Air Force Reclassification

written by Benjamin

Why are you not in pilot training anymore?

Officially, I was eliminated for exceeding pre-solo flight hours without demonstrating proficiency in task management and situation awareness during flight.  There are many ways to be eliminated from UPT. Mine was a common reason. (translation from Devon: students must be able to solo fly with 20 hours of instruction in an aircraft, Ben needed more time than that)

What is your job now?

While I await reclassification and new orders, I work in our graduation coordination office. Essentially, we are the event planners for every graduating class of new pilots.

What is a reclass?

Reclassification is the process by which an officer or enlisted is moved from one major Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) to another. Reclassification boards meet every quarter to review applications and fill vacancies according to applicant’s apparent strengths and the needs of the Air Force. Applicants may be reclassifying voluntarily or out of obligation, for several reasons.  Applications are compiled with documents explaining reasons for reclassification, highlighting desired education and experience, vetting any reliability issues and a top five preference sheet. Depending on the reasons and situation for reclassification, other documentation is required. If the officer must be reclassified, but it is determined there is nowhere for him or her to go, they will be released from the Air Force.

My board meets in December. I will meet with my squadron commander to review my packet early November.  Last week of November, I will submit it. Results will be released early January. Orders for a new assignment could come as early as March or April.

Job options

These are my preferences as of now, in order:

1.       Space

2.       Civil Engineering,

3.       DevelopmentalEngineering,

4.       Intelligence,

5.       Office of Special Investigations.

General Feelings

Generally, I feel optimistic about the future. Anything could happen and I feel prepared for it all. However, I do get in little slumps about the could's and should's. For now, I just have to take it one day at a time and not get to preoccupied about the past.

Any requests from family and friends

If I were to make any requests from family and friends, it would be to not worry. Heavenly Father is teaching and guiding us along the way. This has been an important lesson and experience for our family.