Microsoft Word - SOF ALO App FY18 cao 17 Jun 2019

SPECIAL OPERATIONS AIR LIAISON

OFFICER APPLICATION

Application Deadlines

September 2019 Assessment: 19 Aug 2019

January 2020 Assessment: 16 Dec 2019

August 2020 Assessment: 20 Jul 2020

Submit applications to: [email protected]

For general questions: [email protected]

XVII Special Tactics Squadron

Current as of 17 Jun 2019

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Career Field Eligibility

3. Application Procedures

4. Phase I

5. Phase II

Annex A ALO Phase I Application Instructions & Example

Annex B ALO PT Evaluation Standards

Current as of 17 Jun 2019

Special Operations Air Liaison Officer Assessment

1. INTRODUCTION.

Thank you for your interest in the Special Operations Air Liaison Officer (ALO) career

field. This document outlines the application procedures to become a Special Operations ALO.

The Special Tactics forces that a Special Operations ALO leads are organized under the 24th

Special Operations Wing (SOW) of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and

assigned to the 17th Special Tactics Squadron (STS). Applicants familiar with earlier versions

of this package should review this document thoroughly, as it has undergone revision.

2. CAREER FIELD ELIGIBILITY.

Special Operations ALOs require high levels of physical fitness, mental agility,

professionalism, leadership, interpersonal skills, initiative, psychological stability, motivation,

and technical competency. Additional eligibility criteria are listed below:

・ Security clearance: Secret (minimum), Top Secret (attainable)

・ Volunteer for Hazardous Duty: Static-line Parachute

・ Background: Outstanding resume and no negative personal or professional history

・ Medical/Physical: IFC III Flying Physical authorizing ground based controller, static-line

training, and static-line duties documented on a DD Form 2808

・ Physical Fitness: At a minimum, candidates must satisfactorily complete the minimum

scores on the PT Evaluation.

3. SPECIAL OPERATIONS ALO APPLICATION PROCEDURES.

Special Operations ALO assessments are conducted whenever it is determined a

position will become vacant and needs to be filled. Each cycle has two phases: Phase I and

Phase II. In Phase I, a panel of officers reviews and stratifies applications submitted by the

deadline. The top applicants are invited to attend Phase II Selection. Phase II consists of a

one-week evaluation conducted at Hurlburt Field, FL, approximately 30-60 days after Phase I.

Candidates must attend Phase II in TDY status. AFSOC will normally fund Phase II

attendance for candidates.

Upon completion of Phase II evaluated events, the 720 Special Tactics Group (STG)

Commander makes his selection of new Special Operations ALOs. Applicants will be briefed on

their select/non-select status at the completion of Phase II. If you desire to become a Special

Operations ALO, but are unable to attend a Phase II selection, submit a Phase I package and

inform the Special Operations ALO point of contact of your situation.

An invitation to Phase II means the Phase I selection board would like to take a closer

look at your potential to become an ALO. Your decision to attend is voluntary and non-binding.

Selection at Phase II means the selection board president has approved your entry into the career

field and pipeline training. It is ultimately up to you to accept the challenge.

Active Duty USAF: The Special Operations ALO position is open to the following

career fields: 11XX, 12XX, 13 BX, and 13LX. Eligible grades are O-2 through O-4. CONUS

candidates must have at least 2 years Time on Station (TOS) prior to attending assessment and

selection. OCONUS candidates must be within 1 year of their DEROS prior to attending

assessment and selection.

It is highly recommended that candidates are:

Current as of 17 Jun 2019

CAS experts familiar with all components of fire support

Extremely fit (meeting the PT minimums is not extremely fit)

Ready to lead seasoned TACP operators autonomously

Experienced through combat deployment or a major joint exercise

**The above items are only recommendations, not prerequisites.

First-Time Non-Selects: Candidates who attend Phase II, but are not selected, are not

guaranteed a Phase II invitation in future selection cycles. If the cadre identify

deficiencies/weaknesses that they would like to see corrected before accepting you into the

Special Tactics community, you must submit an updated application that addresses those

deficiencies. Do NOT submit the same application package. You must have updated letters of

recommendation as well as accomplish a new PT test.

