Guard/Reserve and Foreign Airlines
09-10-2007, 06:32 PM
#1
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Position: Hornet/Rhino Driver
Posts: 15
Guard/Reserve and Foreign Airlines
Does anyone know if you can fly for a foreign airline (Cathay, for example), and still be legal for the guard or any other reserve unit? Just curious if flying for a company that is based in HK would be show stopper regarding the clearances required for a guard/reserve unit. Does anyone know of someone who currently flies for CX and is in the guard? Thanks.
09-11-2007, 07:49 AM
#3
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,293
You can live overseas and be employed by a foriegn company and still drill. Most larger western countries have US reserve units for expatriates (but often non-pay billest).
The two possible issues...
1) Is the foriegn airline required to give you time off for military duty per their own laws? They might be nice and do it anyway, or you could bid around it.
2) Depending on who you work for, your security clearance might be in jeoporady...but I can't imagine any western airline being a problem in that regard (Iran Air on the other hand...)
The two possible issues...
1) Is the foriegn airline required to give you time off for military duty per their own laws? They might be nice and do it anyway, or you could bid around it.
2) Depending on who you work for, your security clearance might be in jeoporady...but I can't imagine any western airline being a problem in that regard (Iran Air on the other hand...)
09-11-2007, 07:52 PM
#4
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Position: Hornet/Rhino Driver
Posts: 15
Originally Posted by Starlifter
I fly for a European carrier and have an AF Reserve non-flying job in Germany.
Lifter
Lifter
Do you still update your SF-86? If so, how painful is that with your foreign work connections? Every time I travel outside the US, they want to know dates, people I meet, and why I leave, etc. I would think traveling for work would suffice for an answer, but I just don't know anyone who does it.
Dreamjob post-military: Cathay Freight for a few years local, while drilling at a guard unit. When I get to 20 yrs, transfer to CX PAX and move HK for a while.
Just not sure if, for example, a viper unit would be cool with me working for an airline based in HK.
09-11-2007, 10:35 PM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Position: 737 FO/Capt/FO
Posts: 427
NavyBlue,
So far I've had no problems with updating my SF-86. I maintain my TS/SCI. I know there is a section that requires you to fill out who you meet and where you go overseas with dates. Yes, this has been a$$pain but I've worked with the security officer and explained my situation. He has had me fill out the SF-86 to the best of my knowledge and also supply a statement, with a copy of my work contract that shows that I work overseas for a foreign employer.
RickAir does have a valid point.
My employer DOES NOT have to let me off for military duty or training. Frankly, they would never understand the US military reserve program. I just work in my 2-3 days per month, with the scheduler and take company holiday for my annual tour. If I was to be recalled or deployed, this could become an issue for me.
I did not have to go into the Reserves, but being in Europe, the Reserves offers me some benefits,
1. Because I don't work for a US Company, I can still contribute to the TSP (401K!!!)
2. I maintain continuous US military employment overseas that might help when I return to the US, if there is a question, should I try to work for a company who has US mail contracts (I believe the USPS wants at least 5 years of living in US or if overseas be affiliated with US military)
3. A good buffer when I do return to US, should there be a lag in getting on with a US carrier.
4 in addition to the other known benefits...
As was mentioned earlier, I'd look into the different Category of Reserves positions. I'm a CAT B with is a paid position. I know others that are CAT E positions that are not paid but points only positions. They have far less participation requirements. Many positions at PACOM have been converted into CAT E billets.
I researched this for 3 years before I made the leap ( left AD with many years...)
I left Active duty last year, been over here for 7 years. The wife and I are way settled and I feel i have my dream job after what my last few years of AD were like...
We have talked about CP and HK. We would love to return to Alaska, where I did my C-130 tour.
If you have additional questions try to PM me.
Good luck,
Lifter
So far I've had no problems with updating my SF-86. I maintain my TS/SCI. I know there is a section that requires you to fill out who you meet and where you go overseas with dates. Yes, this has been a$$pain but I've worked with the security officer and explained my situation. He has had me fill out the SF-86 to the best of my knowledge and also supply a statement, with a copy of my work contract that shows that I work overseas for a foreign employer.
RickAir does have a valid point.
My employer DOES NOT have to let me off for military duty or training. Frankly, they would never understand the US military reserve program. I just work in my 2-3 days per month, with the scheduler and take company holiday for my annual tour. If I was to be recalled or deployed, this could become an issue for me.
I did not have to go into the Reserves, but being in Europe, the Reserves offers me some benefits,
1. Because I don't work for a US Company, I can still contribute to the TSP (401K!!!)
2. I maintain continuous US military employment overseas that might help when I return to the US, if there is a question, should I try to work for a company who has US mail contracts (I believe the USPS wants at least 5 years of living in US or if overseas be affiliated with US military)
3. A good buffer when I do return to US, should there be a lag in getting on with a US carrier.
4 in addition to the other known benefits...
As was mentioned earlier, I'd look into the different Category of Reserves positions. I'm a CAT B with is a paid position. I know others that are CAT E positions that are not paid but points only positions. They have far less participation requirements. Many positions at PACOM have been converted into CAT E billets.
I researched this for 3 years before I made the leap ( left AD with many years...)
