Today I received a letter in the mail asking me to voluntarily come back to active duty service. I just separated under the VSP program in May '07. What do you guys think? I can't believe they just gave me a huge bonus to get out and now they want me to come back not even a year and a half later. For those of you with experience in this area, what are the ramifications with a civilian job in this situation? I just got hired by NetJets, would I keep my seniority number if I go back? I think I know the answer to this, but can you get tagged for a 365-day trip to the sandbox if you volunteer to come back, or is there some kind of "7-day opt" clause that would get you out of it? Thanks for the help. I sent an e-mail to AFPC with a bunch of questions, I'll post the answers if they get back with me.

 

I didn't get a personal letter in the mail, but our chief pilot at FDX said the AF contacted HIM and told him that they were looking for voluntary recalls for interested people and would he please disseminate the contact info to the crew force. At least that's how I read his latest FCIF. Kind of odd, not sure what's up. In these days of economic uncertainty, however, the 0-4 paycheck and benefits are nothing to sneeze at. I've been off AD for 3.5 years now, and though I have a good job at FDX, I now realize that there were ALOT of jobs in the AF that I would happily have done. Once you set aside your pre-conceived notions of how your career track is supposed to go, a whole new world opens up. As long as I'm happy, momma's happy, and the family is taken care of, there's no job I wouldn't consider doing. Good luck to anyone who pursues this option and keep us posted. Even FDX isn't safe from furlough these days....

 

Chris99,
Your Netjets job is protected by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) of 1994 (USERRA)
In December 2005, the Dept of Labor released the "Final Rule" which clarified many issues regarding the gray areas of USERRA. http://www.dol.gov/vets/regs/fedreg/...2005023961.pdf

You can go back on active duty and return to Netjets with full seniority as if you never left regarding pension, seniority number and all benefits at the point of return as if you had not left (vacation times you would earn, etc)

This is a super quick thumbnail, but if any USERRA questions, read the material and also look at:
Reserve Officers Association: ROA Law Review Index

and/or
Reserve Officers Association: Law Review Index
(same info but organized by topic)

Also, the Employer Support of Guard and Reserve (ESGR) which is a DOD organization, has assistance for employer and employee. Read them at:
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Check the 'Resources' and 'USERRA' tabs.

Hope this aspect helps.

 

I just talked to a friend of mine and she said that the voluntary recall was for specific jobs only like intel and UAVs. Is this what you received?

 

WOW!! Did they want you to come back to your previous MWS - or was it for a specific AFSC?? Did they mention anything about NOT paying the bonus back?? I separated under the VSP as well - and from an MWS that was 60% manned at best. This could get interesting.

 

Unreal. What kind of a$$ clowns are running AFPC? This is by far the most interesting thread I've seen in a long time. I hope we hear more of the specifics on this.

I got out at the end of my commitment without a dime extra, and my peers were getting the 100k and getting out 1yr early. I'd consider going back on for $100k up front (LOL!!!).

 

Does anyone know who (whic office) at AFPC is the contact for all of this? I'd love to hear the facts.

 

Thanks for all the answers. Yes, it was for specific jobs: "The Air Force is projecting an increased need for aviators within the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) communities; to include Unmanned Aircraft Systems pilots, other manned ISR platform pilots, and a variety of rated staff positions." I sent AFPC an e-mail and one of the questions I asked was about repaying the VSP. I'll post the answer when I get it. The letter was signed by LG Newton, DCS, Manpower, Personnel and Services.

 

Did you make a clean break or are you in the reserves/guard? I just got out last week (or so) and am in the reserves now. I wonder how that will affect us?

 

I heard the same thing about them only taking certain AFSC's which do not include Pilots. Which is a shame to those reservist who wouldnt mind coming on maybe to do something, maybe even fly UAV's.