Today I am an active duty 2nd Lieutenant Awaiting Pilot Training (APT) at Laughlin AFB (XL). OTS was an amazing experience and pushed me to look inside myself like never before. I learned a lot and have met some extraordinary people. I have become even more humbled by the experience. I hope this blog has served its purpose of providing information that will help motivated and deserving individuals become future Air Force Officers.
For multiple reasons this will be my last blog post. Change is the only constant in life and the military is no different. Since starting this blog the AFOQT has changed to reflect ABM scores, the PCSM has updated to version 2.0 and my family has been blessed with twins. All these reasons coupled with my soon-to-be 12 hour flight training days (plus a few more studying hours at home) have put an end to this blog. I will not be replying to any more comments, making any updates or posting any more entries.
I get emails every now and then asking about specific AFOQT scores, advice on how to study or if I think a person is qualified enough to become an officer. I will give the best advice I can with my perspective: If you can look in the mirror and tell yourself that you did absolutely everything within you power to reach your goals then you should seek peace with the outcome, whatever it may be. Whether that means you become a command pilot with 5000 hours or you get rejected from the Air Force 4 times and decide on a different life path.
Each of us is destined for something, but I think some of us are not willing to sacrifice what is needed to get there. Talent has nothing to do with my success; I believe I have very little of that quality. Throughout this journey the two things that got me where I am today are 1.) Being fortunate enough to have exceptional people help me along the way and 2.) Working so hard that I can honestly say I have no regrets about the outcome. This was true right after I submitted my package and it's true now. I don't know if I'll retire from the Air Force or even pin on wings (I didn't even know if I'd get selected to OTS), but I do know one thing: I'm going to work my ass off no matter what. If you're reading this I'm sure you're putting in that effort and work to reach your goals; don't compromise and don't stop. Just remember to take care of yourself and those who help(ed) you get where you are. Good luck in all you will do.
