Taking the Next Steps
Meeting SSgt Dean: the Read Recruiter!
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting SSgt Dean in Glen Burnie, MD. It was a delightful and informative meeting that made me feel more confident about joining the U.S. Air Force. I got answers to nearly all my questions except for one primary concern:
Given that I’ll be turning 42 or 43 (depending on how fast this process moves forward) by the time I’m eligible to commission, will I still have the chance to become an officer, which is my primary goal?
SSgt Dean promised to get back to me with a definitive answer, but I’m also throwing this question out to my readers and well-wishers. If anyone has insights or advice, I would deeply appreciate your input!
The Application Process
For those who want to follow my story without all the nitty-gritty, feel free to skip over these administrative details—I’ll keep you updated on the highlights!
The good news is that I’ve officially completed my application and background check form. The process wasn’t a walk in the park—it was long and detailed but a significant milestone nonetheless.
The application alone took about 3.5 hours, with SSgt Dean guiding me through the various sections. For those considering this path, be prepared to provide detailed personal and professional information, such as:
Past employment history
Education details
Addresses from the past ten years
References who can vouch for your character
Any previous involvement with military service or other relevant experience
And, of course, scanning all the documents I had, including my dependents’.
After the application, I completed the background check form for an additional five hours. It required me to dive deep into every aspect of my history, including:
Travel outside the U.S.
Contacts with foreign nationals
Financial history, including debts or bankruptcy
Criminal background, if any
Social media handles
This step required so much attention to detail that I stayed awake until 1 a.m. to complete it. To my fellow recruits or those considering this journey, take your time and double-check your entries.
A Pleasant Surprise
SSgt Dean mentioned that her leadership knew of my handle: Second Sky
And the journey I’ve been documenting here. Knowing that people involved in this process are following my adventure was humbling and incredibly encouraging. This isn’t just about me anymore—it feels like a shared endeavor, making it all the more meaningful.
What’s Next?
I will be scheduled to take the PICAT verification test on base this Thursday. For those unfamiliar with it, the PICAT is an online aptitude test that some recruits take instead of the ASVAB. If I pass, I can skip the full ASVAB test. However, SSgt Dean noted that some people don’t pass the verification test, which would mean taking the full ASVAB anyway. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I will pass!
This journey is just beginning, and I’ll keep you updated after I visit the base. Wish me luck as I take this next step, and as always, thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
Please do not forget to be part of Second Sky’s family. Your subscription means easing the process for me and making this journey more meaningful!
Be as truthful as you can, and if you forget anything, just tell them you forgot. You're an old man, like me, who has fought for 20 years in Afghanistan. Those applications are designed for 18 year old high-school graduates. So don't sweat it.