So I've had an interesting turn of events over the last week in regards to retention. Basically, I'm trying to work a deal to get what I wanted in the first place- don't PCS me and let me fly. I've been talking with my commander about withdrawing my 7-day opt voluntary separation and staying as a free agent with no ADSC. My base's flying squadrons are losing FGOs in droves (surprise) so AFPC might actually go for it. I'm still doing research and waiting on some answers to make sure there are no loopholes in the AFI they can get me with, but it's looking promising. My intent is to keep building hours and drop applications as soon as I hit the mins for the majors, then punch when I want on my own terms. I feel like this is smart if I can pull it off, but please tell me if I'm an idiot.

 

They do acknowledge a pending FGO shortage in the screenshot…if it’s the best situation for your family, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

 

I have no sympathy for a bunch of government idiots who force pilots out of the cockpits as they make rank. The Chair Force creates their own problems.

 

It isn't just the AF. Outside of army WO's/CWO's, this is a problem that permeates every part of the officer side of military aviation. If you're an O1-O6, the "up or out" system is an endless goat circus of flying, staff tours, deployments, war college/grad school and more staff tour rotations. It is what it is, and it isn't unique to any one branch.

 

Prior active duty and long time Reservist here. Currently sitting as a SQ/CC.

One problem I’m having is my manning document, specifically that I’m limited in size. I only have so many slots I can hire to and pit overages against. I would hire more, but I only have so many flight hours and simulator periods to allocate. If they plus up my manning document, I can hire more folks from active duty. We are turning away some high quality pilots because insimolybdont have the room. Im
at 125% manned as it is.

I just pushed the retirement button. I just saw the headline that POTUS is considering sending 50,000 troops. Looked like there’s a a chance I will be stop-lossed. What a fitting end to a 26 year career..

 

If the Ukraine situation pops off, you may be an idiot. (Unless you want to trade kinetic insults with people showing the wrong gage signs) If it doesn't now is as good a time as any to punch out.

 

I'm committed for another year regardless, but only about 6 months of that will be time in the cockpit so I'm trying to sneak in a little extra.. If things get bad enough by my ADSC where I get pulled into that mess, they probably wouldn't let separate anyway.

 

Get your ducks in a row and get out ASAP. Seniority, seniority, seniority. Russia/China/Ukraine/Iran, whatever...if any of it pops off, we're all getting stop-lossed, activated, recalled, and for others...probably drafted. Flying hub turns one day will be the least of our worries. But, if you get out and get hired now, you'll have that line number waiting for you after we win. Good luck.

 

^^^^ This. Exactly this.

I guess it needs to be said - if the fireworks over Kiev spread to a NATO country or if anything happens that leads to a Cold War style great power rivalry on European soil again, expect that the WARNORD's will not spare you even if you're recently retired. Retirement orders usually state that you are subject to recall and mobilization even AFTER retirement (from AD or the SELRES); remember, retiring is NOT the same as resigning your commission. If you retire, your commission is still in effect and you absolutely can be recalled and sent to whatever circle jerk we're in. This even happened to some retirees during OIF/OEF though it wasn't common. Either way, if you're under 65 and either retired, planning to retire soon or AD/SELRES, you are fair game if the **** really starts to go off over there. In a real conflict, the canary in the coal mine is definitely to what extent they stop loss discharges/retirees and recall the IRR. That being said, it's unlikely it'll get to the point imo.

 

It is what it is…

For that matter, even if you’ve never served you might be in the frag pattern….