Good point, I was one of the guys who wanted to get out ASAP. However, there always seemed to be something in the way. I was getting out at the 9 and 14 year marks for QOL. But now that I got to the 20 year mark, the long term benefits of pension and health make up for it.

At DAL, the same basic coverage I get with TRICARE prime would be about $200/month for the cheapest option, I pay 460/year. There is no more pension for us just 401K etc, so the extra security is nice. The advice to stay in is just that, its advice using experience YMMV.

I hear ya there, just saying that times now are way different than they once were in terms of time away from home, IA's, GSA/GWOT billets. The quick math for me was 6+ of my 9 remaining years would have been on sea duty with at least 1+ of those unaccompanied in Iraq or Afghanistan and who knows how many deployments. I am very fortunate to have found a contractor job that is pretty secure that allows me to fly in the reserves.

Why is it that so many folks when offered a transition from their Sundown aircraft do they pick C-2s? hmmmm.... All kidding aside, there are some of us that were in your same situation. Keep ALL doors open and it sounds like you have, take a look at the corporate side if you can wheel and deal a bit near your local airports, you might be surprised at what you find. Just think of it as picking C-2s right out of flight school...

If you're looking overseas, don't forget emirates...that would be my top pick in sandland.

Now is obviously not the best time in the US...can you extend a few years?

If you are retiring, that will help pad the transition.

Note that if you do go overseas, you may disqualified from employment at UPS/FDX...something about the postal service requiring that you be a long-time US resident (oversees military duty is OK).

If you plan to look at the guard/reserves, don't forget to look at the cross-service option. I know a few ex-Navy & USMC guys doing AF Guard & Reserve. There is a great "how to" guide on Base Ops.net.

http://www.baseops.net/transition/Go...o%20Silver.pdf

Try this site:

Airline Jobs

Input your flight times and ratings and it will give you a list of jobs you qualify for worldwide.

Hope it helps.

Awesome
 

Thanks Nathan!

That jobs search tool is the best I have seen by far. You saved me hours, maybe days of looking...:D