ALCON,


Please don't misunderstand my statement about military pilots. 1. I'm in the military 2. I directly support military pilots every day 3. I used to fly in the AF. Unfortunately, I can no longer continue because I have an eye condition which has caused my cornea to thin by 6 microns in 8 years (despite 20/17 vision, its not waiverable). Hence I'm stuck sending emails and giving briefings. But, I'm a 26 y/o that entered the AF to fly and am willing to give up my 60K a year to fly for a lot less. Do I think I should be on 15K for 5 years? No. Do I think I have to prove myself and work for a salary commensurate with my experience? Yes.

I've now done a job I don't like. I love the people I work with, and I really love the people I work for but I no longer enjoy the work I do. So, I've got three choices
1. Keep doing it for 14 years and retire.
2. Tell my wife she can't go to school on our savings while I instruct for three years.
3. Got to ATP, get my civilian ratings. Seek and obtain a job at a regional, prove myself and earn a remotely respectable living, doing what I like.

Option #3 wins every time I analyze the situation. And I'll stay in the reserves to supplement my income and get a feeling of service everyday. One thing I can recommend to anyone else who wants to serve and earn decent money doing so.

Good luck to us all. It appears we need it.