179th Fighter Squadron's F-16 Pilot Hiring Board

Pilots,

Thanks for your interest in the 179th Fighter Squadron, "World Famous Bulldogs!" We are excited you are taking the next
steps in beginning your career as a combat aviator and officer with the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth, MN. The
expectations of our candidates and wingmen is higher than ever in the history of combat aviation. You should be excited
about this juncture in your career and motivated to put forth the continued effort required to place you in the seat of the
world's premier multi-mission fighter!

We are excited for you to have the opportunity to join our team and look forward to meeting you at interviews.

– Lt Col Ryan Durand, 179th Squadron Commander

All application items and email subject will be titled: Last Name, First Name, 2026 UPT
(Do not submit packages via alternate websites) Applications will only be received submitted directly via email to:
148FW.FSS.Commissioning@us.af.mil

Submit in Order in 1 combined PDF (no portfolios):
1.Applicant Information Sheet
2.Prescreen document
3.Cover Letter (Address letters to “Board President”)
4.Resume
5.Official College Transcript (original or a copy of original)
6.AFOQT Scores (must be submitted with package- delayed submissions not accepted)
7.TBAS scores (must be submitted with package- delayed submissions not accepted)
8.Copy of Pilot Certificate (if applicable)
9.Copy of the last page of your logbook showing # of flight hours *
10.Letters of Recommendation (2 or 3 good ones which speak to your skills as an aviator/leader)
11. Air Force Form 24 (Not required if already a commissioned Air Force Officer)
12. Current fitness test report (if military member)
13. Most recent EPR/OPR/performance report (if military member)
No changes will be made to packages following submission.

Notes for application
- We use the whole person concept. Let your accomplishments speak for themselves.
- *Flying experience and aero-ratings are highly desirable but they are not required.
- # of candidates selected will be determined annually as needed.
* Age Cut Offs:
- Must be in UPT by your 33rd birthday
- Age accepted dependent on type and amount of airframe experience

Fulltime Employment
-This Board is for part-time/traditional Air National Guard positions. If selected, you will be on active duty for training for 3-
4 years before reverting back to traditional/part-time status once training is complete.

Candidates selected to meet the Interview Board will be officially invited to the unit at a designated date. It is your
responsibility to provide a current phone number and email address to contact you.

Individual tours / rushing is not done for prospective UPT candidates due to availability. We will invite selected
candidates to the Wing the weekend of interviews.