I'll give my 2 cents. I am somewhat new ANG Herk AC. There are many factors that will effect your career progression. Most of them out of your control. Example, how many other pilots are trying to bum. Does your unit pick up lots of trips. Will the unit entertain the idea of upgrading a min time co-pilot if they are ready (ANG/USAFR are notorious for dragging their feet to upgrade someone). I would say most my buds waited until 1000-1200 hours to upgrade. Like I said, unit dependent, out of your control. If you are a ***** to the unit, most Herk guys average around 350-400 hrs a year. And that is busting it and picking up everything you can (a ****ty way to live if you want a life). If you want the hrs, get on with a regional and get through IOE. Drop the mil card and make better $ flying at the unit.

Keep in mind there will ALWAYS be people out there that trump you in the hrs dept. Wether it is a regional capt or a guy retiring from active duty, you will always be behind people in hours. Do your best to network and diversify your resume. The people you work with in the military are top notch, and they know the right people. That's 99 percent of the battle.

I hope I didn't rain on your parade or confuse you. Flying the Herk in the ANG/USAFR is awesome, and you have some fun times ahead. However, if you know the reality before you go, it makes that planning stuff easier. Alright, I am done. The iPad is low on batt, and I gotta drop a deuce. Good luck!

P.s. You will get 90 days of seasoning orders after MWS. It used to be 2 years, but the government is broke now.