Nomination Interview

packermatt7 · 10-16-2008, 08:12 PM

I know there's probably a lot of threads about this but I'm going to ask anyway.

My nomination interviews are coming up and I have some questions...

1. When applying for a nomination, is it OK to say that you are only interested in the Air Force Academy?

2. What are your top three pieces of advice for someone about to interview?

HNeedle · 10-16-2008, 09:27 PM

yes, be clear about what you want. don't let them push you to another academy if you don't want it.

- be yourself
-- keep eye contact
--- answer the questions (don't jump around the bush)

07PETKO · 10-16-2008, 09:49 PM

Speak clearly and confidently. Don't look down at the ground and fumble around with your hands - sit up straight, look him/her in the eye, and proudly say what you want to say.

packermatt7 · 10-16-2008, 10:25 PM

Any particularly difficult questions? What were the big ones?

AC232323 · 10-16-2008, 10:39 PM

I've heard from some people that you are 'supposed' to say you want to go to any of the academies. In my opinion, this is absolutely wrong. If you only want USAFA, SAY SO! However, if you only want usafa it is hopefully because you want to be an Air Force officer and would pursue an AF ROTC scholarship if you did not get in. Making it clear that your goal is to be an Air Force officer is the key point. As for difficult question, make sure you have a good monologue memorized for what to say when they ask "is there anything else the board should know about you?" Saying no in response to that question is not good

Wildblue27 · 10-16-2008, 10:51 PM

Here are some more examples:

"Why do you want to become an officer in the United States Air Force."

"What seperates you from other candidates"

"Give an example of something you did which bettered your school or community and demonstrated your leadership ability"

"Are you willing to risk your life by going to war"

"What makes you think you can handle the rigors of a service academy"

In general, I would look over your resume and remember all of the things you've done, and be prepared to answer specific question on them.

Good Luck!

packermatt7 · 10-16-2008, 11:37 PM

1. I want to become an officer in the Air Force to serve my country. I want to be a leader with the satisfaction of knowing each and every day that I am doing something that is worthwhile, something that I am willing to die for. I want to fly planes. If that does not happen, I look forward to the endless job opportunities an Air Force officer can have.

2. Not sure on what to say for this one yet... I need to think it over some more.

3. (explain group I helped create at our school that promotes racial, ethnic, and religious tolerance)

4. Yes, to put it simply.

5. By loading my senior schedule with the most rigorous classes available, I think that I am preparing myself each and every day. I hold a part-time job, participate in many extracurricular activities (president of one), play baseball, and still manage to fulfill my commitment to each and hold a 4.0 gpa. I am learning the necessary skills to survive the academic rigors of the Air Force Academy. (also talk about physical training I am doing now).

Those are my basic answers...

One thing I hate about my resume is that I don't have much community service. Any ideas on how to put a non-negative spin on this? I was thinking of saying how I am so busy with my other stuff, but does that tell them "What else won't he have time for at the Academy?"

Anyway, thanks for the help.

07PETKO · 10-17-2008, 12:29 AM

You're flying an A-10, tasked with the elimination of some high-priority targets in Afghanistan. Upon reaching the village, you see that it's full of women and children who would surely be wounded or killed by your fire. Do you press the attack and accomplish the mission, or do you keep your finger off the trigger in hopes of saving innocent lives?

You're already in the military and are sitting in front of two retired Colonels who you've just met. Each must be around 75 years old (but for the purpose of the scenario, they're both still active duty). One turns to you and tells you that you're now under his direct command. In a minute, he'll give you a pistol, and he orders you to shoot the other. Do you follow his order?

These are the two that stand out in my mind - the two for which I didn't have a solid, immediate answer. Practice moral/ethical questions like this, because they can be the toughest ones by far.

hornetguy · 10-17-2008, 12:55 AM

That's when its good to familiarize yourself with the LOAC and UCMJ.

HNeedle · 10-17-2008, 01:03 AM

aka... don't obey unlawful orders. also think of a scenario in which you failed and how you overcame it.. or how you worked at something and finally got it.

raimius · 10-17-2008, 01:16 AM

I remember the most oddball question I had. "What was the best book you have read in the past year, and why?"

You can't predict them all, lol.

07PETKO · 10-17-2008, 01:17 AM

"If you were a Disney princess, which one would you be and why?"

Yes, I've heard it. Questions like that are really a gauge of your personality and ability to think on your feet. I mean, really, is there a great answer to that...?

raimius · 10-17-2008, 01:32 AM

Somewhere I heard a story about Adm. Rickover doing interviews for some position. During the middle of the interview, Rickover made a rather strange demand. He looked at the young officer and said, "make me angry." At that, the young officer set his arm on Rickover's desk, and proceeded to sweep everything off the desk, in one quick motion.

It worked...and he eventually got the position.

bulletandpima · 10-17-2008, 06:45 AM

DS had the book question also and he was asked about his calc class.

For dependent kids you might not be asked about the AF. They noticed our DS walk in with Bullet, looked at the record and realized he is a military kid. The only question they asked him about the military was what does Dad do?

In NC it was a committee of 3 and none were prior military.

Of course there is Petko, but let me think about it and get back to you ...oops I guess I failed

requiem · 10-17-2008, 07:22 AM

"We have an x number of candidates vying for these 10 spots. Why should you be one of the 10?" Was a question I was asked. I think it was one of the more difficult questions where you had to differentiate yourself without sounding too snobbish.

Personally I had a panel of 7 people with one AF officer and one principal (not sure from where) for the interview