I know you didn't specifically suggest he do this, but asking for a curtailment straight out the chute? "do you also want fries and a drink with that?" is what I would say to that. We don't need any more of that in the ARC.

If the OPs goal is to go airline my recommendation is to stay AD, finish out the ADSC, roll up into the ARC gig as a part-timer, trough/bum as available and as required, and wait for his airline dreams to materialize or not. Generally speaking rolling up on long term orders, whether AGR or straight MPA tour, isn't a good deal in order to keep one's availability open for airline class dates. I know everybody wants the cake and eat it too, but let's not perpetuate the scammer Reservist stereotype, particularly to the 10year separatee crowd that needs a proper Reserve-ways education the most.