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Anyone's $0.02?

Old 04-04-2006, 08:39 PM
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Default Anyone's $0.02?

I am at a cross roads. I have been viewing posts on this site for a number of months and hope to get some insight or a different view from others who have "been there and done that".
I'm an instructor in the KC-135 and am trying to decide if I should get out and go to a civilian job with a ANG/ARG supplement or if I should take a bonus and stay in for another 5 years (which would put me at 15 yrs total service). I currently have a little over 2700 total hours with over 1400 of that as PIC. I also have over 800 hours of instructor time.
I don't know if I'm competitive enough for the civilian side of the house. Just trying to get some info. Thank you in advance for any inputs to this question.
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Old 04-05-2006, 05:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Sunshineflyer
I am at a cross roads. I have been viewing posts on this site for a number of months and hope to get some insight or a different view from others who have "been there and done that".
I'm an instructor in the KC-135 and am trying to decide if I should get out and go to a civilian job with a ANG/ARG supplement or if I should take a bonus and stay in for another 5 years (which would put me at 15 yrs total service). I currently have a little over 2700 total hours with over 1400 of that as PIC. I also have over 800 hours of instructor time.
I don't know if I'm competitive enough for the civilian side of the house. Just trying to get some info. Thank you in advance for any inputs to this question.
Yes you are....I had about the same numbers, but on the B-52 side. I would'nt consider a RJ job if I were you, only the majors. Join a reserve/guard unit too. Don't give up those years.
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Old 04-05-2006, 06:48 AM
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You are extremely competitive...many companies really value your military experience. I also had the approx same amount of time in tankers and decided to get out as soon as my ADSC was up last Oct. It was extremely tough to cut the cord with Mother AF without having anything more than a Reserve job waiting for me. To top it off I was stationed overseas at the time (kind of makes the whole networking experience a bit tougher). Swimming in the FedEx pool right now waiting for a class date.

I agree with crewdawg.... definitely pursue the ANG/AFRC option. You never know what's going to happen.

Networking with your buds is key. If you know anybody at FedEx, UPS, or SWA start contacting them. The entire process takes some time....start now.

Let me know if you have more questions
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Old 04-05-2006, 08:50 AM
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Awesome! That really starts to set my mind at ease. You're right, it is hard to "cut the cord" and move on to the next level.

I have been contacting buds at UPS, SWA and JetBlue but unfortunately, know no one at FedEx. Good luck with your class with FedEx and thank you for your insight.

