Originally Posted by
dutch
Gentlemen,
I am recent selectee to become a guard baby for a cargo unit and I have an interview with fighter unit in the future. It is a dream come true, however, I need to put some thought into the future.
I have very low time currently and know that I won't receive a ton of time in UPT and both tracks. If I am in a fighter squadron, I should have 2-3 years of seasoning, but will I accumulate enough hours for a RJ/corporate gig?
In the cargo world, I shouldn't get many seasoning days, but I will get enough opprotunity to get trips and guard bum for hours?
In short, I am looking for some advice and some leasons learned from the large amount of ex-mil guys on the board.
Thanks in advance
Dutch,
In today's guard with the current state of affairs, you would probably accumulate hours four times faster in the cargo unit. The TDY rate is very high, and guys are tired of volunteering for long deployments. If you do not mind being gone for approx 200-275 days per year from home, you would probably qualify to upgrade to Acft Commander in two years, and have enough PIC time to qualify for the Majors in another two years. If you give four to five years of your life to guard bumming for all you are worth, you could begin applying at any major you choose. Contacts at these companies through your guard buds is the most important part to this puzzle. What cargo aircraft does your unit fly?