Originally Posted by
Spike from flyi
I would not assume this (no issues). After ten years of war, these scumbag operators feel that they are the ones sacrificing by letting you go to drill. I would love to hear from anyone who is having difficulties with their employer getting time off for drill, AFTPs, ADSW, AD, AT, etc. Orders are orders, and they are obligated to roll over. You'd be surprised to learn about the lobbying effort that airlines are launching to get relief from complying with USERRA.
AFTPs are scheduled at your convenience (coordinating with the rest of the crew and support personnel). I advise you to have your commander prepare a boiler plate letter to "request" your employer allow you the time off. You won't be paid for the time off, so maximize your pay or quality of life with this feature.
As the "Pilot Shortage" develops, you can expect that discrimination against drilling Guard and Reserve members will increase. Too bad. The answer is: Hire enough to staff your airline and pay them what they're worth! No apologies for serving your county.
My comments from four years ago are a bit dated. I have also heard some recent rumblings that airlines are trying to explore ways to "crack down" on reserves. But there's probably not much they can really do with the law being changed, which is highly unlikely in the mid-term IMO.
But generally airlines are way better than a white collar job where you WILL be doing civilian work and skyping at 0200 local while on mil duty.