4. PHASE I

Phase I applications are due by the date posted on the message accompanying the

application package. The Assessment Director does an initial review of the applications for

completeness. The Assessment Director convenes a review board consisting of the 17th Special

Tactics Commander, Chief Enlisted Manager, and other Special Operations ALOs. The board

ranks the applications, identifying the candidates most likely to succeed. Once invitations are

sent, the Assessment Director contacts the individuals with Phase II reporting instructions.

The Assessment Director designates the candidate team leader. At that time, the team is

encouraged to begin team building via email and other means. The more cohesive the team is

prior to arrival, the better the team interaction will be during Phase II, enhancing everyone’s

chances to be selected. The team leader is the primary means of contacting the Assessment

Director for assessment-related matters. The Assessment Director is your definitive resource for

all policy, continuity, and information on Phase II.

All non-invited applicants will receive feedback on their applications from the

Assessment Director. If you do not hear from the Assessment Director within 45 days of

submitting your application, contact him for details.

Read through ANNEX A for complete instructions on constructing your Phase I package.

5. PHASE II

Phase II Selection is conducted at Hurlburt Field, FL. The purpose of Phase II is to assess

each candidate in the nine STS attributes: Physical Fitness, Mental Agility, Professionalism,

Leadership, Interpersonal Skills, Initiative, Psychological Stability, Motivation, and Technical

Competency for the purpose of determining if you have the raw skills to operate in the Special

Operations environment. Your performance will be evaluated as a team member and as an

individual. The schedule is designed to stress you. The Special Operations ALO cadre will

observe and take notes on everything you do. These observations will be the basis for a hiring

recommendation made to the 720th STG Commander. The data will also be used to provide

critical feedback to enhance your personal and professional growth.

Candidates must be prepared for a physically and mentally demanding week. You

cannot trust your judgment of your physical and mental preparedness prior to coming to Phase

II.

Feedback from most candidates indicates that this week is more demanding than anything

they anticipated. The cadre will push you physically and mentally beyond your comfort zone to

Current as of 17 Jun 2019

assess those critical attributes in adverse situations. You will be expected to perform to the best

of your ability in all events.

Billeting will be coordinated for all candidates. Candidates will be billeted together for

the duration of Phase II. The candidate team leader is responsible for passing travel and contact

information for all candidates. When the candidate team leader arrives, he must check in with the

Assessment Director for further instructions.

There are five ways to be dismissed during Phase II. Failure to pass the PT Evaluation

during Phase II is grounds for immediate dismissal. Medical disqualification results from a

medical assessment to determine your ability to safely continue Phase II. Self-Initiated

Elimination (SIE) means that you no longer wish to continue in the assessment. Quitting by

Action (QBA) is a Phase II policy that allows the Phase II cadre to give you three consecutive

warnings during an assessment event, for demonstrating lack of motivation to continue or

perform at the required level of effort. If a fourth warning is issued, you are subject to removal

from the assessment. If a candidate SIE’s or QBA’s, he will not be considered again for

assessment. Finally, the Phase II cadre retains the ability to remove a candidate at any time for

not performing to standards.

Candidates should be prepared for the following:

Extensive psychological testing and interviews

Briefing and writing skills evaluations

Problem solving events

Leadership ability evaluations

Ruckmarch with 50 – 70 lbs of weight at distances of 12 miles

Running for distances up to 8 miles at a time

Calisthenics sessions of various exercises

Water confidence evaluations, to include:

Under water swim intervals at 25 meters

Treading water

Surface swimming

Those candidates who successfully complete Phase II and are selected can expect to

receive an assignment at Ft Benning, GA, Hunter Army Airfield, GA, or Joint Base Lewis-McChord,

WA. The location will be dictated by the 17th Special Tactics Squadron Commander based upon

open positions. Applicants should be prepared to receive an assignment to any of the above locations

and your order of assignment preference is not a consideration for the board.

Current as of 17 Jun 2019

ANNEX A

Phase I Application Instructions & Example

PHASE I APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Proof read your application for accuracy, format, grammar, and spelling. In Phase I, the

selection board relies solely on information and impressions made through your application.

