"A man's gotta know his limitations." I've been out as many years as you've been alive and I'm a big fan. I can look back at my 17 year old self and know 100% I wouldn't have been able to get through your pipeline.
Even given the very serious undertones of this video, watching this made me feel a lot better as a newer TSgt who is about to send an application once able. The headspace described about needing to be aware of the fact that you are a Day 1 person again is exactly where I am at mentally, and I’m aware I’ll be expected more of, being where I’m at career wise, as that’s already how my day to day is and I do the best I can to live up to that. I haven’t been following this channel for very long but I’m glad I found it as I’ve learned so much from all of you and I’ll be honored just to even have the chance for my package to be reviewed. Here’s to hoping a TSgt spot is available next retraining cycle and that the praise I’ve been getting about my work ethic/quality of work from leadership is enough to let them approve my retraining.
You have to prove to almost every single person in your chain of command that you are worthy (to them) to get your foot in the door. You’ll have to interview with your flight chief, superintendent, Chief and commander before the commander writes your letter of recommendation. You will have to perform every day in whatever career field you’re in. Trent said it best, there’s no switch that’ll be flipped. Work hard now and continue doing so. I always remember this is what I choose to do so why do it half assed?
Found the episode i was looking for. Im so glad you guys have this info. I started the process and it's a lot of paperwork. I have about a year until i retrain. Its going to be hard to balance my job, college and staying fit but I'm doing it.
Guys thank you so much for keeping at it with the videos; channel has recently turned into one of my favorites on RUclips, always helpful, and inspiring to this young airman; no matter the topic. THANK YOU AGAIN!
Great advice and valid talking points on the show. Current CATM troop trying to go SERE and hardest part is that CFM approval in a undermanned career field, but still jobbing it tell I can hopefully apply.
I went for a walk and I was watching the helicopters leaving Nellis and I was imagining that they might be going on a PJ training exercise. I've been spending a lot of time on OnesReady 😅
Got a friend that wanted to be a SMA. Recruiter told him that there was a wait time of a however many months. Recruiter said do this job and cross train later and you will already have a foot in the door. He has been in this job for 6 or 7 years now and has applied to move and applied to cross train every chance he got. Denied every time because this field is critically undermanned. Guys and gals, wait for the job you want and get after it. Look at it as more time to prepare.
The Special Mission Aviator (SMA) AFSC lacks the pre-enlistment assessment requirements imposed by the 9T500 Basic Airman Special Warfare Enlisted Airman Reporting Identifier. The SMA AFSC doesn't impose the same assessment and selection criteria that AFSPECWAR imposes on enlisted service members submitting application to reclassify into the 1Z AFSCs. The more time to prepare is certainly a legitimate course of action decision factor, but the actual predicament is prepare for what and why when there is no initial fitness standard other than meet the Air Force's service wide general (Teir 1) fitness and height and weight standards. There is no whole person screening assessment and selection required for entry in the initial training required for entry award of the SMA 3-skill level. The universal problem is quantity need relevant to how many qualified individuals are applying to get the available slots. When many more qualified personnel are applying to get accepted than manpower positions exist to put them into a situation of a log jam occurs that translates to increasing wait times. For those desiring to reclassify (Cross Train) this log jam causes a wait time that causes increase in tine in service and time in grade that diminishes the opportunity to cross train as it does take time to get the cross trainee upgraded to 5-skill level after completing the initial skills training. If the cross trainee is a TSgt it takes considerable time and training expense to upgrade this service member to 7-skill level. At some point the need for additional; time to prepare becomes a crutch that doesn't yield the expected results as this issue generally a lack of self-confidence more so than lack of adequate preparation.
