Trying to fly airlines while waiting for OCS
07-03-2015, 06:28 AM
#12
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Joined APC: Sep 2012
Position: left seat CRJ (again!)
Posts: 349
Originally Posted by rocket172
So I was recently offered a job with an air national guard unit and will not be sent for officer training till October. While I am waiting I would like to start flying for the airlines and also so that I have a job when I return from officer training, pilot training, etc. I feel guilty because I have a few interviews setup at the regionals and I don't want to hang them out to dry knowing that I won't be around long. I have had military/airline pilots tell me to get my seniority number right away and use them as I can, because they will use you. I would like to have a steady job when I get back and retain decent seniority. Opinions and advice are welcome. And thank you in advance!
You're cutting things extremely close here. I was commissioned in the ANG when the ANG did their own officer training (AMS) in TYS. That was 6-7 weeks and almost everyone was prior-enlisted, including me. I know it's not in TYS anymore. How long is the program?
What kind of job were you offered...flying or non-flying position? That might go a long way in being able to tell a future employer when you'll be available for their training. I was non-rated (signal corps/combat communications) and that had some advantages.
Don't feel guilty about having options. Here are two scenarios I see...
First, you tell your employer you have training scheduled for the ANG. They say no problem and hire you with a start date later this month. You complete ground school and simulator before your orders start. You'll go on military leave. You also have a seniority number. As others have told you this is very, VERY important.
Second, and I have seen this happen, you are honest with the companies during interviews. You will be on military orders in October. You will not be available to them after the start date. They may decide to find a reason, other than your military commitments, to not offer you a job. If you are going to UPT after OCS, you'll come out as a rated military pilot in a reserve component of the USAF and that will be a very valuable commodity in 2-3 years.
I think you're in a no-lose situation.
Send some rounds down range for me!
07-03-2015, 12:05 PM
#13
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Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2015
Posts: 5
I should say that my OCS dates are not orders at this time. They are just possible leave dates. So there could be more waiting in my future for OCS and UPT dates are non-existent. I've been told to expect a long process.
07-03-2015, 12:11 PM
#14
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Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2015
Posts: 5
Originally Posted by Slim11
Retired NG here.
You're cutting things extremely close here. I was commissioned in the ANG when the ANG did their own officer training (AMS) in TYS. That was 6-7 weeks and almost everyone was prior-enlisted, including me. I know it's not in TYS anymore. How long is the program?
What kind of job were you offered...flying or non-flying position? That might go a long way in being able to tell a future employer when you'll be available for their training. I was non-rated (signal corps/combat communications) and that had some advantages.
Don't feel guilty about having options. Here are two scenarios I see...
First, you tell your employer you have training scheduled for the ANG. They say no problem and hire you with a start date later this month. You complete ground school and simulator before your orders start. You'll go on military leave. You also have a seniority number. As others have told you this is very, VERY important.
Second, and I have seen this happen, you are honest with the companies during interviews. You will be on military orders in October. You will not be available to them after the start date. They may decide to find a reason, other than your military commitments, to not offer you a job. If you are going to UPT after OCS, you'll come out as a rated military pilot in a reserve component of the USAF and that will be a very valuable commodity in 2-3 years.
I think you're in a no-lose situation.
Send some rounds down range for me!
You're cutting things extremely close here. I was commissioned in the ANG when the ANG did their own officer training (AMS) in TYS. That was 6-7 weeks and almost everyone was prior-enlisted, including me. I know it's not in TYS anymore. How long is the program?
What kind of job were you offered...flying or non-flying position? That might go a long way in being able to tell a future employer when you'll be available for their training. I was non-rated (signal corps/combat communications) and that had some advantages.
Don't feel guilty about having options. Here are two scenarios I see...
First, you tell your employer you have training scheduled for the ANG. They say no problem and hire you with a start date later this month. You complete ground school and simulator before your orders start. You'll go on military leave. You also have a seniority number. As others have told you this is very, VERY important.
Second, and I have seen this happen, you are honest with the companies during interviews. You will be on military orders in October. You will not be available to them after the start date. They may decide to find a reason, other than your military commitments, to not offer you a job. If you are going to UPT after OCS, you'll come out as a rated military pilot in a reserve component of the USAF and that will be a very valuable commodity in 2-3 years.
I think you're in a no-lose situation.
Send some rounds down range for me!
07-03-2015, 12:29 PM
#16
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Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2015
Posts: 5
Originally Posted by scubaash
what is your background/experience to get hired to fly ANG? just curious, I'm looking to go that way too
It is a really great way to go. However, you must live within two hours of base. So if you are airline already I would consider where you apply heavily. Also aircraft and mission play a big part. Check out the forums on baseops.net
07-03-2015, 04:14 PM
#17
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2012
Position: left seat CRJ (again!)
Posts: 349
Originally Posted by rocket172
The program is 8 weeks for prior service and 9 week non-prior. They call it Total Officer Training now. I will be in a flying position in the ANG! I don't have orders yet for October, I just know that is the soonest I may leave. I should've stated that in my initial post. I understand there is a lot of hurry up and wait.
If you get a job with an airline, and find yourself having to leave while in training, you should be in good shape. If you have the option, get into an earlier class with airline A over a later class with airline B.
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