Originally Posted by
P-3Bubba
I'm active duty navy, a former P-3 pilot and currently a T-1 instructor. I'm going to get out at my PRD of June 09. I'm seriously considering going either AF part-time Guard/Reserve or Navy part-time reserve. How often do units open positions? Are the slots usually based on turn-over at the unit or are they budgeted per year? Can you apply if you are over a year out from your PRD? Do units usually want you to live geographically close?
Sorry about you having to live in Enid....(just kidding, its a nice place). You are well ahead of the power curve if you are already looking for a reserve job over a year and a half in advance.
The first thing is you have to look at where you are living (or want to live). Do you want to drive in to work (the best option) or commute. Then what kind of flying do you want to do? Fly reserve P-3's from WI? or C-40's out of DFW? Then do you want to be a reserve XO/CO type or are you just interested in flying?
There are lots of paths that you can take to flying in the reserves. I cannot speak of a lateral transition to the AFR or ANG(may be worth it if you stay in Enid). As a SELRES guy in the navy though you can fly almost as much as you want right now.
I had no idea where I would be living when I got out so it was hard for me to find a reserve job. You may already have this figured out and have some units in mind. Unless I am mistaken you cannot apply to a reserve board while you are on active duty. You can rush the unit you want and get to know everyone but you cannot apply until you are off active duty (214 in hand). Good luck.
Hope this helps.