Originally Posted by
Luv2Rotate
Alright guys,
I am thinking about joining either the ANG or AF Reserve. Currently, I'm a captain for an airline but furloughs are right around the corner and I would like to have a fall back option. I'm not seeking a pilot slot but rather something I could use should the big "F" ever happen.
I'm thinking maybe ATC, MX, or maybe a boom operator just to stay in the air. What do you guy's think? What are the +/-'s of both ANG and AFR? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers!
Luv2Rotate:
I know I probably sound like the old grumpy man in the room, but I always speak my mind and will be honest with you.
Don't join the military if you are just looking for furlough protection. We don't need people like that.
Do join the military if you are wanting to serve the country and have the will to put up with the very real possibility of getting deployed overseas to fight a war, low pay (depending on whether you are officer or enlisted), and being treated like a kid (going through basic training and technical school) [this isn't a problem when you're 20, but it will drive you nuts if you're older]. No matter what your job is, you could get called up to go fight one of the wars and you might be doing something other than you trained for -- for example guarding a convoy, watching third country nationals ... etc.
I'm not trying to discourage you, we need good people in the military, but we also need people with the right motives. It isn't fair to your unit if you are just there temporarily, they spend a ton of money training you, and then you leave because you were called back and you no longer want to give up your weekends.
-Fatty