Air Force Reserves Flight Nurse Process

Specialties Government

Published

Hello everyone! I am a surgical ICU nurse and I have decided to apply for the Air Force Reserves as a flight nurse. I am currently working on my MSN in management and plan to apply for CRNA school next year after I complete my MSN. I have been a nurse since '08 working in many different settings (management, ICU, clinic, etc.)

I recently submitted my paperwork, along with all of my personal documentation, to the recruiter and have an interview set for this Wednesday to set up my physical and interview with the CNO of flight nursing.

I was wondering if any one has experienced this process, recent applicants would be ideal, and would be willing to supply me with any insight that they may have?

#eagertolearnandserve

Since my unit wasn't drilling this weekend (we will have block August 1st through 6th), I had newcomer orientation only on Saturday. It was kind of like orientation for a new job but more abbreviations than I can remember lol. I got my CAC card. I tried on some uniforms (but only for the sizes - I ordered them online for cheaper), I filled out paperwork for pay and they went through everything you need to know about the base (i.e. safety, benefits, local stuff). Wasn't too bad.

Online uniform sizes are nothing like the crap they sell in AAFES. I hope they worked for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Just got back from a week long block training. It was mostly check-offs for flying but here are some tips/FYI that I found out during this week.

1. Do a PT Test ASAP! COT does not count and a passing score will get you a date for flight school (or any other schools).

2. Constantly email the POC who does your security clearance and dates for schools.

3. COT - Flight School - SERE - Water survival - FTU - PROG is usually the schools you will have to attend. Training/Schools could take up to a year before you are CLEARED AND QUALIFIED!

Let me know if there are any specific questions!

Not exactly on #1.

Your PT test at COT, like the PT tests OTS, are ONE HUNDRED PERCENT VALID. They tried that on me as well when I got to Lackland, and lost. This has always been the case.

AFI 36-2905, 21 October 2013 and Incorporating change 1, 27 August 2015 (the most current incarnation); p 47; paragraphs as follows:

(FA = Fitness Assessment, the PT test)

7.1.1. Officer accessions will be given at least 42-days from their Date Arrive Station (DAS) to acclimatize, but will test NLT 6 months from DAS. DAS may include tech school or their first duty location.

7.1.1.1. FAs administered at commissioning sources are considered official, provided they are administered IAW Chapter 3, and will be recorded into AFFMS II upon arrival at the first duty station.

7.1.1.2. Upon graduation, officers will hand carry the AF Form 4446 for input into AFFMS II by the FAC at their first duty station or technical training (UFPM or training instructor), whichever location they report to first. NOTE: The next test date will be based on guidance in paragraph 3.11.1. If the officer reports to the duty location without an AF Form 4446, the officer must test within 42 days as stated in para 5.2.5.

You don't retake it. Take your documentation to your duty station and have it recorded.

Your unit violated a reg unless you didn't have your documentation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Management.
Not exactly on #1.

Your PT test at COT, like the PT tests OTS, are ONE HUNDRED PERCENT VALID. They tried that on me as well when I got to Lackland, and lost. This has always been the case.

AFI 36-2905, 21 October 2013 and Incorporating change 1, 27 August 2015 (the most current incarnation); p 47; paragraphs as follows:

(FA = Fitness Assessment, the PT test)

7.1.1. Officer accessions will be given at least 42-days from their Date Arrive Station (DAS) to acclimatize, but will test NLT 6 months from DAS. DAS may include tech school or their first duty location.

7.1.1.1. FAs administered at commissioning sources are considered official, provided they are administered IAW Chapter 3, and will be recorded into AFFMS II upon arrival at the first duty station.

7.1.1.2. Upon graduation, officers will hand carry the AF Form 4446 for input into AFFMS II by the FAC at their first duty station or technical training (UFPM or training instructor), whichever location they report to first. NOTE: The next test date will be based on guidance in paragraph 3.11.1. If the officer reports to the duty location without an AF Form 4446, the officer must test within 42 days as stated in para 5.2.5.

You don't retake it. Take your documentation to your duty station and have it recorded.

Your unit violated a reg unless you didn't have your documentation.

WOW thanks for all the helpful info!! í ½í¸Š

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When I PCSd to Lackland from COT in 2009 they tried to say I had 42 days to take a PT test...uh, no, and here's the paperwork to prove it. So when I read that I thought, hang on - and just looked up the reg.

You get 42 days to acclimatize if you're in that six month window (PT tests are every six months unless you score higher than 90, then it's once a year). This is to prevent people moving from, say, flight training in Texas to your base in Colorado and failing a PT test because running at 5000 feet is very different from running in Laredo. Or moving from Alaska to Florida in the dead of winter. But if you took your PT test today, and moved to your first base next week, you aren't due to test until six months from the day you arrived on station - as long as you have your paperwork.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology Nurse Practitioner.

Well, I took my PT test anyways and passed with 92% and I just found out today that I have all my school dates ready (SERE, Water, Flight School, AEIQ) so I'm set. I go to COT next month.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology Nurse Practitioner.

It worked out all the same for me...I just got the male pants instead of the female

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's so bizarre that the men's pants (at least at AAFES) are almost curvy and the women's pants are straight. When I bought my uniforms prior to COT I went to the base (because I had no option at the time) and the woman in there took one look at me and said - you need the men's pants. Trust me. LOL. She was right. I wear a women's 12 pants, in most brands, straight off the rack. The uniforms for women didn't fit me in a size 18, which is just stupid.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I recently commissioned as a flight nurse and I have my newcomers orientation weekend coming up in November at Scott, AFB. I'm super excited but also pretty nervous since I have no military background. I've been reading "Air Force Officer's Guide" to learn as much as I can. I read the previous post describing the process but I'm curious if anyone else can put in their two cents? Will I have my first PFT and/or is there PT in the morning? Any other tips would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology Nurse Practitioner.

Just completed COT from Oct to Nov. There is a lot of marching, a lot of standardization and little sleep (I made sure to get everything done so I can go to bed at 9:30pm). Basically, a typical day is starting with PT at 0500, change clothes, eat breakfast, death by PowerPoint ALL DAY and your day ends after dinner (around 1930). They don't check your rooms until week 2 but they do take away your civilian clothes and luggage about day 3. Everyone in the flight has a job...I was logistics and it was the easiest job because I didn't have to write MEMOS!

If anyone has specific questions, I will definitely answer them the best I can!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology Nurse Practitioner.

Oh yeah, Just found out that I have SERE, Water Survival, Flight School and AEIQ back to back. January to August! Exciting!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey I am currently a member of the AF reserves enlisted. I just now submitted my commissioning package for a flight nurse position on Maxwell AFB where I have been drilling for 7 years now. The man who receives the package first (David Croushore) at Air Force Reserve Command told me that the process could take 6-7 months. Where are you currently in the process right now? If you have any questions let me know and I can definitely see if I can help!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi I just found this thread and by female parts physical exam, you mean pap smear?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment