Speaking as a SELRES currently in one of the Jax VR squadrons, we do and have had a few formerly helo-only pilots in the squadron, both on the SELRES and FTS side actually, so it is not completely unprecedented.

The pilot selection boards are run by the Wing and are structured to be as objective as possible. Each applicant is broken down and assigned points based on a matrix. That matrix includes things like: past platforms (ie a guy with tons of fixed wing multi time gets more points than a helo only guy), performance (a competitive EP guy gets more points than a pack MP guy), location (a "local" guy gets more points than a commuter), etc. There are at least 8-10 categories that they consider when coming up with someone's point total. I say this because, even if you score lower than another applicant when it comes to flight experience, you might beat that person in other categories and it would help boost you up in direct comparison. So in short, if you have a good record, you could be just as competitive for a VR slot as a P-3 or hornet guy with a skeleton or two in his/her closet.

I may be going out on a limb and this may no longer be the case, but I do know that VR-54 over in New Orleans at one point within the last few years had a fair number of pilot billets to fill. Historically they always seem to have alot of non-local pilots and are normally pretty senior (junior is good in the VR-world) so they usually are looking to pick up at least 2-3 guys when they hold boards. I would think that we also will be having boards for the Jax squadrons this summer, but from my observation we normally have quite a few more guys applying that live right in the Jax/Orlando area and typically alot of former multi engine P-3/S-3 guys (obviously). That is not to say that you don't have a chance applying for Jax, like I said alot of variables are looked at. At a minimum, I'd for sure give VR-54 a good look and get in touch with them as you might be a great fit being within 2 hrs or so.

As for trying to build hours, VR can be hit or miss. I've had 250+ hour years as a SELRES and I've had years where I can barely make my 100 hour minimums. All depends on the detachment schedule, number of aircraft on the property at a given time, and the number of other SELRES that you are "competing" for hours with. I will say that the closer you live to the squadron, the easier it is to be that guy who can answer the phone and take a last minute trip that just pops up over a weekend.

If you have any VT SELRES friends, might want to see how quickly they build hours, as you might build fixed-wing time more quickly in one of the VT SAUs...just a thought.

Sorry for the long-winded/rambling post, but figured I'd give you my two cents as a current VR guy.

Cheers and good luck!