Incomplete or poorly crafted applications are a reflection of the applicant’s professionalism. As a

general rule, successful Phase I applications are concise, easy to understand, and are not filled

with extra “fluff.” Your success in the Special Tactics community begins with this application.

The application will include the following in this order:

Cover page – Use Times New Roman and Font size 10

Personal Narrative – One page in length (See example for format and specifics)

Copy of your personal SURF (Single Unit Retrieval Format) accessible via the AMS

(Assignment Management System) webpage.

One signed recommendation letter from your commander, no more than one-page in

length. The letter should comment on your leadership abilities including relevant

examples.

Copies of your five most recent performance reports. Prior enlisted personnel

should include their enlisted performance reports if applicable.

If you are currently a qualified JTAC, include copies all of your Form 8s.

Copy of a DD Form 2808 (obtained at base medical unit) dated within 60-days of

application submission

authorizing ground based controller, static-line training, and

static-line duties

When complete, your application should be scanned into a PDF file as ONE DOCUMENT and

emailed to [email protected]il. Put your last name and “ALO

Application” in the subject line of the email, such as “Johnson-ALO Application”.

Additional Notes:

The format on the next few pages is not an option. Follow the example. Do not

include the footer you see below that says: “Current as of DATE”.

If the header or section does not apply to your situation, simply delete that section.

Be sure that all signature blocks are hand signed with wet ink.

Current as of 17 Jun 2019

SPECIAL OPERATIONS ALO COVER PAGE DATE: 20 October 2014

Name/Rank: 1Lt John B. Doe

SSN: 123-45-6789

Work Address: 123 Main Street, Hurlburt Field, FL 32544

Work Email: john.doe@hurlburt.af.mil

Work Phone: 850-555-1234

Current Duty Station: Hurlburt Field, FL

Current Unit: 1st Special Operations Wing

AFSC/Current Position: Flight Commander

Marital Status: Married

Attended Phase II / SOCOM Training: Yes / No If yes, when: (Month, Year) CRO, STO, SOWT, Other:

Commander Name/Rank: Major John Smith

Email/Phone: [email protected] / 850-678-1234

Functional Manager Name/Rank: Capt Mike Johnson

Email/Phone: michael.johnson@hurlburt.af.mil/ 850-789-3456

PT Test Results PT Test Date:

Pull-ups Sit-ups Push-ups

Mile run_ mins secs

25 meter underwater swim ( Pass / Fail ) 200 meter swim mins secs

12 Mile Ruck March hours mins secs

Administrator Name/Rank:

Email/Phone:

Administrator Signature

Candidate acknowledgment statement: “I, (Insert Name Here), hereby apply to become a Special Operations ALO and

volunteer to perform the hazardous duties inherent to Special Tactics. I acknowledge that I can be removed from further

assessment for any of the following reasons: 1) quitting through words or actions, 2) becoming a medical or safety risk, 3)

committing an integrity violation such as lying, cheating, or stealing, or 4) failing to meet specified standards.

INSERT YOUR PHOTO HERE.

The photo will be a forward facing

portrait. You will be in service dress

and the photo should extend from the

bottom of your name tag/bottom of

your ribbon rack to the top of your

head. Use your base official photo lab

for best results.

Current as of 17 Jun 2019

Candidate Signature: Date:

Current as of 17 Jun 2019

20 Oct 2014

MEMORANDUM FOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS ALO SELECTION BOARD

FROM: 16EMS/MXMG

SUBJECT: Personal Narrative

This document is provided to give the selection board an overall understanding of your

character and personality. It should be clear, concise, and free of extra “fluff” statements.

It should include:

Your personal background, such as where you grew up, significant jobs/positions

held, and/or an explanation of your experiences and involvements before and during

military service

An identification and explanation of your perceived strengths and weaknesses

A discussion on what attracts you to become a Special Operations ALO

Why Special Operations ALO is the right career for you

The narrative will be formatted with 1 inch margins on the left and right sides. The top margin

will be between 1 inch and 1.5 inches depending on the heading you establish. The bottom will

be 1 inch.

