Taking the Next Steps

Persistence is the Name of the Game

(Editor’s Note: We’re republishing

Second Sky

with permission from

Abdul Rahman Rahmani

)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing, sit as static displays with other F-16 Fighting Falcons from around the world during the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, England, July 21, 2024. RIAT is the world’s largest military airshow that celebrated the 75th anniversary of NATO and the 50th anniversary of the F-16 Fighting Falcon this year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katie Mullikin)

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!