SO YOU WANT TO BE AN AIRCREW MEMBER?

171st Air Refueling Squadron’s Aircrew Hiring Package

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SO YOU WANT TO BE AN AIRCREW MEMBER?

Welcome to the 171st Air Refueling Squadron based at Selfridge ANGB, home of the best KC-135 unit in the Air National Guard. Thank you for expressing your interest in joining our elite squadron of men and women. Due to the number of training events that are required to become a crewmember in the KC-135T, the entire process can be complex. This guide was developed to provide you with a detailed outline of the application steps appropriate for your desired aircrew position from start to finish. It will include the sequential training events that you will be required to accomplish. This guide will also assist you in understanding our candidate selection process and the military obligations involved.

This guide contains the following areas:

SQUADRON COMMANDER’S LETTER .............................................................................................................. 2

171ST AIR REFUELING SQUADRON’S MISSION AND HISTORY ...................................................................................... 3

KC-135T DESCRIPTION AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION ................................................................. 5

DESCRIPTION, QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING REQUIRED FOR AIRCREW POSITIONS ........................................... 6

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 8

MILITARY OBLIGATIONS / SQUADRON EXPECTATIONS ......................................................................... 12

APPLICATION PROCESS ...................................................................................................................................... 13

171ST AIR REFUELING SQUADRON AIRCREW APPLICANT QUESTIONNAIRE .................................... 16

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171st Air Refueling Squadron Mission and History

171st ARS Mission

The 171st Air Refueling Squadron’s mission is to provide trained, equipped and motivated air refueling support resources serving the community, state and nation.

The 171st Air Refueling Squadron is part of the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base near Mount Clemens, Michigan. In the 1970s,

operating as a Fighter Intercept squadron, the unit flew the F-106 Delta Dart and picked up a distinctive nickname – the Michigan Six Pack. The 171st flew fighter aircraft until the 1994,

when it made the transition to Air Mobility Command first flying the C-130 and finally transition to the KC-135T. The Six Pack nickname, and the unit’s black and yellow checkerboard tail

markings, continue to be used and can be seen in a unique design on the KC-135T stationed at the base.

FEDERAL MISSION

The Air National Guard's federal mission is to maintain well-trained, well-equipped units available for prompt mobilization during war and provide assistance during national emergencies

(such as natural disasters or civil disturbances). During peacetime, the combat-ready units and support units are assigned to most Air Force major commands to carry out missions compatible

with training, mobilization readiness, humanitarian and contingency operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

STATE MISSION

When Air National Guard units are not mobilized or under federal control, they report to the governor of their respective state, territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands) or the

commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard. Each of the 54 National Guard organizations is supervised by the adjutant general of the state or territory. Under state law, the Air National Guard provides protection of life, property and preserves peace, order and public

safety. These missions are accomplished through emergency relief support during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and forest fires; search and rescue operations; support to

civil defense authorities; maintenance of vital public services and counterdrug operations.

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Unit History

The Michigan Air National Guard’s first air unit was designated the 107th Observation Squadron and consisted of eight officers and fifty enlisted men. It began in 1925 as a group of 58 aircraft enthusiasts who met for weekly drills in a Detroit municipal garage. The 107th Observation Squadron was granted Fedal Recognition as part of the Michigan Guard 32nd Division on May 7, 1926 flying the JN-4 “Jenny”.

Upon the declaration of war on December 7, 1941, the unit was moved to Charleston, South Carolina. There they flew anti-submarine patrols on the East Coast until returning the Louisiana to receive fighter training in March 1942. In August 1942, the unit went overseas to Membury, England to fly MK V Spitfires and various other aircraft until receiving the F-6, a photo reconnaissance version of the P-51 Mustang. They flew pre-invasion photo missions over France from December 1942 until D-Day. The unit acquired more than 4,218 sorties through the entire European campaign.

The present 171st Air Refueling Squadron was established January 28, 1943 under the wartime designation of the 374th Fighter Squadron in Richmond, Virginia. The unit was based in Scotland, Belgium, France and England during World War II. Upon deactivation in 1945, the 374th became the 171st Fighter Squadron (single engine) and on May 24, 1946 it was allocated to Michigan 127th Fighter Group. The squadron consisted of 16 officers and 150 airmen.

