j21bigbanks

I have seen a few similar posts but not with the same circumstances as myself so I figured I'd make my own.

A little background on myself...I am a 28 year old active duty Army officer in a non-aviation branch. I did 8 years in the reserves prior to earning my commission. I also earned a BA and MA in that time. I am now two years into active duty but still around 18 years from retirement (my reserve time helped me on the pay scale but not much for retirement!). Once I am done with this deployment I plan on finishing out the rest of my four year active duty commitment, going back into the reserves, and using my GI Bill to pay for the rest of my flight training (current PPL). Then on to the regionals and making civilian aviation a career while remaining in the Reserves as an MP officer. So should I stay in until I am 46 and go into aviation after I retire or make the jump when this last two years of AD time are up? And FYI I have 0 interest in flying for the Army. I won't get into my reasons why. I really do thank you all for the advice posted all across this forum.

Chris99

Get out of AD ASAP.

F224

In your case, what Chris99 said is a good call. Finish up your ratings using the GI Bill while still on active duty, then go Guard as fast as possible and make the jump into your flying career full time as soon as you can.

j21bigbanks

Thanks for the advice! Deployments are getting in the way but I will do the best I can to build time and obtain ratings.

Turbo and Ozone

Our brothers are right. With retirement so distant, you are better off to get that seniority number cooking with the company you want to stay with ASAP.

j21bigbanks

Thanks for chiming in guys. I really do appreciate your time. Can anyone talk a little about transitioning from AD to CIV life? It is a little terrifying for me leaving the security and career progression in the military to being just another guy looking for a job. I think a lot of us could benefit from that type of discussion.

C-17 Driver

Do not have any debt. Have at least 3 months of savings stored up. Find a doctor off post/base that takes whatever insurance you will be on. Try not to stress, because it will get better once the transition is complete.

Sputnik

Have you done TAP? Far from perfect but gives you some pretty good info on transition.

Chris99

Job security in the military is not guaranteed anymore. Benefits and retirement are on the chopping block.

If you go to a Reserve/Guard unit, get Tricare Reserve Select (it's the cheapest option). Expect your final paycheck to be held hostage for a few months--definitely have some savings in place. Be prepared for job interviews. If necessary, get some help with interview prep/resume writing.