Great informative video, but the assignment portion strayed focus slightly away from the circumstances and situation of the service member who reclassified out of one AFSC into one of the enlisted Spec War (1Z) AFCS. The one up one down is applicable as long as the retrained into SPECWAR enlisted servicemember has acquired the skill level commensurate to their rank and grade. Generally, the one up or one down in rank/paygrade doesn't come into play until award of 5-skill level in the current primary awarded AFSC. Thus, SrA and SSgt is banded together for 5-skill level assignment considerations and TSgt and MSgt is banded together for 7-level assignment considerations. However, this doesn't address the units need for the 5 or 7 skill level having additional unique skill qualifications such as jumpmaster, dive supervisor, trainer, task certifier, team leader. All non-prior service, prior service, and cross trainees enter the AFSC with a 3-skill level upon completing the required initial skills training (tech-school). This means processing for that first assignment after completing initial skill training is done as a 3-level as completing tech school doesn't provide sufficient performing tasks unsupervised in the operational environment experience. This predicament of school training not providing a competent proficient enlisted service member capable of performing noncommission officer leadership (5 and 7 skill level) duties in the high-risk operational environments contributes to why the flood gates of lowering performance specification and qualification requirements is not opened to allow more cross trainees into the enlisted AFSPECWAR AFSCs. Doing so at some point compromises operational capability by unpredictable increasing operational risks sufficient to cause mission failure and even death and injury.
It's interesting isn't it? My dad hardly ever spoke ill about anyone under him....only once did I ever hear him do this. And what a shock it was listening to him call a person out for their performance on the job, the lack of initiative this person showed. I knew the person he was talking about & at first I thought my dad was being harsh. After getting to know that person better I fully understood my dad's opinion. If an AF person continually chooses the path of least resistance in his/her job & shows indifference to even advancing in rank because it's too much work...I'd never seen my dad that disgusted with another service member
Do you guys think you could (if you have any information at least) make an episode about the guard and reserves? the only info I can find is either Be a PJ's episode on it years ago, or reddit threads. As a guy who is active duty in a different branch, it seems like the most appealing option to me. There's just a lot of aspects to it that are hard to know. How to contact the specific command you are interested in if you don't live there, if there are opportunities for active guard/reserves, do I have to get out and get back in, just a lot of things that are hard to know. I know I can get in contact with a recruiter and they might be able to point me in the right direction, but I still have a significant amount of time in my contract before I can start that process.
I’m really hoping I didn’t mess up I truly want to be apart of PJ, but I’m physically incapable to meet the minimum scores for the PAST. Therefore, I have been working out to prepare, soon I will be shipping out to boot camp next month. As for the job I choose, Fuels was the one, since my recruiter had stressed many times that it’s been “heavily undermanned” and “is critically needed” having been for a few years. I as a person who feels their job is truly to help anyone with anything, no matter what, took it. Now, after watching this I’m wondering if I’ll ever even get that chance, the red flag was there; and am concerned towards the Fuels team holding me back, because of desperation for getting all the help they can get. 🤔 P.S. Thank you Trent and Jared for sharing all your knowledge and wisdom, I really appreciate it!
Im working on my packet and am stationed OCONUS. The latest FY24-FY25 retraining policy memorandum states members with a DEROS will be dealt with on a case by case basis. At what point is it feasible, and what is unlikely? Im currently 1.5 years into a 3 year tour in the UK.
I'm in basically the same situation. My DEROS is February 2026. If you email an AFPC help email and tell them your interested they can create a case number and get back to you. That just happened to me, even though I was denied through MYFSS.
@@jalenkinkela7507 i have started my re-training packet. Awaiting an IFT (T3i only comes around every 3 months) and then I am ready to submit. I already have my commanders letter of Rec and medical done. I just dont want to push the button too early and have to redo it closer to my DEROS.
Welp….don’t think my chances are too high to get a second shot at A&S. Thanks for the process knowledge. Definitely best to go in as non prior service and do not quit.
Is afspec war taking TSgt cross-trainees? Is there a TIS cutoff or does it come down to the candidates package, pt, epr’s and leadership recommendation?
When I looked at that publication it was all SSgt cutoff with a TIS but there wasn’t anything listed for SR. Thanks, and a heads up for any other TSgt’s.
@@Daveratz The March 2023 AFECD is pending release and some of the lacking info in the AFECD may be included in the newest version. Also, the retraining advisories in the past have provided the current info for that retraining cycle.
I broke my shin and got SOT’d. I want to come back so bad. I would do anything to get back to the pipeline. It’s all I want in life. Ones Ready, what do I do?
Currently in the process right now. So glad this came out.
"A man's gotta know his limitations." I've been out as many years as you've been alive and I'm a big fan. I can look back at my 17 year old self and know 100% I wouldn't have been able to get through your pipeline.
