EMA FAQ

How often do you have hiring boards?

We currently have 3 hiring boards a year (Feb, Jun, and Oct). Applications for these boards would be due around Dec, Apr, and Sept, respectively. Please check our hiring messages for exact application deadlines or e-mail us for any clarification.

I don't have 3 years TOS by the date on the hiring message; can I still apply?

The TOS requirements (18 and 36 months) are set by AFPC. You may request an Exception to Policy (ETP) through your leadership chain and if released by your CFM and accepted by AFPC, you will be pre-approved to apply to the 89th Airlift Wing.

Am I protected from deployment if I am hired?

Just like other units, we are required to fill a variety of individual non-flying deployments. As of September 2018, we do not have any unit deployments operating DV aircraft overseas as we are coded as "Employed in Place".

What is a controlled tour (Code 55)?

All personnel receive a 4-year controlled tour at the 89th Airlift Wing once they complete their training. A "Code 55" is added to your personnel file and AFPC will not give you an assignment until the expiration of that code. In some cases, and for specific reasons, we can extend that code 55 past the four-year point. Additionally, it doesn't mean that you aren't allowed to PCS if you would like to apply for any special opportunities such as school or staff-it just protects you from popping up on the VML during that time.

For the Commander's Presidential Support Program (PSP) Questionnaire, is the recommendation and comments box considered my commander's recommendation or is this basically 2 recommendations from him?

The Commander's Presidential Support Program Questionnaire is a required part of the application because we are a PSP which requires additional background checks. The questionnaire (including the commander's recommendation) is not evaluated when we are determining who to interview. A preliminary security check is conducted on all applicants selected for an interview using that questionnaire. If any flags exist, we work on those issues on an individual basis. For the commander's recommendation, we suggest a one- or two-line standard comment from your commander saying you are capable of PSP duties and nothing more.

It says, "Must have minimum grade of SrA and 2 years' experience." Does this requirement mean I must be SrA and have 2 years of current career experience with SrA rank? Or SrA and 2 years of my current career experience regardless of the rank?

It means you must be a SrA and have been in the military for at least 2 years.

It says that First Term Airmen may apply if they have been considered under FTA retraining program, does this mean we can only apply if we are in the FTA retraining window?

You must be within your retraining window, however AFPC reviews every retraining application and makes the final decision on your eligibility. We recommend applying and letting AFPC determine your eligibility. Additionally, certain career fields may hold Exception to Policy (ETP) letters that allow a member to retrain outside of their career field.

Is this a complete change of AFSC or once our four years or so are up, can we be pulled back to our original jobs?

This will be a complete AFSC change once you have been accepted and completed all the requirements - Executive Mission Aviator will be your new, permanent career field. You will not be pulled back to any other jobs without applying for retraining.

I only have 2 EPB/EPRs available when my FTA window opens, can I still apply?

You can apply with only 2 performance reports. If you are a SrA and have 2 years of total military experience, you are eligible. You are only required to submit the number of performance reports you have (up to the required number for your package).

What duty stations are Flight Attendants located at?

The majority of Flight Attendants are stationed at JB Andrews, but there are flying units with positions at Hickam AFB, Ramstein AB, Scott AFB, and Offutt AFB. There are also instructor positions at Lackland AFB/Kelly AFB. To receive an assignment to any of those locations (other than Offutt AFB which operates under Air Force Global Strike Command) you must apply and interview at JB Andrews.

What duty stations are Flight Engineers located at?

The majority of Flight Engineers are stationed at JB Andrews, but there are flying units with positions at Hickam AFB and Ramstein AB. There are also instructor positions at Lackland AFB/Kelly AFB. To receive an assignment to any of those locations (other than Offutt AFB which operates under Air Force Global Strike Command) you must apply and interview at JB Andrews.

What duty stations are Communication Systems Operator located at?

The majority of Communications Systems Operator are stationed at JB Andrews, but there are flying units with positions at Hickam AFB and Ramstein AB. There are also instructor positions at Lackland AFB/Kelly AFB. To receive an assignment to any of those locations (other than Offutt AFB which operates under Air Force Global Strike Command) you must apply and interview at JB Andrews.

Are Reservists allowed to apply for the Flight Attendant position?

Reservists are not allowed to apply for any position in the 89th Airlift Wing. We do have some sister reserve units that do hire however they have a separate hiring and application process.

How are the promotion rates in your career field?

Due to being selectively manned, the career field is highly competitive for promotions.

What position/shred will I be as an EMA?

There are 3 shreds within the EMA career field: Flight Attendant, Communications Systems Operator, and Flight Engineer.

Do I get to choose which shred/crew position?

You are not promised any specific crew position prior to the hiring board; however, members possessing current AF Form 8 evaluations in specific aircrew specialties will be assessed for selection for EMA positions aligned with their evaluated qualifications, should they elect to remain within that specialty.

What happens if I do not get selected for my preferred shred?

If you are not selected for your preferred shred, you can apply to transition after completing 2-3 years of your originally selected crew position. (Example: After 3 years of being a Flight Attendant, you may be given the opportunity to “cross-shred” to a Communications Systems Operator)

How often do you fly?

Our flying ops tempo varies based on current world events and may be reflected in our flying schedules. You should plan to be TDY at least 100 days a year.

Am I able to fly the POTUS/Air Force One?

The Presidential Airlift Group maintains their own separate hiring process, but specific circumstances may allow them to select applicants from the 89th Airlift Wing.

Can I get a waiver for the ASVAB requirements?

No. However, you may always choose to retake the ASVAB to strive for a higher score.

Do I have to go to SERE?

All applicants are required to attend Survival Training at Fairchild AFB, WA. If you are a flyer who has previously completed this training, these requirements may differ.

What uniform will I be wearing the most?

Home station is UOD. However, depending on your crew position (this differs from Pilots to FAs to CSOs, etc.) your UOD may be Air Force Blues (lightweight jacket and blues pants), or business suits.

Is it difficult to manage work/life balance at the 89th Airlift Wing?

Yes, it can be at times. The 89th Airlift Wing will always recommend voicing concerns through leadership, the scheduling office, and of course, utilizing Air Force resources that may best help to serve you.

Does Mil-to-Mil effect selection chances?

No.