Inside the Fighter Pilot Guard Life: The Good & Bad | Bro Chat #20

Описание: In this Bro Chat episode, the guys dive deep into the realities of modern fighter pilot life in the Guard and Reserve, from the brutal competition of hiring boards to DSG vs. AGR career paths, fitness test changes, and the unexpected challenges of keeping squadrons manned. They also break down the strange trade-offs behind the F-15EX, legacy parts, radar limitations, and what the future holds for the next generation of Vipers, Eagles, and F-35 drivers. It’s an honest look at pilot culture, jet upgrades, leadership quirks, and the everyday frustrations (and humor) of military aviation today. Whether you're trying to get hired, in UPT, or just love fighter pilot talk, this episode brings real insight straight from inside the squadron

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What does it take to get hired flying fighters in the Air National Guard?

How do Guard and Reserve pilots choose between AGR and DSG careers?

Why is fighter pilot recruiting so competitive right now?

What issues are pilots seeing with the F-15EX and legacy jet parts?

How are fitness test changes affecting Guard and Reserve pilots?

00:00 Cold Open – Pilot Banter & Weather Complaints
00:21 Welcome to Bro Chat
02:26 How Fighter Pilot Hiring Boards Really Work
03:13 Guard & Reserve: Who Actually Makes the Cut?
05:07 Retention Problems & Super-Qualified Candidates Leaving Early
06:46 Guard Manpower Shift: Full-Time vs Part-Time Reality
08:23 Career Crossroads: ART / AGR / DSG Decisions
13:09 Balancing Airlines, Guard Life & Returning to Full-Time
14:47 Guard Funding Woes & Getting Paid (Eventually)
17:30 New Fitness Test Mandates & Unintended Consequences
22:13 Fitness Decline in the New Generation of Military Members
24:05 Why Hiring Good Fighter Pilots Is Getting Harder
26:03 What Makes a Great Guard Fighter Pilot Candidate: Character, Grit & “Good Dude Factor”
28:06 Why You Should Rush Multiple Units
33:18 Pro Recs, Networking & Community Word-of-Mouth
38:50 Boldface vs Non-Boldface – Memory Items That Matter
39:20 Jet Differences: Eagle vs Viper Emergencies & Engine-Out Talk
52:24 Media Flights, Demo Pressure & Looking Good on Camera
54:13 Accidental Ejection Story & Taxi of Shame
58:30 Parenting While Flying: Still Waking Up All Night
01:01:02 Instructor Pilot Upgrade Struggles & Tactical Confusion
01:04:03 Advanced BVR Tactics: New Axis Grind & Weighted Walls
01:06:45 Slow IP Progression in the Guard & Losing the Flow
01:07:18 F-15EX Problems: Refurb Parts, Radar & Cost Cutting
01:14:46 Radar Range vs Missile Range Gap
01:18:31 Upcoming Exercises & F-35 Integration
01:22:50 Closing