The heading format you see above should be followed with your own information entered in the

FROM portion. The document may not exceed more than one page in length. Use Times New Roman

with font size 12. Include a crest in the upper left hand corner of your header similar to an official

memorandum for record. See AFH 33-337 The Tongue and Quill or sister service equivalent for

examples of an Official Memorandum

for Record.

JOHN A. DOE, 1st Lieutenant, USAF

Logistics Training Flight Commander

Current as of 17 Jun 2019

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

DATE

MEMORANDUM FOR SPECIAL TACTICS ALO SELECTION BOARD

FROM: X ASOS/CC

XXX. Whatever St

Ft Xxxxx AIN, ST XXXXX

SUBJECT: Special Operations ALO Recommendation Letter (EXAMPLE)

Captain John A. Doe is my number one recommendation for the newly opened Special

Operations ALO positions. Capt Doe possesses an exceptionally strong duty concept, as evidenced

by the motivated and professional way he addresses his daily work, as evidenced by his recent

selection as PACAF CGO of the Year. His service leading our TAC Team has been - and

continues to be - impeccable. I’ve personally called upon him to instruct me on various ALO skills

and physical training concepts. His decision making ability and clear judgment underscore his

unselfish sense of duty. Capt Doe is highly dedicated to his work as a Terminal Attack Control and

Command Specialist and he exercises every opportunity to better himself and expand his

knowledge both on and off duty.

Capt Doe’s physical and personal skills, his adaptability and willingness to learn all attribute to

his superb ability as a team player. He will be a valued asset to the Special Tactics community. I

am confident in my decision for his recommendation. If you have any questions you may contact

me at DSN: XXX-XXXX or by email at:

To be blunt, Captain Doe succeeds magnificently at everything he undertakes. He is a sincere,

articulate young officer who is made of just the right decisive “stuff” we’re looking for in our leaders.

I am confident he would make an excellent Special Operations ALO and recommend his selection on

your next board.

JOHN B. HANCOCK, Lt Col, USAF

Commander

NOTE: Letter of Recommendation will be formatted according to AFH 33-337 The Tongue and

Quill

Current as of 17 Jun 2019

ANNEX B

SPECIAL OPERATIONS ALO PT EVALUATION STANDARDS

General. Special Operations ALO applicants shall complete the physical training test in

accordance with these procedures as part of the Special Operations ALO application.

Standards. You must complete the minimum number of exercises, run, and swim within the

times specified below. Special Operations ALO selection is extremely competitive; you

should give your very best effort, which should be well beyond the minimums. Your PT

Evaluation should have been accomplished within three months of the Phase I due date and as

close to Phase I as possible to reflect your current level of fitness.

CALISTHENICS: pull-ups, sit-ups, and push-ups -- exercise to time limit or until

muscle failure

・ Minimums:

10 pull-ups in 1 minute

70 sit-ups in 2 minutes

60 push-ups in 2 minutes

RUN: 5 miles non-stop

・ Minimums:

5 miles completed within 40 minutes (40:00)

UNDERWATER SWIM: swim and remain underwater for 25 meters

・ Minimums:

Successful completion

SWIM: 200 meters non-stop -- any stroke except backstroke (without fins)

・ Minimums:

200 m completed within 7 minutes (7:00)

RUCKMARCH: 12 miles non-stop

・ Minimums:

12 miles completed within 3 hours (3:00:00)

Does not have to occur on same day as other PT events, but within 7 days

Administration. The PT test must be given in the order listed and completed within a three-

hour timeframe. If you are unable to meet any of the minimums, you have failed the test.

The PT test should be administered by your supervisor. Other test administrators will be

considered on a case-by-case basis, following coordination with the Assessment Director. If

you fail to execute the proper form, the test administrator will correct you, and the incorrect

repetition will not be counted. The test administrator will document the results on the cover

sheet of your application and sign the appropriate space. Each candidate and administrator

should watch the instructional video posted at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zdKD0VMKWg&feature=plcp&context=C3f31946UDOEg

sToPDskJY7F3h01Zie

0ZF9Il5EPl1. The video should be used as a guide for exercise form ONLY, the repetition and

time standards referenced do not apply to Special Operations ALO candidates.

