Go to aviation job fairs...I went to an AIR, INC job fair and the classes. Many folks say they are expensive but for me it was a lot of information in one weekend and it helped me to prepare my resume and prepare me for the interviews. If I had to do this again I would probably go 6-9 months before I retired. Some of their classes even suggest a timeline, as I recall.

Build an application master information file (I made this up). Use your security background paperwork to build this. Write down the following:
Every address you lived after college and dates
Every job with address, supervisor, phone number, dates
Aviation and supervisor type references
Colleges, address, phone number, GPA, dates
Log book hours that you will use will probably be a different spreadsheet…
[Think I’m crazy? …you will need a variety of the info above for each application…if you do it before hand, you will pull out less of your hair…]

Then I would start applying and update my hours monthly. By the time you retire, you will have demonstrated your persistence and perhaps desire…which, of course, means nothing unless they are hiring.

Two to three months out, I would consider going back to the job fair depending on how much your network is helping. Sometimes, a face, a handshake and a resume is what you need to get an interview. I am pretty sure I got two interviews that way…but it is impossible to tell as I had a network helping me.

Speaking of networking… this technique was already mentioned…write down all your contacts and get in touch with them to find out how the business is doing. They may help you get an interview.

My 2 cents reference your logbook: If you only have military time, I would only bring your military flight records to an interview. I think they just want to verify your hours.

Finally, use the military transition assistance programs/information/help to build a non-flying resume (chronological and functional resume). It will be nice to have in case of furlough, medical issues, etc.

Good luck!