In November 1953, the flying units assigned to the 127th Fighter Wing received F-86E Sabre Jets and began training hundreds of NATO pilots in fighter-bomber tactics.

In 1971, the Air National Guard base at Detroit Metropolitan Airport was turned over to civilian authorities and the 171st moved to Selfridge Air Force base near Mt. Clemens. One month later the unit started training on the RF-101 “Voodoo”. June of 1972, the squadron’s tactical reconnaissance mission was phased out and replaced with a fighter-intercept mission flying the F-106A “Delta Dart”. It was during the period that the Squadron adopted the nickname of “The Six Pack” From 1976 to 1978; the 171st Fighter Intercept Squadron converted to the F-4 “Phantom” to fill an air defense role.

After flying the F-4 from 1978 to 1990 the unit upgraded to the F-16 “Fighting Falcon” from 1990 to 1994 when the unit transitioned its mission to tactical airlift. At the end of 1994, the unit received 8 C-130E “Hercules” aircraft.

Finally, after flying the C-130E from 1994 until 2007 the unit made the conversion from the C-130 tactical airlift to air refueling operations and the KC-135T “Stratotanker”. April 2008 the 171st received 8 KC-135T giving the men and women of the 171st global reach for the deployment of U.S. airpower.

The men and women of the 171st Air Refueling Squadron continue their proud heritage of excellence, dedication and professionalism.

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KC-135T DESCRIPTION AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

KC-135T DESCRIPTION

The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 50 years. This unique asset enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary missions of Global Reach and Global Power. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft.

KC-135T Primary Mission

The KC-135T missions:

Air Refueling - Since the inception of the KC-135 Stratotanker, the primary mission has been the same, air refueling of long range bombers. It also has the capability to refuel many other types of aircraft.

Cargo - Not the primary mission of the tanker, although it is more than capable of handling different kinds of cargo loads. One of the biggest assets of the tanker is its fail safe design, which creates a perfect platform for aeromedical transportation.

KC-135T SPECIFICATIONS

o CREW: Depending on the mission, the tanker requires 3 to 4 crew members as aminimum. 2 pilots and 1 or 2 boom operators.

o ENGINES: 4, CFM 56 turbofan engines producing 21,000 lbs of thrust each.

o DIMENSIONS: Wingspan - 130' 10" / Length 136' 3" / Height - 41' 8"

o CARGO CAPACITY: 83,000 lbs with 6 pallet positions

o MAX FUEL LOAD: 209,543 lbs

o MAX TAKEOFF WEIGHT: 322,500 lbs

o MAX SPEED: 530 miles per hour at 30,000'

o RANGE: Dependant of fuel load, but can be up to 11,000 miles

o CEILING: 50,000 feet

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DESCRIPTIONS, QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING REQUIRED FOR AIRCREW POSITIONS

PILOT

DESCRIPTION: x Plans and prepares mission paperwork for crew briefx Reviews weather information, NOTAMS, and mission taskingx Leads aircrew briefx Ensures aircraft has been preflighted, loaded and manned for mission requirementsx Pilots and commands crew assigned to missionx Manages aircraft navigation, communication and refueling airspace for seamless

operations during all phases of flight

QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPLICANT:

x United States Citizenshipx 4 year college graduate with at least a Bachelor’s Degreex Be able to enter formal training prior to the age of 30x Flight experience to include a Private Pilot’s Certificate or betterx Pass a military Class 1 flight physicalx Qualifying Pilot Candidate Selection Method Scores (PCSM)x Qualify for a passportx Qualify for a top secret security clearancex Michigan residency preferablex Prior Unit membership is desirable

TRAINING REQUIRED:

If you are selected to fill one of our pilot slots, the work has only just begun. After being sworn into the Air National Guard you will be met with several challenging, but rewarding courses that can take approximately two years to accomplish. The following list will be the required schools you will need to complete to become a mission ready pilot.