I left Active duty last year, been over here for 7 years. The wife and I are way settled and I feel i have my dream job after what my last few years of AD were like...
We have talked about CP and HK. We would love to return to Alaska, where I did my C-130 tour.
If you have additional questions try to PM me.
Good luck,
Lifter
09-11-2007, 10:43 PM
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Position: 737 FO/Capt/FO
Posts: 427
NavyBlue,
I now see you don't have enough posts for a PM. Well keep up the contact.
In addition, I don't know what kind of Navy positions would be available in Japan, I do remember some friends working at USFJ. Perhaps something at USFK, if you wanted to go that far... The billets are usually located at the Joint Commands since they are funded for Reservists by the JCS and not from the Services themselves. From the AF side, most of the overseas positions at IMA billets. I don't know of any traditional Reserve drilling units outside of the Army in Germany, I'm sure they may be there...
See ya,
Lifter
I now see you don't have enough posts for a PM. Well keep up the contact.
In addition, I don't know what kind of Navy positions would be available in Japan, I do remember some friends working at USFJ. Perhaps something at USFK, if you wanted to go that far... The billets are usually located at the Joint Commands since they are funded for Reservists by the JCS and not from the Services themselves. From the AF side, most of the overseas positions at IMA billets. I don't know of any traditional Reserve drilling units outside of the Army in Germany, I'm sure they may be there...
See ya,
Lifter
09-12-2007, 07:28 AM
#7
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,293
Originally Posted by Starlifter
NavyBlue,
I now see you don't have enough posts for a PM. Well keep up the contact.
In addition, I don't know what kind of Navy positions would be available in Japan, I do remember some friends working at USFJ. Perhaps something at USFK, if you wanted to go that far... The billets are usually located at the Joint Commands since they are funded for Reservists by the JCS and not from the Services themselves. From the AF side, most of the overseas positions at IMA billets. I don't know of any traditional Reserve drilling units outside of the Army in Germany, I'm sure they may be there...
See ya,
Lifter
I now see you don't have enough posts for a PM. Well keep up the contact.
In addition, I don't know what kind of Navy positions would be available in Japan, I do remember some friends working at USFJ. Perhaps something at USFK, if you wanted to go that far... The billets are usually located at the Joint Commands since they are funded for Reservists by the JCS and not from the Services themselves. From the AF side, most of the overseas positions at IMA billets. I don't know of any traditional Reserve drilling units outside of the Army in Germany, I'm sure they may be there...
See ya,
Lifter
09-12-2007, 04:26 PM
#8
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Position: Hornet/Rhino Driver
Posts: 15
Rick/Lifter-
I appreciate the time you guys took to respond. I guess it looks feasible in the end. Maybe not exactly the way you want to do it, but at least it is possible.
Rick, good info on the Japan gig. I could still be based in HK, and commute to drill in Japan feasibly. After a finishing 20 (6-7 years left), I would like to base out of Europe or maybe back to the states.
Lifter, what airline do you work for in Europe (if you don't mind)? Not sure of the protocol on that question. Do you like it? Sounds like you worked it out pretty well.
Blue
I appreciate the time you guys took to respond. I guess it looks feasible in the end. Maybe not exactly the way you want to do it, but at least it is possible.
Rick, good info on the Japan gig. I could still be based in HK, and commute to drill in Japan feasibly. After a finishing 20 (6-7 years left), I would like to base out of Europe or maybe back to the states.
Lifter, what airline do you work for in Europe (if you don't mind)? Not sure of the protocol on that question. Do you like it? Sounds like you worked it out pretty well.
Blue
09-12-2007, 10:33 PM
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Position: 737 FO/Capt/FO
Posts: 427
Navy,
When you get enough posts PM and I info you on the carrier.
Reason: They don't know about the reserve gig. It might no be viewed too favorably.
Having a blast... Not an easy leap but once through the issues (took about 2 yrs) it's great...
Issues being,
licensing (JAA)
Working permit etc.
fortunately I was already working in the region in my USAF job so it allowed me to complete all the requirements before I jumped off of AD.
Good luck,
lifter
When you get enough posts PM and I info you on the carrier.
Reason: They don't know about the reserve gig. It might no be viewed too favorably.
Having a blast... Not an easy leap but once through the issues (took about 2 yrs) it's great...
Issues being,
licensing (JAA)
Working permit etc.
fortunately I was already working in the region in my USAF job so it allowed me to complete all the requirements before I jumped off of AD.
Good luck,
lifter
09-13-2007, 04:02 AM
#10
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Position: Stuck in Purple Limbo
Posts: 568
Navy,
A buddy of mine was told by CX that if he misses work due to going to the Reserves he will be fired. Basically they said we're not an American company, so we don't recognize time off for doing the guard/reserve gig as a legitimate reason for missing work. I'm not sure about the others and if you can do it on your own time I'm sure they won't have a problem. But if you get activated...
GNH
A buddy of mine was told by CX that if he misses work due to going to the Reserves he will be fired. Basically they said we're not an American company, so we don't recognize time off for doing the guard/reserve gig as a legitimate reason for missing work. I'm not sure about the others and if you can do it on your own time I'm sure they won't have a problem. But if you get activated...
GNH
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
