Does it feel like doing both makes either one overwhelming?

 

Which fixed-wing army guard aviation regiments hire civilians off the street? Or is prior guard service in a non-pilot capacity required prior to being able to apply for army FW guard/reserve slots?

 

Do the C-12 gig, good to have a back up plan.

Don't let your employer push you around, mine tried, things got real nasty.

I am a Seahawk/King Air guy who is now a lazy Bus guy, soon to be 787 guy.

 

Most fixed-wing Guard/Reserve units bring on guys from within.

Cheers,
G

 

Hey guys, first time poster here...Found this thread and wanted to bring it back.

A little about myself to preface my question:

I'm a Army NG warrant of 5 years, looking to make the fixed wing transition. After talking with some colleagues, I think my best option would be to transfer to the reserves, due to the higher volume of fixed wing aircraft, as compared to individual guard units. I would like to stay close to NC if possible, so i assume the ft Bragg unit would be ideal. Im also not opposed to Denver/ colorado springs area. I heard that the Los Alaminos unit might be relocating there, but havent heard anything concrete. I am participating in the rotor transition program on the civilian side, and have already signed on board with a regional. My time building and ratings are complete, so I just need to go to IOT. I have approx. 850TT, 600 rotor, 250 FW. I'm a PC on the military side.

My question is somewhat two folded. What is the availability looking like for FW warrants on the reserve side? Is there someone that could point me in the right direction, for getting the possess started? I unfortunately do not have any contacts on the FW side of the house. My father is a retired aviator from the army FW community, but he's been retired for 10+ years, and no longer knows anyone in those units.

If there is anyone that knows something about the process, and would be willing to extend some mentorship, i would greatly appreciate it.

 

All of the USAR FW units are currently overstrength with TPU aviators. The exception are UC-35 qualified TPU pilots. Bragg has recently downsized by moving the UC-35s to Joint Base MDL. The Los Alamitos move to Peterson has been on the fence for years. The COAs that I recently heard is that the unit will stay in CA or move to Joint Base Carswell.

 

Thanks for the quick response. I didnt realize they moved the uc-35s up north. They've been at Bragg for years.

Well, seems like the pilot shortage hasn't yet made its way to army FW. Not what I was hoping to hear, but good to know how it is straight up. If there was a chance of getting in, what do you think would help that chance?

Should I call the unit, and express interest in a position there? I dont want to come across as too persistant, or annoying. Im a very chill easy going guy to get along with, so i dont foresee there being a personality issue and being able to fit in. Just trying to figure out the next step without burning it. I very much appreciate the advice.

 

Contact Army Reserve Careers Division (ARCD) through HRC, That's the proper channel for accessions.

 

Before you go telling your current company to pack sand, there's one BIG issue that a lot of folks who leave the service forget about.

What was your rank when you left active duty? If you were an O-3, you probably can not serve as your record met the board twice and was passed over. Yes, your record meets the board even when in the IRR. Don't ask me how or why.

All I know is my reserve unit has been screwed over many times now by returning O-3s. They join the unit, and then a few months after the CC gets a letter of separation due to being twice deferred.

Giving the current climate with the pilot shortage, anything is possible.

I personally know three people this affected. They could never serve again.

 

This is a real issue, but policies vary between services.

The Navy will discharge you from the (regular) IRR if you FOS x2. They would not let you affiliate in a SELRES/TR status.

If you join the reserves from AD, even with x2 FOS, your counter gets reset, and you get two looks in the reserves.

If you have a gap of time in the IRR and affiliate as a SELRES/TR then they give you one grace year to build a track record before going to the board, even if you're at your year-group eligibility zone.

So the Navy tries to manage the problem. I'm aware of other services which don't, so you need to do your research and I assume it could even vary by state for the guard.