1. Class 1 Medical Flight Screening2. Pilot Initial Flight Training (IFT)3. Total Force Officer Training (TFOT)4. Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT)5. KC-135R/T Initial Pilot Qualification6. Survival School (Land and Water)7. Local Area Seasoning Training (MEST)

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Boom Operator

DESCRIPTION:

x Computes weight and balance for flightx Prepares and verifies load plansx Performs preflight, through flight and post flight inspectionsx Briefs passengers and demonstrates use of emergency equipment such as oxygen masks

and life vests, while ensuring access to escape hatchesx Operates in-flight refueling controls and switches to safely affect contact with receiver

aircraftx Informs pilots of the progress of air refueling operations

QUALIFICTION FOR APPLICATION:

x United States Citizenshipx High School diploma. Courses in mathematics or general science are desirablex Pass a Class 3 flight physicalx Meet the minimum score for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test

(ASVAB)x Qualify for a passportx Qualify for a top security clearance

TRAINING REQUIRED:

If you are selected for a Boom Operator position at the unit, life will get pretty busy. After being sworn into the Michigan Air National Guard, you will be entered into the pipe line training for enlisted aircrew. This training will take anywhere from eight to ten months to include local training at Selfridge ANGB. The following list will be the required schools you will need to accomplish to become a mission ready boom operator:

1. Basic Military Training School – If required (non-prior service)2. Aircrew Fundamentals3. Basic Boom Operator4. KC-135 Boom Operator Initial Qualification5. Survival Schools (Land and Water)6. Local Area Seasoning training (MEST)

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Note - All course lengths are approximate and are subject to change

Medical Flight Screening (Pilot) Medical flight screening is required by all potential pilots in the Air Force. Prior to

traveling down to Wright Patterson AFB, you will receive a flying Class 1 medical exam from our medical group on base. Once the exam has been completed, we will send you off to complete the Air Force Medical Flight Screening.

Location: Wright Patterson Air Force Base Ohio

Duration: Approximately 3 days (depending on possible issues)

Total Force Officer Training – TFOT (Pilot) The new AMS, this course is now a total force training involving members from Active

duty, Reserve and the Air National Guard. The course teaches the importance of leadership, discipline, attention to detail, and dedication to service. This challenging, yet rewarding course will test both your mental and physical abilities as it pushes you to become an Officer in the world’s greatest Air Force.

Location: Maxwell Air Force Base Alabama

Duration: 40 training days (approximately 8 weeks)

Pilot Initial Flight Training IFT (Pilot)

This course will be assigned by National Guard Bureau based upon your PCSM score and total flight time. If selected to attend, the course includes 18 hours of flight training in a Diamond DA-20 and around 40 hours of ground school. IFT will emulate the rigors of the day to day operations you will experience at Undergraduate Pilot Training, while preparing you for your first solo flight.

Location: Pueblo, Colorado

Duration: 22 training days

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Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training – SUPT (Pilot) SUPT is broken down into three different phases, each building off the previous phase.

The first phase of training is ground school, this is the time to learn about the T-6 and procedures used by the Air Force. The second phase, you get to jump into a T-6 Texan II and own the sky above. This can be the most challenging phase but also the most rewarding. The final phase you get to jump into a T-1 or a T-38 and continue to advance your flying skills with what you learned in pervious phases. The culmination of all three phases, your hard work and how well you work together as a class leads to one of the most memorable experiences in SUPT, the day you pin on your wings.

Location: Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma; Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi; and Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas

Duration: Approximately 52 weeks

KC-135 Pilot Initial Qualification (Pilot) This formal school trains new pilots on the roles and responsibility of a co-pilot on the

KC-135. During your time here you will use what you learned in UPT and apply it to the tanker. The flow of the training is similar to UPT, where you will start off learning the systems of the tanker, followed by simulator training and finally flying the KC-135.

Location: Altus Air Force Base, Altus Oklahoma

Duration: Approximately 20 weeks

Basic Military Training (Boom) Basic training takes every day civilians and transforms them into world class enlisted

Airmen. This course is your introduction into military life and what it takes to be an Airmen in the world’s greatest Air Force. During training you will focus on physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, military customs and courtesies, Air Force rules, responsibilities, core values, and mission. It is both mentally and physically challenging but in the end will be one of the greatest accomplishments of your new Air Force career.

