PLEASE READ
BEFORE COMPLETING THE vUSAF APPLICATION
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VIRTUAL
U.S. AIR FORCE PLEASE READ
BEFORE COMPLETING THE vUSAF APPLICATION |
Welcome to the Virtual United States Air Force, or the VUSAF for short. Undoubtedly, you are looking for the best of the best and you have arrived! Before we begin, we would like to give you a brief summary of the organization, what it does and what we expect of our members, we do this so that there are no surprises once you go on to the next step which is filling out your enlistment form.
The VUSAF is a hyper realistic recreation of the actual United States Air Force in its peace time role to the maximum extent possible within the confines of Microsoft Flight Simulator and the VATSIM.net internet environment. You ask what does this mean exactly? it means that we are fanatical in our effort to recreate the U.S.A.F. and you should expect and be prepared for the following:
1. First and foremost, we cannot offer basic pilot training for zero experience persons. We expect that you already know how to fly an aircraft AND operate all of its systems and instruments at a level of a amateur IFR rated pilot. Here in our training course we will challenge you with tasks that build upon this basic knowledge and hone your skills.
2. Members are expected to fly a minimum of four (4) flights per month, covering a minimum of specified training criteria in addition to online events and other activities, an average of at least 4+ hours a week or more. We do offer a reduced participation level of one (1) flight per month for Virtual Air National Guard members. Your peers will assign you missions to accomplish goals set forth by the air staff, assignments are one means of determining a member's activity level and membership status, failing to perform missions and communicate effectively with your Chain of Command (CoC), may result in being marked inactive and possibly discharged.
3. Members not only fly they are EXPECTED to READ and pass exams. We have amassed countless pages information pertinent not only to the hobby of virtual flying but also on the military environment. Our members start at day one reading and learning and are taken to task by your peers regularly. You will read almost as much as you fly, so be prepared to study! From your first day of your cadet class, you are expected to pass written online exams based on the material presented, not only for flight training but also for promotions. Rank, position and prestige here is earned, and not passed out based on the number of hours you accumulate.
4. Your peers not only supervise members in their charge, they also teach and evaluate. One of several tools we use is what is known as a Officer's Performance Report or OPR. Every quarter, all members are evaluated by their peers, from the Chief of Staff to you the line officer. Everyone is given a score and constructive criticism on how to improve, the end result is a better member and a more enjoyable experience for you and your fellow members.
5. In return, we offer you a very realistic experience and a virtual career. The key word is career, as you can see, membership here is very involved and demanding however, the rewards are immeasurable. From day one, you have your own FORM 201, this whole web page is dedicated to you, every member has one, it chronicles your accomplishments from day one to retirement and everything in between. Here you proudly, display your unit colors and insignias, your awards, rank and training completions, your flight logbook, and a running narrative covering your career! All of our members have the opportunity to excel and climb the ladder of success, many of persons in the club have started where you are and have worked through the ranks and earned senior positions, all it takes is persistence and a desire to succeed!
6. Your next step is to fill out an enlistment application, attention to detail is paramount at this step as the information IS researched to ensure accuracy. At the bottom of the application is a section we call the "dream sheet" it is where you select three aircraft you are interested in being assigned to upon completing the AETC training program. The dream sheet is just that, it is a guide for our Operations department in assessing your interest and our organizational needs and a compromise is met in between so select your aircraft carefully.
7. Once you have "enlisted" you will receive an email with instructions... failure to complete the instructions may result in your application being denied. One of the steps will be to take an exam on the use of the FSInn third party software and VATSIM.net that the VUSAF uses to connect to the VATSIM network, don't worry it is open book however, we need to ensure that all of our members are fluent in its use. The Chief of Staff may waive the use of FSInn for the use of Squawk Box however, mitigating and justifiable circumstances must exist. A waiver will not alleviate the FSInn? VATSIM exam requirement.
8. Your first assignment will be at our Air Education Training Command (AETC). Once you are assigned to your first training unit, you will be given a Pilot Training Program (PTP) packet pertinent to your career track. PTP is a self study, self paced (within specific confines) training program that places the responsibility on the student to complete with very MINIMAL interaction or dependency on others, this prevents any problems with scheduling and etc that would otherwise slow or prevent a new member from progressing. In the PTP pack you will have explicit instructions to follow and set dead lines to meet, failure to pass the content or meet the training deadlines may result in being discharged from the organization. Once you have completed the PTP pack you will only need to perform a online check ride with your destination unit's instructor pilot and upon successful completion of your check ride you will be considered "Mission Ready" (MR) and a full fledged member! Fighter pilots will have a slightly altered track and that will be detailed in the PTP pack.
The VUSAF has been continually and successfully operating for ten plus years and counting. If the structure offered by the VUSAF appeals to you then you have found a new home, if this is a bit overwhelming or demanding for your taste, we ask that you evaluate your commitment before applying. Many before you have accepted the challenge of VUSAF recruit training and successfully navigated the path I have described, of which, many have become some of the greatest virtual aviators.
In closing, for proprietary reasons, we ask that you DO NOT maintain memberships in other virtual organizations that recreate in part or whole the actual U.S. Air Force or this virtual organization. Such iniquitous memberships are considered a conflict of interest thus prohibited by our organization. This restriction is in place for the purpose of protecting this organization’s intellectual material developed by it’s members over the past ten years.
Submitting an application signifies that you have read, understand, and accept these requirements. Further, you agree that we will assign your aircraft and Major Command based on our current Organizational needs, space available within our training Wings, your age and experience - requesting an airframe does not guarantee you will be assigned it. If you cannot meet these requirements or agree to our Terms, do not complete the application.