Even given the very serious undertones of this video, watching this made me feel a lot better as a newer TSgt who is about to send an application once able. The headspace described about needing to be aware of the fact that you are a Day 1 person again is exactly where I am at mentally, and I’m aware I’ll be expected more of, being where I’m at career wise, as that’s already how my day to day is and I do the best I can to live up to that. I haven’t been following this channel for very long but I’m glad I found it as I’ve learned so much from all of you and I’ll be honored just to even have the chance for my package to be reviewed. Here’s to hoping a TSgt spot is available next retraining cycle and that the praise I’ve been getting about my work ethic/quality of work from leadership is enough to let them approve my retraining.
You have to prove to almost every single person in your chain of command that you are worthy (to them) to get your foot in the door. You’ll have to interview with your flight chief, superintendent, Chief and commander before the commander writes your letter of recommendation. You will have to perform every day in whatever career field you’re in. Trent said it best, there’s no switch that’ll be flipped. Work hard now and continue doing so. I always remember this is what I choose to do so why do it half assed?
Found the episode i was looking for. Im so glad you guys have this info.
I started the process and it's a lot of paperwork. I have about a year until i retrain. Its going to be hard to balance my job, college and staying fit but I'm doing it.
Guys thank you so much for keeping at it with the videos; channel has recently turned into one of my favorites on RUclips, always helpful, and inspiring to this young airman; no matter the topic.
THANK YOU AGAIN!
Great advice and valid talking points on the show. Current CATM troop trying to go SERE and hardest part is that CFM approval in a undermanned career field, but still jobbing it tell I can hopefully apply.
I went for a walk and I was watching the helicopters leaving Nellis and I was imagining that they might be going on a PJ training exercise. I've been spending a lot of time on OnesReady 😅
Got a friend that wanted to be a SMA. Recruiter told him that there was a wait time of a however many months. Recruiter said do this job and cross train later and you will already have a foot in the door. He has been in this job for 6 or 7 years now and has applied to move and applied to cross train every chance he got. Denied every time because this field is critically undermanned. Guys and gals, wait for the job you want and get after it. Look at it as more time to prepare.
The Special Mission Aviator (SMA) AFSC lacks the pre-enlistment assessment requirements imposed by the 9T500 Basic Airman Special Warfare Enlisted Airman Reporting Identifier. The SMA AFSC doesn't impose the same assessment and selection criteria that AFSPECWAR imposes on enlisted service members submitting application to reclassify into the 1Z AFSCs.
The more time to prepare is certainly a legitimate course of action decision factor, but the actual predicament is prepare for what and why when there is no initial fitness standard other than meet the Air Force's service wide general (Teir 1) fitness and height and weight standards. There is no whole person screening assessment and selection required for entry in the initial training required for entry award of the SMA 3-skill level.
The universal problem is quantity need relevant to how many qualified individuals are applying to get the available slots. When many more qualified personnel are applying to get accepted than manpower positions exist to put them into a situation of a log jam occurs that translates to increasing wait times. For those desiring to reclassify (Cross Train) this log jam causes a wait time that causes increase in tine in service and time in grade that diminishes the opportunity to cross train as it does take time to get the cross trainee upgraded to 5-skill level after completing the initial skills training. If the cross trainee is a TSgt it takes considerable time and training expense to upgrade this service member to 7-skill level.
At some point the need for additional; time to prepare becomes a crutch that doesn't yield the expected results as this issue generally a lack of self-confidence more so than lack of adequate preparation.
That's what i want to cross train in to i heard the same thing from my recruiter
Great informative video, but the assignment portion strayed focus slightly away from the circumstances and situation of the service member who reclassified out of one AFSC into one of the enlisted Spec War (1Z) AFCS. The one up one down is applicable as long as the retrained into SPECWAR enlisted servicemember has acquired the skill level commensurate to their rank and grade.
Generally, the one up or one down in rank/paygrade doesn't come into play until award of 5-skill level in the current primary awarded AFSC. Thus, SrA and SSgt is banded together for 5-skill level assignment considerations and TSgt and MSgt is banded together for 7-level assignment considerations. However, this doesn't address the units need for the 5 or 7 skill level having additional unique skill qualifications such as jumpmaster, dive supervisor, trainer, task certifier, team leader.
All non-prior service, prior service, and cross trainees enter the AFSC with a 3-skill level upon completing the required initial skills training (tech-school). This means processing for that first assignment after completing initial skill training is done as a 3-level as completing tech school doesn't provide sufficient performing tasks unsupervised in the operational environment experience.