Location: Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio Texas

Duration: Approximately 8 week

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Aircrew Fundamentals (Boom) During this short course you will be introduced to physiological survival, aircrew

mission, anti-hijacking and anti-terrorism, aircrew coordination, aircrew training, basic aerodynamics, aircraft publication, safety, and flight medicine. This course is an introduction into your future lifestyle, obligations, and responsibilities as a Career Enlisted Aviator.

Location: Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio Texas

Duration: 9 training days

Basic Boom Operator (Boom) Basic Boom operator course is a ground instruction course, setting the foundation for you

as a future KC-135 Boom operator. You will be introduced to maintenance publications, aircrew training and evaluation programs, general aircraft safety, equipment and records, associated systems, weight and balance, cargo and passenger handling, crew resource management, and terminal and en-route procedures.

Location: Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio Texas

Duration: 12 training days

KC-135 Boom Operator Initial Qualification (Boom) After completion of Basic Boom School, your foundation will be set and it is time to start

applying what you learned toward your new aircraft. Boom Initial Qualification also known as BIQ, will start to focus on the specific systems, normal and abnormal operating procedures, weight and balance data computations, cargo loading operations, associated duties, and in-flight refueling duties of the KC-135.

Location: Altus Air Force Base, Altus Oklahoma

Duration: Approximately 61 training days

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Land Survival School – SERE (Pilot and Boom) Survival school is designed to train aircrew in employment of principles, procedures,

techniques, and equipment that enhance survival, evasion, resistance, and escape prospects, regardless of climate conditions or hostile environment. The course is a combination of class room teaching and field training events preparing you for the last few days of the training program.

Location: Fairchild Air Force Base, Fairchild Washington

Duration: 19 calendar days

Water Survival (Pilot and Boom) Trains aircrew members in employing principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment

that enhance their ability to survive in a water environment and assist in their safe recovery and return to friendly control.

Location: Fairchild Air Force Base, Fairchild Washington

Duration: 2 days

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MILITARY OBLIGATION/SQUADRON EXPECTATIONS

Upon completion of training you will incur a four to ten year commitment (depending on your crew position) to the United States Air Force and the Michigan Air National Guard. This commitment starts from the date you graduate your initial flying training course.

As a member of the Michigan Air National Guard and the 171st Air Refueling Squadron, you will be expected to attend Regularly Scheduled Drill (RSD) one weekend each month and annual training consisting of 15 days of active duty each year. Currently, this training will be in conjunction with the Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) Operation. The Air National Guard is tasked with an AEF cycle of every 24 months. Additionally, you will be expected to participate in many local training mission and various trips to different locations around the world.

As an aircrew member, there are several requirements to maintain currency for your specific crew position in the KC-135 and its encompassing missions. These requirements will amount to a minimum of forty-eight Additional Flying Training Periods (AFTPs) per year, semi-annual simulator training, annual checkrides, yearly written exams, life support training, altitude chamber requirements and additional ancillary training on a monthly basis. As a traditional aircrew member, you can expect to fly a minimum of 2 local sorties per month plus RSD training as well as participating in higher headquarters tasking.

The 171st Air Refueling Squadron is an exciting and busy squadron, flying a wide variety of missions year round. Your participation in the squadron as a crewmember is vital to our operation and the above commitments are only the minimum requirements.

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APPLICATION PROCESS FOR ALL POSITIONS

1. Administrative Phase:

Applicants for any flying position must submit the following items:

x Cover Letterx Resume (include military/civilian experience, education, flight time,

certificates and ratings, if applicable)x College transcripts for pilots and high school

transcripts for boom operators.x Copy of PCSM Scores (Pilots only)x Copy of AFOQT (Pilot) / ASVAB scores (Boom)x Letters of Recommendation (3 min)x Complete DD Form 2807-2, Medical Pre-Screen of Medical Historyx Aircrew Application Questionnaire

Mail To: 171ARS Aircrew Hiring 29180 Wilbur Wright Blvd, Bldg 17 Selfridge ANG Base, MI 48045

Each flying position will have key personnel on a selection board that will rank each applicant’s information file using a point based system. If you are selected for an interview, a point of contact will notify you at least two to three weeks prior to the board. If you are not called, we recommend that you keep your information current with us and reapply.