Current as of 17 Jun 2019

Procedures. Calisthenics events will be tested one right after the other with approximately a

2-minute time lapse between events. Upon completion of all the calisthenics events, a 10-

minute rest period is given prior to starting the 5-mile run. Upon completion of the 5-mile

run, a 20-minute rest period is given prior to starting the underwater swim. Within 10

minutes after the underwater swim, begin the 200 meter swim.

・ Pull-ups (one minute time limit). This exercise is executed on a pull-up bar. The

individual grasps the bar with the hands about shoulder width apart. Hands can be facing

toward the candidate (chin up) or away from the candidate (pull up). This is a two-count

exercise. The exercise begins in the “dead hang” position. Count one: pull the body

directly upward until the chin is over the bar. Count two: lower the body until the body is

again in the “dead hang” position. Repeat as many times as possible. Individuals will not

swing excessively or bicycle feet as the chin is pulled over the bar. Legs are allowed to

bend, but must not be kicked or manipulated to aid upward movement. If the candidate

falls off or releases the bar, the exercise is terminated. Designed to measure strength and

endurance in the back, triceps, and biceps muscles used when performing specific

mission tasks. A two-minute rest follows this event.

・ Sit-ups (two minute time limit). Starting position: back flat on the ground, hands behind

the head, fingers interlocked, head off the ground and knees bent at approximately a 90

degree angle. Another individual during the exercise holds the feet (optional). This is a

two-count exercise. Count one: sit up until the back is vertical, breaking a 90 degree

plane with the ground. Count two: return to the starting position. There is no authorized

rest position during this exercise. If the candidate rests, the exercise is terminated. If an

individual raises buttocks from ground, removes hands from behind the head during a

repetition, or the fingers are not interlocked, the repetition is not counted. Designed to

measure strength and endurance in abdominal and hip flexor muscle groups used when

performing specific mission tasks. A two-minute rest follows this event.

・ Push-ups (two minute time limit). This exercise starts from the front leaning rest

position. The body must be maintained straight from head to heels with knees together.

This is a two-count exercise. Count one: flex the elbows, lowering the body until the arm

is bent at least 90 degrees at the elbow and the upper arm breaks a parallel plane with the

ground. Count two: raise the body until the elbows are straight and locked. Repeat this

exercise as many times as possible. The candidate will not raise his buttocks in the air,

sag his middle to the ground, or raise any hand or foot from their starting position. If a

hand or foot is raised, the exercise is terminated. The only authorized rest position is the

starting position. Designed to measure the strength and endurance of the chest and triceps

muscles used when performing mission tasks. A two-minute rest follows this event.

・ Five Mile Run. Performed with running shoes and running shorts. This run must be

continuous (non-stop). If a candidate stops anytime during the run, the test will be

stopped and considered a failure for the entire test. The test should be conducted on a

measured running track. Designed to measure aerobic endurance used when performing

mission tasks, specifically employment or evasion situations. This event is followed by a

20-minute rest period prior to the underwater swim.

・ Underwater Swim. Perform one 25-meter underwater swim utilizing a lap swimming

pool. If the candidate’s head breaks the water surface in order to take a breath of air, the test

will be stopped and considered a failure for the entire test. Swimsuits and mask or swim

goggles are the only equipment items allowed. Allow a 10-minute rest period prior to the

200 meter swim.

Current as of 17 Jun 2019

・ 200 Meter Swim. The swim will be performed with swimsuits and mask or swim goggles,

without fins, in a lap swimming pool. This swim must be continuous (non-stop). If you

stop anytime during the swim, the test will be stopped and considered a failure for the

entire test. Designed to measure aerobic endurance in a maritime environment.

・ Twelve Mile Ruck March. Performed in ABU or Multi-cam uniform and field boots.

Use a rucksack with a total weight of 40 lbs. The ruck march must be completed within

3 hours. The test should be conducted on a measured flat surface with minimal

incline/decline of elevation. Designed to measure aerobic endurance used when

performing mission tasks, specifically employment or evasion situations. This event does

not have to be conducted the same day as the other PT events, but should be conducted

within 7-days of the PT event. If selected for Phase II, you will accomplish the PT test and

ruck march within 24 hours of each other. Prepare yourself now.