Luke,

I'm going to tell you this because it is something most guys in your shoes don't know about the guard and reserves.

1. You will fly just as much or more than most active duty guys. Guard and reserve have the same flying currencies as AD.

2. In the guard, you will stay in your unit's assigned aircraft throughout your career. (Unless the unit gets BRAC'd). Good luck staying in the cockpit for an entire active duty career.

3. There are some full-time positions in a guard and reserve squadron. These positions are filled by folks that are already current and qualified. Don't bank on getting a full-time slot after seasoning, have a backup job. BTW, part-time and full-time pilots will normally fly the same number of sorties a month.

4. If you want family stability, the guard and reserves is where it is at. You will stay flying and not have to move every couple of years. Don't take my word, though, do your homework (ie baseops.net).

5. The bad news, guard and reserve pilot slots are very competitive.

6. I'm sure I'm missing something. Other guard bros feel free to chime in.

For the record, I love what I do. I'm 30yrs old, I've been in the Viper for almost 7 years with 3 OIF tours, and been with my civilian job for 3.5 yrs. It's great having the best of both worlds.


USMCFLYR, I don't know if I got back to you or not, but I do know "Pig" from VTANG very well. Him and I have led each other around on different occasions in the sandbox. Great dude.