Thank you magicrat and crewdawg52 for your information
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Old 04-06-2006, 11:13 AM
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Sunshine, it is definately decision time for you. I just went through this decision and here are my thoughts and what has helped me. Taking the bonus and staying until 15 years really commits you to the 20 year retirement as one would have to have an awesome guaranteed opportunity to not do the last five years. Read through these threads and you will see that it is tough on the outside. The day it will hit you is on the first payday your check is not DD'ed to your acct. If you do make the jump, definately get a reserve/guard gig. That will help bridge any gaps between jobs and act as an insurance policy in case of another 9-11 style attack or furlough for other reasons. If you haven't already, start researching what areas you are interested in living in what units are near there. Living by your unit will help with not only the steady ability to work, but also with being selected. The selection boards weigh heavily on your living location as that will be a direct link to both your monthly availability and length of time you stick with the unit. Also, start saving for your "furlough fund" now as cash is king and will keep you out of bankruptcy court or feeling desperate and having to take a crap low-paying job just to make ends meat. Keep this $$ in cash and not investments as this is $$ you will need soon and no need to take any extra risk than what you alreadyare by getting out. I've seen guys lose thousands daytrading these funds and that hurts. As far as the outside flying gigs go, they are there. Think about airline, cargo, and even fractional. Research the lifestyle, domiciles, commutes, pay bennies, upgrade time. etc. Apply to those companies you want to work for no later than 6-8 months out as getting hired is a lengthy process. Often it takes 2-3 months to even get a call for an interview, another month until the interview, if you are selected about another month or so for background checks, then usually another two months AT LEAST for a class date. This is why the reserve job is so handy in that it allows you to keep flying to stay current while this process takes place. Also, one thing I did not know about the reserve retirement system is that it still takes just 20 good years to retire. You will get 10 yr credit for your AD time (or whatever you have) and just do ten more qualifying years and you are done. You will just not get paid until 60. Not bad though. Also, you get to keep commissary/BX privelages plus use of the various on-base facilities. Hope this helps and if you have any other q's just ask. I am always willing to help guys out. Good luck in your decision.
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Old 04-07-2006, 02:07 PM
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I agree with all of the great posts above. You have to ask yourself if you'll be happy in the AF for another 5 years and then looking beyond that, another 5 (because as said before, if you do 15, why not do 20?). Many people bail out for various reasons. Whether it's the lifestyle, the abundance of bs, more flying/less staff work, etc... That said, you can't deny that officer pay as a Capt or Maj with 10+ years is not too shabby ($80-90k with all the benefits??). The military spoils you with all the tax benefits and everyday things we take for granted (commissary, BX, gas station, Class 6, you name it, we've got it). You're definitely going to take a pay cut, even going to a major airline, having to sit on probation for the first year. The pay goes up steadily after the first year, but having the ANG or Reserves is a must. Do not pass up the opportunity to collect a retirement from the government, even if you have to wait until you're 60 by going to the ANG. We all know, you've definitely earned it (well at least 50% of it so far). If staying in the cockpit it what's most important to you, I would get out at this point.
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Old 04-08-2006, 08:39 PM
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I'm in the same boat as you, Sunshine. I am in the great position that allows me to get out in 6 months if I want and it's tough. I've pretty much decided that I can't put up with all the BS any more. Every week there seems to be one more nail in the retention coffin. Not only do I barely do my primary job of flying any more, but I am expected to do eveyone else's too. I'm now a finance guy, a personnelist, a computer guy, a loggy. Next they are going to expect me to fix my own jet when it's broken. No thanks. I am using the next few months to get my ATP, renew some connections with those who already jumpped, and find a job.
I agree with others about cutting the ord from the AF. That I think is the hardest thing of all, but we all have to some time.
Good luck with that decision. I'll see you out there.
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Old 04-14-2006, 02:55 PM
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Sunshineflyer...I feel your pain/concerns. I too am getting my ATP (in 2 weeks) to check that box and be prepared--my ADSC is up in Feb 2008, so everyone I talk to suggests I "network" now even if I am only slightly considering getting out--I certainly don't want to burn any bridges, but I want to be ready--I plan on talking to the reserves as well--a great thing to do! Hardest thing for me is deciding on lifestyle--cargo vs. pax--so far, FedEx/UPS blows away competition, but what if I/we got a call from SW? Lots to think about...timing, etc. Nice to know there are others out there!
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Old 04-24-2006, 09:33 PM
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Another perspective.
I got out in 2000 because I was tired of the Ops Tempo and QOL at AFSOC and they wouldnt let me leave AFSOC. Back then I got 4 calls for interviews and got hired and took a job at Delta. Now furloughed. STILL furloughed and cannot get a call from SWA, Fed Ex, Airtran etc.
And no..I have no black marks on my record..MOF its spotless. So...it takes time and it's not like the airlines are hiring like gangbusters. I have buds that got out because Air Inc told them theyd get hired in no time. NOT true. One busted the Fed Ex interview - eventually go hired at SWA. The others are still bumming and hoping to get called.
Just wanted to play devil's advocate. Talk tot he res/guard units first. I know tanker units got their hours cut as I work Bus Effort when working man days at HRT. But the MPA money is there for the war. Basic Man Days got cut as did IMA slots all over. Something to think about..if I had to do it all over (and I wanted nothing more than OUT of the AF in 2000)..I would find a job with a decent QOL and take the bonus and stay in. I have no family and am single..but bumming for a year..then working..then being furloughed for 4 is no fun. Again Devil's advocate. Good luck in your search!
PS You might even consider switching airframes in the reserves/guard. Thats almost a year of active duty man days right there for training!
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Old 04-25-2006, 11:27 AM
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Thats almost a year of active duty man days right there for training!

Plus retirement points and medical benefits. The med benefit alone is worth $1996 a quarter as that is how much it would cost you to pay for tricare, which you can do for three years after you get out. That may sound like alot but check out comparible coverage elsewhere. People dog tricare until their out then they realize its not that bad after all. If one knows how to use it then it is great with few hassles.
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