrowing ejection and rescue. We talk pilot training lessons, split-second decision making, survival training that saved his life, and how perspective changes after you’ve stared death in the face.

Whether you’re into aviation, military history, or just a great story of resilience and skill under pressure, this one delivers.

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

00:00 Aspiring fighter Pilot's Journey
08:08 From "Woe Is Me" to Fighter Pilot
12:32 Pilot Training Mishaps and Penalties
17:42 Aviation Mishap Anecdote
25:36 Dangerous Nighttime Mission Recount
26:34 JDAM Bombing: Precision Challenges
33:48 Career Risk: Korea or Maxwell?
39:00 "Overcoming Crisis Abroad"
45:26 Mid-Flight Engine Failure
50:21 Unexpected Precision in Flight
58:19 Rescue at Sea by Vessels
59:30 Isolation Stress and Mental Fortitude
01:07:24 Rescue Tale: Cargo Ship Dilemma
01:10:58 Airborne Ejection, Whiskey, and Travels
01:18:07 Miraculous Escape from Plane Crash
01:21:24 Aircraft Incident Investigation Summary
01:27:34 Embrace Life's Uncertainty
01:30:36 Unwavering National Support

In this episode of the Bro Chat, "Flash" "Bender" and "Rain" are joined by Kevin "Konan" Parkhurst to discuss flying the F-35 in the reserves, how to get hired by a reserve or guard unit and more.

Let BogiDope guide you to becoming a pilot in the guard or reserves: launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds
04:52 Conan's Journey Through UPT
09:51 The Unsponsored Track Experience
14:53 Hiring Board Insights
19:40 Evaluating Candidates for Pilot Training
25:12 Evaluating Candidates: The Selection Process
29:38 The Importance of Presentation in Applications
34:15 Navigating the Interview Process
39:17 Making Connections: Tips for Aspiring Pilots
44:01 Understanding the Competitive Landscape
48:41 The Reality of the Hiring Board
51:20 Navigating the Hiring Process
55:04 Pro Tips for Aspiring Pilots
01:00:39 The Importance of Networking
01:06:11 Exploring Different Paths to Becoming a Pilot
01:11:06 Final Thoughts and Reflections

----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

Takeaways

Conan's unique path to pilot training highlights the importance of perseverance.
Networking is crucial in the military, especially for pilot candidates.
The unsponsored track requires extra effort to secure a position after training.
Hiring boards consider both objective scores and subjective impressions.
Candidates should ensure their applications are professional and error-free.
Personal connections can significantly influence hiring decisions.
The experience of rushing units can be daunting but rewarding.
Being proactive in reaching out to units can enhance opportunities.
Understanding the hiring process can demystify the path to becoming a pilot.
Every candidate's journey is unique, and resilience is key. Navigating military culture can be awkward but essential.
Finding a balance in squadron dynamics is crucial.
Being genuine is more important than fitting a stereotype.
Networking plays a significant role in career advancement.
Don't limit yourself to one path; explore all options.
The hiring process is competitive and requires effort.
Personal relationships can greatly influence hiring decisions.
Active duty experience can provide valuable insights.
Be proactive in seeking opportunities and connections.
Persistence is key; make the last person tell you no.