While the captain is still the final authority (and should be, they have more experience) US carriers rely on much more task-sharing and CRM. The FO is (and should be) a much more integral part of the flight crew than just a gear monkey.
Agreed, but I'd say with a robust training program (focused on what's important), you can be a viable FO at 300hrs - military does it every day, every hour. You are just building your time in a different environment, one that more closely matches your job. Though maybe the FO talking the Capt through a turn around a point and stalls in a 7-3 is common?
Having said all of that, I think too many people are willing to jump to the first regional that will throw them a bone. .... much they hated the first company, and how much they hate being on reserve, trying to commute, or spending more money on yet another crashpad. As you know seniority doesn't follow you. Starting at the bottom all over again isn't fun.
I totally agree, and once at a regional you need either plan to stay there or come up with a way to break out of the crowd in order to move up, which is hard to do unless you're in the guard, have a good network, etc.
My point, and question really because I don't know, how does 5 years as an MEI compare to 5 years at a regional for getting hired by a "major"?? I proffer that 5 years of 121 time is more valuable for your resume...
That said, you have to enjoy what you do! And if you don't like life at a regional you
probably won't like life at a major. Same stuff, more money.