Originally Posted by
AZFlyer
Guys, Im faced with a choice that I would like some input on from those of you who have, as they say, 'been there, done that, bought the t-shirt.'........................................... .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ........................................
Ive always had an interest in military aviation, but have never been quite sure if the military life is for me. If I go the military route, I would serve with full effort and will, and not treat it as just a 'stepping stone' to the airlines.
I'd like to know ALL about flying with the Air National Guard as I may choose to pursue this when I finish school.
HOWEVER, I also have the opportunity to be hired as a pilot at my regional airline with lower time (once I finish all my ratings and fly a bit, of course), with help from some of the pilots and management, and also because I've been with the company for awhile.
I'm stuck without knowing more about the ANG to make a decision in my situation.
My preference, by the way, should I meet the requirements, is to fly fighters.
I would much like to hear from you guys about this before I go to a recruiter and hear his sales pitch about how perfect the military life is for me!
Thanks!
AZF
AZF I've been there and done that...............
If you want to go the Military route, good for you.
Do not choose the Military Flying simply as a stepping stone to the Airlines.
Choose it for it for the following reasons:
1. You want to serve your country (and preferably as a Pilot)
2. You want to fly fighters (and potentailly kill people in a far away land after your Flight training).
You can also say I want to fly C-17's but personally fighters would be my first choice, although it is highly competitve to get a fighter slot.
3. You are willing to give up 10 years or more of your life and are willing to spend up to 14 months at a time deployed to some Sh*t hole of a country.
4. And be ready to serve in a non-pilot job in the military because you probably will have to at least once in a 10 year commitment, as well as being ready to put up the
Military Lifestyle in general: Move often, Deploy Often, Long hours and days, Ocasionally get shot at.........etc. If you stay single this isn't as big of a deal. If you are married (or get that way), It will become a Big Deal, bigger still if you have kids. Probably 40% of my Mil Buds went through atleast one divorce. That being said there are few more Honorable and personal rewarding postions than an Officer in the Military.
As A military trained Pilot, you will definitely have the advantage if you decide to apply to the Majors later on, but as I said, make this decision after you've been in and served, not before.
The Air Guard is certainly a good way to go, if you can get in and get a flying slot. These can be very Political but it is doable. The Guard is becoming more and more like Active duty because our Military is strectched pretty thin due to too many commitments (Thanks GWB)
If you really aren't ready to do the above and Airline flying is what you really want, I would go with Plan B
Mesa after you get all your ratings and minimum flight time ( I assume that is who you work for) and pay your dues until you get that magical 1000 hours PIC Jet time. Be ready for a rocky unstable road in your career progression, Low pay, Bankruptcies and furloughs are likely and common place. As long as you keep you expectations realisitic, you won't be too disappointed.
It sounds to me like you are at minimum 4-6 years away from having a shot at a Major. 1-2 more years to get your quals and more flgiht time to meet Mesa Mins. 2 years as a Mesa FO and hopefully 2 years as a Mesa CAPT flying a RJ to be competitive for the Majors.
So if Airline Flying is what you really want, I would choose plan B otherwise the Military is a great place to spend 10 years of your life and quite possibly a career.............although I'm Old school Military and the new Military is too Politically correct for My tastes.
Good Luck in your future endeavors
