Originally Posted by
Par18
So, my first question for you all is about the prospect of flying for the ANG. Being a Harrier guy, A/A is not exactly my specialty. If I were to apply for a fighter unit, what effect will this lack of A/A quals/experience have on my acceptance? At this point, the ANG is my primary choice for post active duty flying.
Also, should the ANG not work out for some reason, what civilian ratings should be working on prior to my active duty time coming to an end so I can line myself up with the best way possible? I am currently holding a fixed wing commercial instrument. I suppose time will tell how the airlines will pan out over the next few years so there is no point in guessing about who will hire and who will not. So, these are just the few basic questions that I have. If you guys have anything additional to add, I'm all ears. Thanks.
If you're set on getting off AD when you can in 2017, a Guard/Reserve job is a must. Honestly, with your total time and only 4 years left, I think it would be very difficult to get to a point where you're competitive for an airline job(w/ a major airline) by the time you get out. You're going to need 1500 hours just to be able to get an ATP (airline transport pilot's license).
The good thing is that you have some time. Start networking and get a G/R job lined up before your ADSC is up and be ready to step off AD with no break in service. Hopefully you can get a full time AGR or technician position so there will be healthcare and a steady paycheck. If you have no interest in the airlines at that point, then you're set. You've got a full time job and if it's AGR, you can take it to 20 years and retire as if you stayed on AD.
If at some point, you choose to go to the airlines after joining the G/R, transitioning to a part time position is easy. In addition, you will have stayed current and accumulated more hours which will make you more marketable. You squadron is likely to have representatives from many of the airlines you want to get hired by which will help with recommendations, interview gouge and firsthand knowledge of what you're getting into.
If you can't line up a full time slot, a part time one can work almost as well. Depending on the unit, manning, mission and deployments, it's possible to get close to a full time paycheck even as a part timer. There may be temporary full time order available (30 days here, 30 days there - especially as the fiscal year draws to an end). You can probably do that for a year or two while you work on getting hired at a airline or wait out a full time spot opening (hopefully) in the squadron.
Bottom line: The Guard/Reserve is an invaluable tool to help you transition from AD and still allow you to serve. In your case, I would even say don't leave AD without it. Good luck.