A-PACT

MickeyMcD · 08-22-2014, 03:46 PM

You'll be doing all of the nitty, gritty work in squadrons (ex: chip paint, paint over chipped spot, etc). If you're going in as an E-1, it'll be two years before you're even eligible to get a rating. An E-3 could potentially get one in six months (how often this occurs, I can't say) On the flip side, however, you do get to see what all the different aviation ratings actually do so that you know what you might want to try and strike for. There are several other threads on this forum that cover the PACT programs in a bit more detail.

Navy1013 · 08-22-2014, 04:07 PM

I had no desire to go into the Aviation field, but without walking out and possibly not joining (time restraints) I had to chose this. I did research on everything but PACT programs and Aviation. I didn't research Aviation because I was told a lot of the rates are overmanned or where it needs to be so the chance of getting Aviation was slim.

LT Guppy · 08-22-2014, 04:20 PM

As an A-PACT you will be limited to striking for Aviation rates. You can try to put in a DAR for a different job before you ship, but that is not guaranteed.

Also, read these two posts:
http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5936
http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4781

Navy1013 · 08-22-2014, 04:32 PM

I'm putting a DAR in for GM, HM, MA. I know they are not guaranteed, but its worth a shot.

Navy1013 · 08-22-2014, 04:34 PM

If the DAR does not get approved the I will make the best of the situation.

Navy1013 · 08-23-2014, 03:50 AM

If you are A-PACT can you fill out a "Dream Sheet" of the place you want to go like Jacksonville, Norfolk, etc.... or do you just go where ever the Navy sends you and you have no say so??????

LT Guppy · 08-23-2014, 06:49 AM

Everyone fills out a dream sheet, but the reality is for your first assignment it doesn't mean much. For your later assignments, you have a little more influence over where you go.

Temen · 08-24-2014, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickeyMcD

You'll be doing all of the nitty, gritty work in squadrons (ex: chip paint, paint over chipped spot, etc). If you're going in as an E-1, it'll be two years before you're even eligible to get a rating. An E-3 could potentially get one in six months (how often this occurs, I can't say) On the flip side, however, you do get to see what all the different aviation ratings actually do so that you know what you might want to try and strike for. There are several other threads on this forum that cover the PACT programs in a bit more detail.

As an Undesignated Airman, you will be going to the Line Shack right away. Guess what though? 90% of E-3 and below go to the Line Shack right away.
In the Aviation community (at least in every F-18 squadron I have worked with) they send their Airman to the Line Shack to learn the aircraft before they are expected to start fixing it. This will hopefully teach you basic skills like running support equipment (mobile generators, hydraulic pumps, jacks, tractors), tow aircraft and equipment, all required hand signals (we do work in very noisy places), confidence and responsibility (you will be in charge of ensuring a pilot's safe and successful launch and recovery, also every day you must inspect the whole jet for any issues that need reported).
So for dirty work, yes there will be plenty; but almost airman does it. At least you won't be painting jets or boats! The only real concern is how long you will be "stuck" in the line shack until you are able to get a rating. This will mostly depend on how long it will take until you are eligible to take the advancement exam and which ratings are open at the time.

Navy1013 · 08-24-2014, 07:06 PM

Will I be able to stirke for AO? How would I be able to "see" what they do if I'm in the Line Shack working with F-18's

Auridan · 08-24-2014, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navy1013

Will I be able to stirke for AO? How would I be able to "see" what they do if I'm in the Line Shack working with F-18's

You're not going to spend every waking second there. Part of taking PACT into your own hands (and a lot of other things, frankly) is going to be about spending your off time chasing what you need. And even if you don't actively follow them around, you'll see other ratings' daily lives just by being nearby.

Navy1013 · 08-24-2014, 08:42 PM

That will be my biggest problem, being married with 2 kids and trying to get through the PACT program. Trying to balance spending time off to see other rates and seeing my family will be rough.

Auridan · 08-24-2014, 08:54 PM

Having a guaranteed rating would keep you away from home just as much as PACT will. Like I said, *everyone* needs to put in some off time to get stuff done sometimes. Not to mention underways and deployments.

Temen · 08-26-2014, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navy1013

Will I be able to stirke for AO? How would I be able to "see" what they do if I'm in the Line Shack working with F-18's

You will see plenty of AOs while in the Line Shack. They are usually loading and unloading as PCs (Line Shack qualification) prepare the aircrafts.
Also, there may be some downtime or not enough work to go around at times, so you can ask your LPO/Supervisor if you can go work with other shops.

Navy1013 · 08-27-2014, 07:18 AM

So I would possibly be working with AO's in the line shack?

