As a current VR guy......

FLSW has acquired 2 stretch Hercs from the Marines - they were sent to VR-55 in Pt. Mugu, CA. They will be acquiring 3 more that will also go to CA, making them the "legacy" Navy Reserve C-130 squadron - this applies only to the cockpit/prop configuration of the aircraft. The other 19 VR C-130's have all (or will be) upgraded to a semi-glass cockpit with Electronic Prop Control System, Engine Instrument Display System, Electronic HSI, and Garmin GPS. These "upgraded" planes will be attached to the other 4 Herc squadrons.

As for an aircrew position in a Herc squadron - it all depends on what is currently available....but historically, FE's are ALWAYS undermanned.

If you become a reservist and have the technical background to switch from grunt to aircrew, then there are lots of opportunities to fly if you are available.

Hope this helps....