Well...some carriers seem to have shied away a bit from some groups in the post 9/11 high ops tempo environment. I'm not convinced that some units are unofficially "blacklisted" by certain airlines for a pattern of what they perceive as abuse of military leave. Thats a sensitive topic and one I don't want to even open, but overall I think most airlines understand that Guard and Reserve commitments are largely temporary. Fact is, at SWA or FedEx by year 2 or 3 you are making more in the airline than at drill, and most guys find a way at that point to make sure they don't miss out on too many airline opportunities. At lower paying carriers--well--probably a different story.

That said, the kind of employee that sucks it up to do 2 jobs and is (largely) a team player/patriotic type will (usually) be a pretty much productive, team oriented company guy on the back side when the Guard/Reserve gig is done.

It also "familiar" to many interviewers, who were ex-military and perhaps did a stint in the reserves too. Human nature is to like folks who are similar to us, and the Guard time lends a familiarity and bond with the candidate.

Also--the thing that I was always proud of was that the Guard and Reseve SELECT their people. It was one thing to be an Eagle driver...and I was proud of it. However, luck, timing, and the needs of the AF all contributed to me getting that slot. However, when a unit "selects" you--many times in a competitive environment--you know that you have won the respect of the group and are someone that A) probably is a decent operator and B) works well with others in a unit environment. Therefore--the Guard/Reserve stamp is another proof to the potential employer that this particular pilot seem to have solid skills, a good work ethic, and reasonable social skills. Those skills are all valuable to potential employers.

I know several guys who rushed Guard units--not bad drivers either--who never ended up getting hired. Therefore, I appreciated and tried to honor my unit by never begin the "LIMFAC". Guess what--its different now flying MD11s and not Eagles, but I still try to fly with pride and do my very best, and I love my job. I do a different job now than in the past, but most of my traits are still about the same. So--I think airlines look for traits they like, and it just so happens many good traits are evident in those Guardsmen and Reservists.

And please don't roll into mil/civ debate on this--good folks from lots of sources. I'm just answering why I think the part-timers still get hired, even though they can be a more "complicated" employee to supervise for the first few years.