A list of personnel that are the point of contact for each aircrew position:

x Pilot: Alex Begue (614) 746-5962 / 1Lt Jordan Spaans (616) 450-2766 /Brandon Jones (269) 929-0549 or email us at 171ARSpilothiring@gmail.com

x Boom: MS (586) 239-6344 or email at171ARSboomhiring@gmail.com

2. Initial Testing Phase:Pilots: Required to take the Air Force Officer Qualification Test (AFOQT) and

the Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS). The AFOQT is broken down into 12 subtest, covering verbal, arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, math knowledge, instrument comprehension, block counting, table reading, aviation information, general science, rotated blocks, hidden figure and self-description inventory. The test generally lasts four to five hours and will provide you with scores for pilot, navigator, academic aptitude, verbal and quantitative. There is a minimum score required you will have to meet for each of the five areas which are listed on pg. 15.

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The TBAS test is a computerized psychomotor, spatial ability, and multi-tasking test battery. This test is used as part of your Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) and provide a measure of a candidate’s aptitude for successfully completing Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). This test is only offered at certain locations, at limited times, and can be scheduled with an Air National Guard Recruiter.

Boom: If not prior service, you will be required to take an Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test (ASVAB). The test consists of 9 subtests which covers general science, arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, auto and shop information, mathematics knowledge, mechanical comprehension, electronics information, and assembling objects. The test will last between two and three hours as it covers a wide variety of topics.

Applicants should schedule their testing by calling your point of contact or any Air National Guard Recruiting Office or our Recruiting Office at (586) 239-5511. Applicants who are currently enlisted members can schedule an AFOQT through their Unit Training Monitor.

3. Interview Phase:Selected applicants will receive an interview by a selection board consisting of a

member of the 171st who will review your file, to include work history, education, specialties and the information collected during the administrative and testing phases. The board will ask each applicant questions and rate their responses during the interview. Selection boards are convened periodically to select individuals for current and projected aircrew vacancies. More than one interview may be necessary to narrow down the number of candidates.

The selection is made on the “total person” concept. While the factors listed above are looked at carefully, they are not the sole criteria for selection. Other factors that are heavily weighted include attitude, dress and personal appearance and motivation. Candidates who like to contribute to the Squadron once they have returned from training are viewed more positively.

Think of the interview as if you were applying for any other job, civilian or otherwise. The board wants to know you. We understand you want to fly so we want to know your thoughts, interests, hobbies and your future plans. We are looking for those individuals who will be able to contribute to the squadron as an aircrew member, as a member of the Michigan Air National Guard and as a member of the United States Air Force.

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4. Flight Physicals:Once an individual has been selected, a thorough physical is administered on

training weekends by the Flight Surgeons assigned to our 127th Medical Squadron. Thephysicals will take between four to eight hours depending on the amount of membersattempting physicals at the same time. This physical will be fairly extensive including afull eye exam, hearing test, EKG, vitals, lab work and dental. It is recommended to bringsunglasses or have someone tag along for this exam because the eye exam requires thefull pupil dilation. This exam is not a qualifying exam, just a process the Squadron usesto help ensure your medical down at Wright Patterson AFB goes smoothly or if you willrequire any paperwork prior to flight training.

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171st Air Refueling Squadron Aircrew Application Questionnaire

The following information is necessary to open a complete applicant folder on you. This folder will remain in our files for approximately three years. Please fill out the questionnaire to the maximum extent possible and return it along with other documents listed on the back of the page.

Personal Information

Name ______________________________

Mailing Address _____________________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

Cell Phone ________________________________

Work Phone _______________________________

Date of Birth ________________________________

Education

College Attended (If Appicable)_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Degrees Awarded ___________________________________________________________

Major _________________________

GPA __________________________

High School Attended ___________________________________________________

GPA ______________

PCSM Score (If applicable) __________

AFOQT Pilot Score (If applicable) _________

ASVAB Score (If applicable)

______________________________________________________________________________

Prior Military Service Information (branch, duration, past job description)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

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Flight Hours (If Applicable)

Total Time _____________________

Pilot in Command _______________

Student ________________________

Other __________________________

Certificates / Rating Held

x

x

x

x

Why the 171st ?

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