I cleaned out my closet this week; I figured I’d have to do it eventually. The closet in my bedroom is decent sized, and it was jammed with clothing I never wear. After trying everything on I made a good-sized stack of clothes. 8 t-shirts, 9 short-sleeved collared shirts, 5 long-sleeved collared shirts, 10 sweaters, 15 boxer shorts, 8 dress-shirts, and 3 pairs of dress-pants.

I took the piles of carefully folded clothes, crammed them into an extra-large duffle bag, brought them to the Salvation Army (147 Berkeley St, downtown Boston) and donated them.

I made room in my closet for things that had no home, and my clothes might help somebody stay warmer next winter, or make someone feel more comfortable with their clothes at a job interview. The whole experience felt great.

Spoke to my OSO earlier today and signed up to take the ASTB on June 13th. The ASTB (Aviation Selection Test Battery) is used to determine an applicant’s potential as an aviator. The current version of the test contains five sections.

• Math/Verbal – Measures quantitative aptitude (arithmetic reasoning, general mathematics, algebra, and plane geometry, similar to sections as found in the SAT)
• Mechanical Comprehension – Measures a person’s ability to fix a problem or rationalize basic physics (understanding of principles involved in the operation of mechanical devices, basic physics, etc.)
• Spatial Apperception – Measures a person’s ability to observe changes in position or attitude of aircraft from a third-person view
• Aviation/Nautical Information – Tests knowledge of aviation and nautical terminology, principles, and practices.
• Aviation Supplemental – Contains a variety of questions that are similar in format and content to the items in the preceding subtests.

The EPSQ is the Electronic Personnel Security Questionnaire. The questionnaire ultimately must be filled out digitally and sent electronically to the Defense Security Service. But before you fill it out digitally, you are instructed to fill out the EPSQ worksheet.

The worksheet’s purpose is to show you what questions will be asked and give you ample time to answer them. The reason for this is because the worksheet is 30 pages long and covers the last 7 years of your life.

You are asked about where you have lived within the last 7 years, where you have went to school within the last 7 years, where you have worked within the last 7 years, your spousal situation, your military history, your selective service record, and finally your financial status.

I just finished filling out my EPSQ worksheet.

Updated checklist:

  Medical exam
  7 Letters of personal reference
  Letter from dentist
  Electronic Personnal Security Questionnaire Worksheet
  Application
  Pass ASTB (air test)
  Pass cycloplegic eye exam
  Final Physical Fitness Test (1 month before Class 190 board meets)

My OSO needed a letter from my dentist saying that my teeth are in “good condition.” I dropped by my dentist two days ago and asked them to fax over a letter. The women at the front desk said she would talk to my dentist and have him send the letter. I got a call later that day from the office telling me that my dentist wanted to examine me before he sent the letter, so we made an appointment.

I went to the dentist’s office, told them who I was, and took a seat in the waiting room. Seconds later I was called into one of the examination rooms. The exam was brief, and approximately 5 minutes later the doctor wrote the letter, and had his office fax it to my OSO.

Updated checklist:

  Medical exam
  7 Letters of personal reference
  Letter from dentist
  Application
  Electronic Personnal Security Questionnaire Worksheet
  Pass ASTB (air test)
  Pass cycloplegic eye exam
  Final Physical Fitness Test (1 month before Class 190 board meets)

I just finished sending out my final four letter of reference forms. Two to college professors and two to employers, bringing the final count to the seven required for college grads.

1) Retired Naval Aviator
2) Head of the New Jersey chapter of a national conservative political organization
3) Employer (ex-Marine)
4) Employer
5) Pastor
6) College professor
7) College professor

Updated checklist:

  Medical exam
  7 Letters of personal reference
  Letter from dentist
  Application
  Electronic Personnal Security Questionnaire Worksheet
  Pass ASTB (air test)
  Pass cycloplegic eye exam
  Final Physical Fitness Test (1 month before Class 190 board meets)