Right now I'm looking at 2 reserve units: one flying RPAs and one flying smaller twin engine aircraft. I like the missions of both, and both have good leadership and good people. If you were in my shoes, and were fortunate enough to be offered a job by both, which would you chose? (I have friends in both units that will vouch for me, so this is a possibility)
The RPA unit has a growing mission and offers the opportunity to sleep in your own bed at the end of the day. QOL is likely to be slightly better than a manned aircraft unit, and the schedule is likely to be more flexible. I would not deploy unless I really wanted to. The downside is that if it takes 1-2 years to get hired by the airlines I'll be paying for my own flying the whole time.
The twin engine aircraft unit mission is my favorite type of flying, and I would be getting paid to build hours and maintain currency. Did I mention that I would be flying? The down side is less flexibility and more time away from home.
