USMCFLYR (aka "Corpsman"):

If you are indeed a current FRS (Dare I say "RAG?") Hornet IP, your NATOPS Checkride Form is proof, or you logbook which shows your instructor time. FITREPS that mention you are an IP from date-to-date are supporting evidence.

I'm current in the T-38 and will be until 2010 or 2011, so I know they should give me MEL, but might try to put some centerline-thrust restriction on it. I am hoping that my T-34C and OV-10A time will give me SEL and MEL as well. The question will be if they will honor those aircraft, since I last flew them in 1998 and 1986, respectively.

I think that will be a question for a lot of guys who might want this: how do I get the qual when I am no longer an active IP?

From my interpretation, if you are a Squadron IP (in-house upgrade/checkout) I think you will still qualify. All the FAA seems to care is "Did some military authority grant this guy the title of "IP?"

Dustoff: You are 100% correct--I've heard it from more than one military Flight Doc. It's male-bovine manure. My base will give you a 3rd-class, which gives the same result as the rule-change, but goes the extra mile and will PAY to send you downtown to get a 2nd class. And we wonder why the country is $4+ trillion in debt....