Originally Posted by
AFforAU
Basically the last part, yes. When we are on alert we only have to work 11 of the 33 days of orders. This often leads to weeks off at a time. For example I am currently off for almost 14 straight days because I front-loaded my month of alert. Now I am twiddling my thumbs at home avoiding my to-do list, but many of our guys will use this time to pick up a quick turn or an overnight to supplement their $ a little.
Check with your squadron and local JAG as well as your Military affairs reps at your union to make sure you’re clear of any potential issues.
There was a case 4-5 years back where a O-5 ANG pilot got himself into hot water by not being available when the squadron he was flying with went looking for him on a day he was on orders because he was on a trip for AA. It became a whole thing and wing commander got involved and ended up communicating with his supervisor at AA, who happened to be the VP of Flight Ops. Hilarity did not ensue for this individual and AA and the Guard started comparing notes on his schedules looking for instances he may have misrepresented his orders status as well as occasions he was flying for the airline while on orders. ANG ended up “encouraging” him to retire and the union had to get involved to try to save his airline job.