Improving the UPT Student Follow-On Assignment Selection Process

The Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program at Sheppard AFB conducts Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) for 13 NATO nations with a focus on producing premier fighter pilots. As ENJJPT transitions to the new T-6 Texan II, the leadership is examining if the current assignment model meets the needs of the US Air Force for the US students. To assign US students, the Senior National Representative uses the Merit Assignment Scoring System (MASS) to rank order students and assign aircraft based on preference and availability of assignments. MASS accounts for every activity in pilot training as well as a subjective input from the instructors as to the overall attitude and performance of the student. The score obtained from the MASS is categorical by assigning a weighting to a particular category of performance.