It depends on how you look at it...does the Guard come first, or does the commuter come first. Consider doing a USERRA search -- USERRA is the final word regarding how a company must accommodate a military member.

However, in my opinion, I decide the number of days per month I work while taking into consideration the competing requirements of Guard, airline and family -- all geared to acquiring the appropriate number of dollars needed to keep the ship afloat. You will likely get additional opinions on how this is handled. Typically for me, I take a look at what the airline wants me to do and compare that with the Guard requirements and see how they mesh. Then I decide how many days I want to be away from the fam (if you live at the Guard location then this becomes less important as you might be home each evening depending on the mission). The airline must, in spite of any pressure they may or may not bring to bear on you, accommodate your monthly leave request -- leaving you in the drivers seat regarding schedule with the full protection of the law. Believe me, this has been ops tested for years.

If you want a verbal tutorial -- this is alot to digest, especially from a "can do" military mindset one brings to an airline -- shoot me a PM with your number and i'll talk you through it.

Maintaining/establishing a viable military source of income/options/work in the USAFR/Guard world as a new airline guy will provide a myriad of options which will provide three things -- schedule flexibility (significantly enhanced QOL), augmented income and an enduring connection to the things you are accustomed to -- hanging with the boys, RR atmosphere, someone's got your back, etc.

My entry to the Guard was backwards -- I got out and walked right into a major, but this occurred on the heals of four straight squadron tours at the proverbial tip of the spear. Family was happy, money good -- I however, was a maladjusted prick in small town America wondering why I was constantly angry. Ittook awhile but then I came to the realization that I missed the fellas. Joined the Guard and all was well again. Just my opinion --

voodiloquist