Navy_blu3 · 08-28-2014, 02:26 PM

Im in a similar situation.I was going for MA but had to settle for this pact program.Now its a mystery if im ever going to get that rate. Im going in as an E-3 but up till this point it looks like im trapped in Aviation

FlyNavy · 08-28-2014, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navy_blu3

Im in a similar situation.I was going for MA but had to settle for this pact program.Now its a mystery if im ever going to get that rate. Im going in as an E-3 but up till this point it looks like im trapped in Aviation

As an MA you were more than likely going to doing gate guard duty anyway. There could be some opportunity to move into security forces from the aviation side though. For instance, I'm a CT but I also did VBSS on the ship. It was a collateral duty but I still had no issues getting to strap up and kick some ass.

/r
CTT1

Temen · 08-28-2014, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navy_blu3

Im in a similar situation.I was going for MA but had to settle for this pact program.Now its a mystery if im ever going to get that rate. Im going in as an E-3 but up till this point it looks like im trapped in Aviation

Request to go TAD to security/ASF if your command will let you. This will allow you to work with the MAs and see if that's a rating you'd enjoy. Then hope for the best and cross-rate.

08-22-2014, 03:46 PM	#1
MickeyMcD Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Deep Sixed Posts: 106 Rep Power: 0	You'll be doing all of the nitty, gritty work in squadrons (ex: chip paint, paint over chipped spot, etc). If you're going in as an E-1, it'll be two years before you're even eligible to get a rating. An E-3 could potentially get one in six months (how often this occurs, I can't say) On the flip side, however, you do get to see what all the different aviation ratings actually do so that you know what you might want to try and strike for. There are several other threads on this forum that cover the PACT programs in a bit more detail.

08-22-2014, 04:07 PM	#2
Navy1013 Active Duty Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Upstate, SC Posts: 89 Rep Power: 0	I had no desire to go into the Aviation field, but without walking out and possibly not joining (time restraints) I had to chose this. I did research on everything but PACT programs and Aviation. I didn't research Aviation because I was told a lot of the rates are overmanned or where it needs to be so the chance of getting Aviation was slim.

08-22-2014, 04:20 PM	#3
LT Guppy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,858 Rep Power: 0	As an A-PACT you will be limited to striking for Aviation rates. You can try to put in a DAR for a different job before you ship, but that is not guaranteed. Also, read these two posts: http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5936 http://www.navydep.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4781

08-22-2014, 04:32 PM	#4
Navy1013 Active Duty Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Upstate, SC Posts: 89 Rep Power: 0	I'm putting a DAR in for GM, HM, MA. I know they are not guaranteed, but its worth a shot.

08-22-2014, 04:34 PM	#5
Navy1013 Active Duty Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Upstate, SC Posts: 89 Rep Power: 0	If the DAR does not get approved the I will make the best of the situation.

08-23-2014, 03:50 AM	#6
Navy1013 Active Duty Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Upstate, SC Posts: 89 Rep Power: 0	If you are A-PACT can you fill out a "Dream Sheet" of the place you want to go like Jacksonville, Norfolk, etc.... or do you just go where ever the Navy sends you and you have no say so??????

08-23-2014, 06:49 AM	#7
LT Guppy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,858 Rep Power: 0	Everyone fills out a dream sheet, but the reality is for your first assignment it doesn't mean much. For your later assignments, you have a little more influence over where you go.

08-24-2014, 07:06 PM	#9
Navy1013 Active Duty Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Upstate, SC Posts: 89 Rep Power: 0	Will I be able to stirke for AO? How would I be able to "see" what they do if I'm in the Line Shack working with F-18's

08-24-2014, 08:42 PM	#11
Navy1013 Active Duty Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Upstate, SC Posts: 89 Rep Power: 0	That will be my biggest problem, being married with 2 kids and trying to get through the PACT program. Trying to balance spending time off to see other rates and seeing my family will be rough.

08-24-2014, 08:54 PM	#12
Auridan Active Duty Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Sea level Posts: 713 Rep Power: 0	Having a guaranteed rating would keep you away from home just as much as PACT will. Like I said, everyone needs to put in some off time to get stuff done sometimes. Not to mention underways and deployments.

08-27-2014, 07:18 AM	#14
Navy1013 Active Duty Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Upstate, SC Posts: 89 Rep Power: 0	So I would possibly be working with AO's in the line shack?

08-28-2014, 02:26 PM	#15
Navy_blu3 Newbie Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	Im in a similar situation.I was going for MA but had to settle for this pact program.Now its a mystery if im ever going to get that rate. Im going in as an E-3 but up till this point it looks like im trapped in Aviation