This predicament of school training not providing a competent proficient enlisted service member capable of performing noncommission officer leadership (5 and 7 skill level) duties in the high-risk operational environments contributes to why the flood gates of lowering performance specification and qualification requirements is not opened to allow more cross trainees into the enlisted AFSPECWAR AFSCs. Doing so at some point compromises operational capability by unpredictable increasing operational risks sufficient to cause mission failure and even death and injury.
Read the title as training to get the Air Force Cross and thought it was a late satire April Fools video lol. Thanks for all the work y’all do
It's interesting isn't it? My dad hardly ever spoke ill about anyone under him....only once did I ever hear him do this. And what a shock it was listening to him call a person out for their performance on the job, the lack of initiative this person showed. I knew the person he was talking about & at first I thought my dad was being harsh. After getting to know that person better I fully understood my dad's opinion.
If an AF person continually chooses the path of least resistance in his/her job & shows indifference to even advancing in rank because it's too much work...I'd never seen my dad that disgusted with another service member
Do you guys think you could (if you have any information at least) make an episode about the guard and reserves? the only info I can find is either Be a PJ's episode on it years ago, or reddit threads. As a guy who is active duty in a different branch, it seems like the most appealing option to me. There's just a lot of aspects to it that are hard to know. How to contact the specific command you are interested in if you don't live there, if there are opportunities for active guard/reserves, do I have to get out and get back in, just a lot of things that are hard to know. I know I can get in contact with a recruiter and they might be able to point me in the right direction, but I still have a significant amount of time in my contract before I can start that process.
I’m really hoping I didn’t mess up I truly want to be apart of PJ, but I’m physically incapable to meet the minimum scores for the PAST. Therefore, I have been working out to prepare, soon I will be shipping out to boot camp next month. As for the job I choose, Fuels was the one, since my recruiter had stressed many times that it’s been “heavily undermanned” and “is critically needed” having been for a few years. I as a person who feels their job is truly to help anyone with anything, no matter what, took it. Now, after watching this I’m wondering if I’ll ever even get that chance, the red flag was there; and am concerned towards the Fuels team holding me back, because of desperation for getting all the help they can get. 🤔
P.S.
Thank you Trent and Jared for sharing all your knowledge and wisdom, I really appreciate it!
Im working on my packet and am stationed OCONUS. The latest FY24-FY25 retraining policy memorandum states members with a DEROS will be dealt with on a case by case basis. At what point is it feasible, and what is unlikely? Im currently 1.5 years into a 3 year tour in the UK.
I'm in basically the same situation. My DEROS is February 2026. If you email an AFPC help email and tell them your interested they can create a case number and get back to you. That just happened to me, even though I was denied through MYFSS.
@@jalenkinkela7507 i have started my re-training packet. Awaiting an IFT (T3i only comes around every 3 months) and then I am ready to submit. I already have my commanders letter of Rec and medical done. I just dont want to push the button too early and have to redo it closer to my DEROS.
Crosstraining’s hard…
Welp….don’t think my chances are too high to get a second shot at A&S. Thanks for the process knowledge. Definitely best to go in as non prior service and do not quit.
Sorry to hear that. We agree with the second half of your comment.
Well, there are slots for FTA & SSgt in the MyPers Retraining page. Do not pass this up if you are eligible!
Is afspec war taking TSgt cross-trainees? Is there a TIS cutoff or does it come down to the candidates package, pt, epr’s and leadership recommendation?
I know on the retraining advisory TSgt is listed as 0 slots.
The AFSC specification and qualifications standards published in the AFECD provides the grade and TIS cutoffs.
It’s very rare that we take TSgts, but it has happened.
When I looked at that publication it was all SSgt cutoff with a TIS but there wasn’t anything listed for SR. Thanks, and a heads up for any other TSgt’s.
@@Daveratz The March 2023 AFECD is pending release and some of the lacking info in the AFECD may be included in the newest version. Also, the retraining advisories in the past have provided the current info for that retraining cycle.
I'm trans. I should be given a slot because, DEI.
I broke my shin and got SOT’d. I want to come back so bad. I would do anything to get back to the pipeline. It’s all I want in life. Ones Ready, what do I do?
Heal and re-apply. In the meantime, get better at your weak points, and enhance your strengths.