navigatro

You must have been out of the service for a long time.

They are currently getting rid of a lot of great people.

At the same time, they are retaining the butt-kissing fast burners that have no people or leadership skills, (who have merely filled the proper squares.)

kb8018

You know, upon further reflection, you're right. I'm in way over my head. I'm so thankful that someone with such inside knowledge on the latest happenings in the Naval aviation community was able to guide me in the proper direction. I grabbed an application from McD's on my way home from work today. Couldn't have done it without your invaluable insight.

To those that provided founded, beneficial, and constructive insight, I do appreciate it.

FlyFastLiveSlow

They're hiring you to fly airplanes. Staff work, snappy PowerPoint slides, and PME gets you promoted. Spin it to your advantage. "I prefer the rewards and challenges that come with flying over non-flying jobs."

Toonces

I have plenty of anecdotal stories regarding this situation. Don't worry about it.

If the board doesn't go your way, apply to everyone you want to work for the day the results come out. Adjust your separation date as required. That extra cash is key. When asked about it, like other posters have said, be vague. I think in the current environment, reduction in force is an apt saying. The promotion rates for aviators recently have been abysmal.

I would stay in if I were you and roll the dice on the board. If you still would rather leave active duty after the results come out, you have that option now that your commitment is up.

jkhill0

Kb8018,

From a 19 yr veteran coming up on retirement...what's important is that you are going to receive an honorable discharge. You have decided to part ways with the Navy and follow another career path. That's all they need to know...in our profession of arms we are at times so driven to tell the truth we forget that we don't have to tell them everything about the particular circumstances.

It's common for a lot of folks to get out at the ten-twelve year point who may still be O-3s...point in fact, my oldest brother who was a distinguished graduate from his AFROTC detachment, also out of his Squadron Officer School class, and the wing/CC exec officer (the ***** boy who generally gets the #1 company grade officer stratification in a wing) the latter was the local leadership's last ditch effort to keep him in the service.

Did he share any of this with his future employers...nope, not a word. He simply stated that he had served his commitment and was ready to move on. That's all the airlines need to know. Good luck.

rickair7777

This. The fast-track jobs would have left you non-current or under-qualified for the airlines.

Definitely stay in for the separation pay, you'd be nuts not to unless you get an immediate offer from say FDX...in that case $100K would not be such a big deal.

A typical winged aviator who was passed over for O-4 is still, on average, going to be a better all-around person than the typical regional pilot.

Caveat, there may be a few airlines who will get wrapped up in military career progression, but most won't be too concerned about this.

Lake Chuck

I would follow advice from jkhill0.

Your timing might not point out the fact that you should have been promoted. I've got guys in my year group who will have their second look this April. Some may have made it last April but haven't pinned.

As far as the attitude of not making the cut, if you were any other year group, this wouldn't have been an issue.

If asked why I was getting out, I would respond that you were looking for more stability in life and wanted to part ways with military life. It was good experience but....

gr8vu

I have bounced between flying, school, and staff tours and worked my last assignment to get back in the jet but this also impacted my promotability as expected. The night I got the call in the AOR that I wasn't getting promoted, I hit send on my airline apps and finalized my plan to retire a year later. Take advantage of all the military has to offer as you wind down--log flying and sim time, volunteer for flying related courses, get any medical issues cleared up, etc.

The prep courses are great at helping you capture your positives and sell those main points during interview questioning.

ImTumbleweed

kb,

Your logic and planning sound great. I can't see a hiring person having a problem understanding your goals and understanding what you're doing.

I think you're being too hard on yourself.

If you had a solid record in the Navy (EP's), and no career speed-bumps (not getting normal/expected quals, failing check-rides, etc) you will do fine.

Your explanation of going C-12's would make sense if your goal was an airline job. You might want to mention that you "intentionally took yourself off the helicopter career 'fast-track' in order to build fixed wing time knowing you'd like to fly fixed wing in the future". You knew it was a career ender, but you made a deliberate decision as part of your 'life plan'. They'll understand that.

I wouldn't focus on the non-select to O-4 but be prepared to answer it...and again, taking yourself off the helo fast track makes total sense and is very understandable. More understandable with "force shaping" and budget cuts.

If I were you, I wouldn't mention the 100k separation pay unless specifically asked about it (might **** someone off-- don't rub it in their face). I would just say something vague like "I believe I might get some sort of compensation but that is still being determined by BUPERS-- which is the truth right? (don't lie).

Your reasons and logic are sound. The hiring/interviewing people will understand.

Don't be too hard on yourself, and don't ******up your interview.

Best of luck to you! You'll be fine.

Cheers!

E2CMaster

I got asked straight up why I didn't stay with 12 years active. I was a 2XFOS for LCDR as well.

Left HSL with a #1MP, had only been a LT for maybe a year when I left (checked in as an ENS), and then did a transition to E-2s in lieu of shore tour from a timing point. When I started the transition it was a 90+% selection rate to LCDR. When I went in zone (YG02, pulled up into YG01) it was less than 60, and was less than 50 for my AZ look (when I was actually supposed to be IZ).

I told them I had a non standard career path, mostly because I valued flying over promotion, and wanted to be a carrier aviator. I rolled the dice with promotion to be able to fly jets and turboprops off the carrier, which I did. I then threw in being Top Hook to get them off the "Why didn't you promote".

Went SELRES, got passed over for a third time. Dropped to IRR.

Then I picked up LCDR. Don't try to make sense out of BUPERS, they don't know what the heck they are doing. Apathy has been the key to promotion.