Since I lost my civilian jobs, Im contemplating about taking the paperwork into my Reserve Unit to be released to go AD Army. Looking at the benefits; a steady income, way to go either commissioned or warrent officer flight (3 semesters before I finish my BS), and to get vetrans status (as i've never been AD army, nor deployed).
Just worried that Im going to miss any hiring that may occur for the 3 years im AD. Im going to get my CFI and it's going to take a year before I have any significant flight time any ways.

 

How about a better idea is to look for a AF Guard or Reserve unit to send you to UPT? How old are you? Less than 30?

 

I wouldnt necessarily say it's a bad way to go if you indeed want to serve your country and join the fight. The financial security speaks for itself, however you'll miserable if you're not truly doing something you want to do. I would do my research with the particular unit or units you're looking to join and find out their OPTEMPO. That will go a long way in determining your QOL. The other thing to think about is the new administration. What will his proposed defense cuts bring in terms of end strength for our Military. I have heard a few times in my current staff job that a rework of the budget will be done immediately after the inauguration. The 'cut here, chop there' homework assignments have already been handed out. Will there be a "RIF" with the proposed 25% cut in defense spending? I would think most certainly some aspects of manning would have to be addressed since its one of the most expensive items on the budget. I would seriously consider the reserves and then a smaller AD window that doesn't bind you to three years should the economy pick up and hiring starts up again. Sorry to hear about your job loss, good luck to you!

 

Howdy jsfBoat,
Hope you are doing okay after the loss of your job. Pretty discouraging these days.
I hope you don't mind if I add my views.
I agree with all the above statements. The AD Army would offer you some great benefits. Steady pay, housing, opportunity for travel to sunny places...
I'd caution you though that if you are going active duty, you are really going to have to put your worries about missing a civilian hiring trend on the back burner. You will be replacing your current cares with a whole bunch of new ones, and to second guess yourself after making the switch might be pretty miserable for the time you are on active duty.
Are you involved in the aviation side? Would you be happy being active duty if you were not flying? Riding around in a humvee or pulling guard duty? Would you be happy being enlisted on active duty for an extended period of time? How encouraging is your current unit about the prospect of commissioning, or going the Warrant Officer route? I would caution that while Officers may seem to have a higher quality of life than enlisted, the hardships of deploying go across the board for everyone.
You joined the reserves instead of AD for a reason, has that reason changed? Obviously you are still a candidate for deployment in the Reserves, do you want to deploy? Have you asked your unit about when they may deploy again, and how did the answer make you feel? Disappointed or relieved? Are other units nearby deploying? Do you want to go with them?
Can you volunteer for some schooling in the meantime? It may be a way to get more time on orders and see how you feel about it.
Anyway, best of luck to you. It is pretty hard being on the civilian side and doing the Guard/Reserve gig sometimes. I know, I am glad I deployed with the Guard but it did kind of screw me up on the civilian flying side in Alaska. Trying to fix that right now. Ain't nothin' but a thing.
Thanks for being on the team.

 

There may be some hiring in the next three years, but I don't see much growth except among the regionals. Delta was going to hire this year, but they cancelled. It'll take them another two years to sort out the mess over there. Who knows what will happen at USAirways. American is in contract talks and still have 2000 on the streets. Netjets filled up last year.

GM is closing their flight department, ATA and a few others failed last year leaving many highly experienced 121 pilots high and dry. I think the chance you'll miss a great hiring opportunity over the next three years is pretty small.

There is still going to be a pilot shortage, but the massive layoffs and economy is going to mask the shortage for a few years. Good luck, no matter what you decide.