Definitely there are anecdotal occurrences of relatively low-time mil getting hired. Maybe something extraordinary in their background. Especially in this time of history, wouldn't be at all unusual for a mil pilot with ATP mins to be lugging around not simply a masters degree and "extracurricular merit points," but a Silver Star and/or DFC with V to boot.

I can't tell you I have the answers for those anecdotes. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career… oh, wait… wrong movie.

Anyhow, because of said career, I've been blessed to work with an amazing group of pilots. Guys and gals who have accomplished eye-watering feats in the most challenging circumstances. And because of that, I've been in a spot to write many, many recommendations for airlines (not just B6 and DAL) and other careers for military folk who are pulling the handles. Without exaggeration, last year I probably wrote at least one recommendation a week and often many more for everything from the airlines to Reserve/Guard units to doctoral programs to Johnson & Johnson.

Since getting hired at DAL, I've written a lot of DAL recs and have to date helped in some way or another slightly over 100 (again, not exaggerating) pilots with the hiring/interview process. Not a business, just my attempt to help pilots get a leg up and to help Delta get as many pilots junior to me as quickly as possible, so that when my jelly donut plan finally begins taking effect I'll be in a good spot… so in the end it's all about me, right?

I've also submitted a good handful of names to the desk, even as a newbie. Each of those have been amazing pilots I know and with whom have flown personally, whom I would say easily merit Tier 1 - but I don't make that decision.

However, DAL seems to agree with me at least to some extent. All but one of those have gotten the call within a couple months of that email (well, another guy also, but he temporarily pulled his app). And everyone of that group who has gone to the interview has received the CJO.

The one who has not been invited yet was just shy of that ~2,500hr mark I mentioned earlier. Having reviewed his app against others, that is the best explanation I have. I thought his other merits would put him over the edge, but I was wrong. He is rectifying the flying hour issue as we speak, and I believe he will get an opportunity soon.