My Aviation Journey | Becoming a Rated Officer in the USAF | Air Battle Manager

Take a quick trip with me as I jog down memory lane. This is my avaition story!

[@WHIPPL3]

This video popped up in my recommended. I applied to OTS right out of college and was selected for pilot. Unfortunately I couldn't pass the medical with a blind spot in my vision. I was a flight student in college and remember how awesome of an experience that was as you described. My hardest task to learn was landings. I hope you enjoy your career as an ABM. '06 brother.

[@patcheduplife]

Sorry to hear that brother! Keep leading and learning!!! 06!!

[@richpelletier3058]

Destined for greatness Russ. Stay hungry, don't settle for what others have done, pave for own path, your greatest role will forever be Role Model...Proud to know you, serve with you, and call you a friend. R3!

[@patcheduplife]

Thanks Chief!!

[@shadownexusxdoac8634]

Amazing! I did my into flight about a month ago and I am now ETS from the Army to do AF ROTC in Daytona Beach and hopefully become a AF pilot.

[@patcheduplife]

Keep Grinding!!

[@patcheduplife]

Keep grinding!!!!

[@Gwarrar02]

Awesome video sir. Maybe we'll cross paths one day. I'm an active duty WD and I may be late in saying this but welcome to C2! Fights on!

[@Spec62]

My brother, my brother. Life is a journey. It does require hard work, perseverance, and conviction in order to accomplish what you aspire. Gonna be some stumbling blocks THROWN your way. Step over, jump over, or go around. Don't let anyone stop you. Pssst. You spelled aviation wrong Keep doing what you're doing!

[@patcheduplife]

Yes sir!!!

[@erenjaeger6204]

Currently enlisted in the Army. Looking at applying for ANG OTS when this contract ends!

[@terryhayes1209]

I’m proud to know you living your dreams bro

[@patcheduplife]

Thanks bro!!

[@JusAllyy]

I plan on applying to the Rated board this fall. Do you have any tips?

[@courtlandprice]

As enlisted what steps would I take to become a pilot?

[@KhoaNguyen.08]

Great video. I’m curious: if you were so passionate about flying, why did you choose to pursue an Air Battle Manager (ABM) AFSC? Why not officer pilot?

[@patcheduplife]

It was on my list. However, I was selected for ABM.

[@KhoaNguyen.08]

@Russ TV, did you ever consider CSO or RPA pilot, as well? You get to lists up to 5 AFSC’s on the officer TFOT package. I am always curious how other rated candidates; officers view the [other] rated AFSC’s against their own. Do you enjoy being an ABM? Pros? Cons?

[@mmobile4716]

Good

[@thelifewithkev]

Hey, thanks for the video. I like your channel, Inspiring and heart warming. Right now I’m an enlisted airman, and looking to commission as a rated officer. I have about a year and a half left to complete my degree from before the military. I was thinking about applying for the Rated Preparatory Program, or maybe even competing my bachelors in aviation online. Do you have any tips for enlisted airman trying to become rated? Or do you know anyone that went through any of these programs?

[@jonathanperez8386]

Hey Mr.Lewis , Thank you for putting out this content. I’m going after my wings I dream to become a pilot in the USAF. I have a degree and I am on my way to take the AFOQT, I’m nervous for the test. I’m concerned about the fact that I may not get the pilot slot because I financially can’t afford the civilian piloting instruction time prior to meeting the board. I didn’t graduate from USAFA. Don’t now if that puts me at a disadvantage for a pilot slot. Hopefully my AFOQT scores makes the difference. How did you prepare for the AFOQT? Any advice on the pilot license concern ? Thank you again for your time !

[@patcheduplife]

I set a goal, 100 hours of study time to prepare for the AFOQT. I got 93 hours, just put in the work! You got it!!!

[@jonathanperez8386]

Russ TV thank you !

[@jakebaker8502]

I am currently a non-rated officer in the Air Force looking to switch into rated, what was the process like for you ?

[@devonreid4826]

Great video brother! I’m a fellow member of A Phi A, a recent grad and interested in pursuing a rated officer position in the Air Force. I there any valuable information you could lend?

[@calebpodolski684]

Sir, I have some questions about comissioning as prior service. I. Currently enlisted in the army and finishing my degree online. I work in army aviation and am getting a B.S in aeronautics. Will this experience and degree make it more likely to become a rated officer? (Just 1 of my questions)

[@patcheduplife]

It could help but a PPLI helps A LOT!!

[@calebpodolski684]

Thank you, Sir

[@caseydobbins3259]

Hi, thank you for the videos! I am currently talking to an AF officer recruiter and am attempting to become an ABM. If you have any time to talk about the position and getting through the recruiting process over email, I would appreciate being able to talk to you about it!

[@patcheduplife]

Absolutely!!

[@kpasat]

My dream is to join the USAF as an officer. I currently work in aviation, and would love to have a rated position, but I don't have my PPL. Do you think its a requirement nowadays to even be competitive? I would also be ok with a non-rated position, but I don't have a degree in Engineering and I'm hearing for multiple recruiters that I can't get a non-rated spot with my major... :( Any insight or advice?

[@patcheduplife]

I think you have to set yourself up for success. So, I don't compete with others but I maintain a competitive mindset! Let me know if I can help!!!

[@KhoaNguyen.08]

@Katerina Pasat - that is great that you know what you want and are prepared for what is ahead. As a successfully selected rated (pilot) candidate in-prep for OTS this May; June, let me answer your [quick] questions. No, you do not need a PPL in order to put together a package; successfully compete for rated commissions. Do the vast majority of rated, and pilot candidates, have their PPL? Yes. But it is not a strict requirement. What are strict requirements are high scores on your AFOQT; TBAS exams, as well as strong; robust academic transcripts. Those academic scores will serve to inform the board of your aptitude for the academic rigors of pilot - and other rated officer, trainings. The [final] decision(s) of the National Board are yes, no, and alternate. And everyone gets two lifetime chances to compete for a commission. No appeal process. You really don’t need an engineering degree - or any specific majors, to compete for any of the four rated AFSC’s: 1) Pilot 2) Combat Systems Officer 3) Air Battle Manager 4) RPA Pilot A philosophy B.A./B.S. is perfectly acceptable, as an example. Again, it’s [really] how ‘rigorous’ your academic back ground is, the research you’ve done, and the potential leadership you’ve demonstrated that matter most. Because the Air Force will teach you how to fly, and how to engage in real aerial combat, from the ground up. In that vein, a S.T.E.M. degree is always preferable. This is the Air Force. On the non-rated side of the house, it is a different story. There are a lot of non-rated AFSC’s that requires very specific majors and degrees. - Electrical engineering - Chemical engineering - Meteorology systems - Finance, etc. Your Line Officer recruiter will provide all of those details for you upon your initial interview and informational session. The three most important criteria the national board will assess for are: 1) Academic aptitude/potential 2) Strong leadership experiences 3) Excellent moral character in legal and financial matters Keep these in-mind - and you will do well. Best of luck to you in your long journey! Expect the process to take between 1 to 1.5 years prior to Officer Training School.

[@helenmehls9678]

I'm very interested in becoming a rated officer! I'd love to talk more about the different lifestyles and duties of a pilot, CSO, and ABM if you've got the time to chat via email.