EMA FAQ

How often do you have hiring boards?

We currently have 3 hiring boards a year (Feb, Jun, and Oct). Applications are due around Dec, Apr, and Sept respectively. Check our hiring messages for exact deadlines or e-mail us for 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. 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 training. A "Code 55" is added to your personnel file and AFPC will not give you an assignment until expiration. In some cases we can extend past four years. It doesn't prevent PCS for special opportunities — it just protects you from appearing on the VML during that time.

For the Commander's PSP Questionnaire, is the recommendation box considered my commander's recommendation, or is it basically two recommendations from him?

The Commander's Presidential Support Program Questionnaire is required because we are a PSP requiring additional background checks. It is not evaluated when determining who to interview — it is used for a preliminary security check on selected interviewees. For the recommendation, we suggest a one- or two-line standard comment saying you are capable of PSP duties and nothing more.

The requirement says "minimum grade of SrA and 2 years' experience." Does this mean SrA with 2 years at that rank, or SrA with 2 years total military service?

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

It says First Term Airmen may apply if considered under the FTA retraining program — does that mean only during the FTA retraining window?

You must be within your retraining window, however AFPC reviews every application and makes the final eligibility decision. We recommend applying and letting AFPC determine eligibility. Additionally, certain career fields may hold ETP letters that allow retraining outside the normal window.

Is this a complete AFSC change, or can I be pulled back to my original job after my tour?

This is a complete AFSC change once accepted and all requirements are met. Executive Mission Aviator will be your permanent career field. You will not be pulled back to any other job without applying for retraining.

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

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

What duty stations are Flight Attendants located at?

The majority are stationed at JB Andrews, with flying unit positions at Hickam AFB, Ramstein AB, Scott AFB, and Offutt AFB. Instructor positions exist at Lackland AFB/Kelly AFB. To receive an assignment to any of those locations (except Offutt, 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 are stationed at JB Andrews, with flying unit positions at Hickam AFB and Ramstein AB. Instructor positions exist at Lackland AFB/Kelly AFB. To receive an assignment to any of those locations (except Offutt), you must apply and interview at JB Andrews.

What duty stations are Communication Systems Operators located at?

The majority are stationed at JB Andrews, with flying unit positions at Hickam AFB and Ramstein AB. Instructor positions exist at Lackland AFB/Kelly AFB. To receive an assignment to any of those locations (except Offutt), 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. There are 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 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?

You can apply to transition after completing 2–3 years in your originally selected crew position. For example, after 3 years as 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. 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 its 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 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, requirements may differ.

What uniform will I be wearing the most?

Home station is UOD. Depending on your crew position, 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 utilizing Air Force resources that may best help serve you.

Does Mil-to-Mil affect selection chances?

No.