That's the Beauty of the Air Guard/Reserves. You are NOT tied down. You will owe them (current commitment is 10 years I think) of PART TIME flying, and they don't move you all around the country, you stay in your state, unless you want to transfer to another unit.

During those 10 years, you will build time and then try to get a job with the Majors or Regionals, and be able to supplement your low starting income with your part time Guard/Reserve income. You will also be eligable for VA loans for your new house and other benefits.

If another war kicks off, your unit may be activated and if so, you will have to serve on Active Duty for a while, but any airline you are flying for must hold your spot for you to come back to.

When I was just out of college and looking for an airline job, there was a recession on, (1981) and none of the Majors were hiring. A guy I flew with (Part 135) told me about the Air Guard program, the best kept secret in Aviation.

I checked it out and eventually was selected for Pilot Training (even though I already had my ATP). It took a couple years of full time training, but as soon as I got home the Majors started hiring and I got on. It was a great program, you should look into it, and it's a good to have in your back pocket if/when your Major goes belly up or if you get furlouged.

Look into it: http://www.ang.af.mil/

Also, go read the posts on the "Military" forum up above where you click to come on this forum, then go down to the "ANG Options" thread; http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/mi...g-options.html lots of good ANG info there.