As a guy who talks to a LOT of folks making transitions--do whatever you can to get an ANG/Reserve slot somewhere.

There are a lot of reasons to do it, but here are a few...

1. If the balloon goes up, you are in the fight instead of on the street. Good for the soul, good for the pocketbook. Its nice to be able to take care of momma if there is another 9/11.

2. Its nice to not quit being a fighter pilot cold turkey. Five years into the reserves you may be ready to walk away. But you'll do it on your terms...

3. Money. It helps. Year 1-3 on airline salary is less than you make now. That helps.

4. Networks. If you aren't hired when you get out, you'll have a series of contacts to help you get the job you want.

5. Stability. You can put your family down near your ANG base and likely have access to some support facilities. You'll also have a social network for your family if they need it. (By the time I got out we'd already built our own community network, but it was still a comfort).

A hiring wave? Maybe. Age 60 changes, a slowing economy, and a few other factors could slow things down. However, you can stay current and put bread on the table if you can get a Guard job, and ride the storm out.

Good luck to you and Godspeed whatever you do. I just had a going-away party this week and a fini-flight in January, and I have to say flying the ANG the last five years not only was awesome, but it made me appreciate my airline job as well. It was an awesome gig, and I hope you find your niche as well.