REQUIREMENTS
1.1 Overview. If you are seeking to fly in the Air Force Reserve, you must meet commissioning, flying, medical and service commitment requirements. Exceptions to policy are granted on a case-by-case basis (see Section 1.5). See below for more information on eligibility requirements. (Please note: There is a waiver for most things - However, this does NOT indicate that the okies will agree to sponsor you for a waiver)
1.2. Commissioning. AFR UPT applicants not already a commissioned officer in the U.S. military must meet commissioning requirements as specified in DAFMAN26-2032.
1.3. Flying Training. AFR UPT applicants must meet flying training eligibility requirements as specified in DAFI36-2137
1.3.1. Age. UPT applicants must not be beyond their 33rd birthday as of the date their UPT selection board convenes.
1.3.1.2 Exceptions to Policy for age are intended for qualified applicants who are slightly outside the age limit (i.e. minor deviation from policy), or, if more than slightly outside the limit, are exceptionally qualified.
1.3.2. TFCS. UPT applicants must not have more than 8 years of Total Federal Commissioned Service (TFCS) as of the date their UPT selection board convenes.
1.3.3. Morals. UPT applicants must be of sound moral character. An applicant with adverse or reportable information in their personnel or criminal record may require a moral waiver and should notify their recruiter and sponsoring unit (if applicable).
1.3.4. AFOQT. UPT applicants must take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT). The AFOQT may be taken twice (with 90 days in between), but a waiver from the sponsoring wing commander is required for an applicant to take the test a third time. In any case, the highest score from each subtest will automatically be counted in an overall composite score. For more information about the AFOQT, including minimum required scores, see AFMAN36-2664.
1.3.5. TBAS. UPT applicants applying for pilot or RPA pilot must take the Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS), which measures cognitive and multi-tasking abilities. The TBAS may be taken twice (with 90 days in between). A waiver from the sponsoring wing commander is required for an applicant to take the test a third time. For more information about the TBAS, see AFMAN36-2664.
1.3.6. PCSM. The Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) is a composite score based on your AFOQT pilot section score, TBAS score and flight time (both fixed-wing and helicopter time). The maximum number of flight hours that will result in the highest possible PCSM score is 60 hours. Pilot and RPA pilot applicants must attain the minimum-required PCSM score of 10. PCSM scores are accessible here. For more information about the PCSM score, see AFMAN36-2664.
1.4. Medical. UPT applicants must meet all medical standards for the rated position to which they are applying as specified in DAFMAN48-123. Applicants may apply to and meet an AFRC UPT selection board prior to completing a flight physical, however all board selectees must be medically certified prior to accession or commencement of training. See Section 2.5 for information about Exceptions to Policy (ETP).
1.4.1. Pilot – IFC1. Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) applicants must meet Initial Flying Class 1 (IFC1) standards and pass the Medical Flight Screening (MFS) program prior to beginning flight training. MFS is a subset of a complete initial flight qualification examination that uses standardized medical screening techniques to ensure pilot candidates are in compliance with Air Force medical standards. MFS is only accomplished at the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio.
1.5. ETP. Applicants not meeting one or more eligibility requirements may seek an Exception to Policy (ETP) in accordance with DAFI36-2137. An applicant requiring an ETP must be sponsored. The approval authority depends on the type of ETP (see below). Per DAFI36-2137
1.5.1. Non-Medical ETP. AFRC/A3 is the approval authority for non-medical ETPs per DAFI36-2137 table 5.1 and memo “Delegations of AFRC/CC Authority” memo dated Nov 2022. Non-medical ETP requests require endorsement by the sponsoring NAF/CC prior to submission to the UPT Selection Board.
1.6. RSC. UPT applicants must be willing to serve in the Air Force Reserve for a minimum number of years as part of a Reserve Service Commitment (RSC). The duration of the RSC depends on the type of training, and is identical to an active duty service commitment: 10 years for UPT. If selected for UPT, candidates will sign a RSC contract.
OKIE FAQ
1. What are UTA (Drill) weekends?
UTA (Unit Training Assembly), commonly called “drill weekend,” is the Air Force Reserve’s scheduled monthly training period—typically one weekend a month—when members report to their unit to complete required training, maintain qualifications, and (for aircrew) fly.
They are usually the first weekend of every month, however this can vary.
Find the FY26 Drill weekend schedule HERE.
For pilots, “one weekend a month” is the legal minimum — not the practical reality.
2. Do I need to come to UTA weekends?
Short answer: yes.
Once you’ve connected with our hiring POC, we’ll set up a call and ask you to submit a formal application through this website. From there, we’ll coordinate a specific drill weekend for you to visit the unit as a “pledge.”
This is your chance to get to know us—and just as importantly, for us to get to know you. Some UTAs are better structured for pledges than others, so we try to bring applicants in on weekends that give you the best feel for the squadron.
If you’re unable to attend one of the designated weekends, we understand life happens and we’ll work with you on a case-by-case basis.
3. Do I need to bring anything to UTA weekends?
Bring a good attitude and a willingness to talk to everyone in the squadron. It can feel a little intimidating at first—especially if you don’t have a military background—but don’t overthink it. Be ready to introduce yourself, ask questions, and engage with as many people as you can.
The goal is simple: get to know the team, and let the team get to know you.
4. How many pilots do the Okies hire per year?
It varies from year to year, but a safe estimate is about two pilots annually. That number can increase or decrease depending on funding, overall manning levels, and projected retirements.
5. What is considered a competitive AFOQT / PCSM score.
Average quantitative scores of candidates selected for UPT on regular (non-ROTC) selection boards. PCSM: 87, AFOQT – Pilot: 93, AA: 60, Verbal: 64, Quant: 55, GPA: 3.4, flight hours: 308.
At the Okies - yes scores matter. However, we care more about who you are as a person and if you fit in with the culture. That being said, don't stress if you don't have perfect scores. HOWEVER, AFRC (our boss over all reserve units) does care and they will require competitive scores so plan ahead and prepapre well.
5. What is the hiring process like?
The process starts here. Submit your application through this website to our hiring POC, and once it’s received, we’ll reach out to schedule a phone call. That initial conversation matters—it’s your first opportunity to make an impression.
After the application window closes, the board reviews all submissions and selects applicants to attend a UTA weekend. We typically receive over 100 applications each year and can’t accommodate everyone, so make sure your application is polished and complete to give you the best chance to be selected for a visit.
The UTA weekend is your chance to show us who you are and for you to get a real feel for the squadron. It’s about fit, professionalism, and personality—not just flight hours and PCSM scores. We want to know we could fly around the world with you and it be an enjoyable expereince.
Following the meet-and-greet weekend, selected candidates will be invited to interview at the next hiring board. The interview is panel-style with both pilots and boom operators and covers a wide range of topics, so preparation is encouraged. After the interview, hiring decisions are typically communicated within about a week.
6. Can I apply if I’m graduating soon?
Short answer: no. We require a complete application package, including proof of a finished degree, at the time of submission.
*If applications are due during May drill and you graduate two weeks later, we would consider that complete. However, if applications are due in May and you don’t graduate until August, you’ll need to wait for the next hiring cycle.
Please take a look at the AFRC Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT) Guidebook.