zach141

Both messages (two programs--one brings back retirees, on puts Reservists on AD) say right up front that they're for the purpose of filling UAV/ISR/rated staff slots to fight the war. You apply, they make you an offer. You accept, you're purely at their mercy assignment-wise. I don't think staying where you're at is an option under this program.

It's not a bait-n-switch, but it is AFPC smartly (or meanly, depending on your viewpoint) taking advantage of rough times to fill their hard to- but must-fill jobs with guys who can't get civilian jobs. Also, if you're an O-4/O-5, but you're junior with an airline and you can take mil leave and know your job is there when you're done, then it's pretty good money, I'd say.
Zach

Razor

This is from today's Air Force Association Daily Report and gives some information on what the recalled guys going to the MC-12 will be doing.

Curtain Goes Up on Project Liberty:

The Air Force plans to have the first of its newly acquired MC-12W intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance aircraft deployed to Southwest Asia by April, Brig. Gen. Blair Hansen, director of ISR capabilities on the Air Staff, told reporters in the Pentagon Friday. The concept for these manned, medium-altitude platforms—which are known as Liberty Project Aircraft—came out of the Office of the Secretary of Defense ISR task force last year as a means to quickly bolster the overhead ISR assets already in Afghanistan and Iraq and, in particular, to relieve the heavy burden being placed upon on MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles in the war theater. LPA will specifically address the warfighter's demand for greater full-motion-video and signals intelligence coverage. Planned is a fleet of 37 aircraft. The first seven are based on the King Air 350 model, and the remaining 30 airframes on the King Air 350 Extended Range variant. All 37 aircraft are expected to be in the Air Force's hands by year's end, Hansen said. There will be two operational squadrons of 15 aircraft each and seven assets used stateside for training. The first eight LPA are used airframes undergoing modification. The remainder will be new airframes. (For more on the ISR burden, read High Stress Numbers Game)

Herkdrv

Well if you like it so much why don't you go ahead and do it.

Herkdrv

I agree. I don't care what they promise. Once on active duty again you are at their mercy. The old classic response of needs of the Air Force trump any other promises made.

L'il J.Seinfeld

No thanks. I am extremely humble and appreciative to not be in a position facing a furlough. Guys facing furlough can apply and if accepted the USAF will offer them an assignment. At that point they can decide whether or not to take it.

Riddler

I saw another email and AFPC powerpoint today. Here's how it works:
- You submit an application to AFPC
- They determine where they want you to go
- You either accept or decline their offer. I have no idea if you get any say in your assignment.

Here's the kicker: you WILL NOT be eligible for promotion. That might not sound like a big deal, but being a passed over Capt/Maj definately puts you in the hot seat for a 1 year deployment. Just some food for thought - you'll be in a "normal" active duty squadron, but you won't be considered a normal squadron asset.

If I had the choice between a year of MPA and this, I'd take the MPA.

PittsDriver

The MC-12 should have an exciting mission where it counts. I am deploying this summer to go fly the MC-12s, so curious to see how it all pans out. As bad as the OPS tempo is now for active duty, it sure beats being furloughed or trying to find a job. One thing is for sure, mother AF does not forget anything. Those who bailed and went elsewhere, and then wanted to come back have for sure not got the dream assignments when they came back in. Hello UAV/ALO and all expense paid vacations to the beach with no ocean near by.

F15andMD11

Does that mean no OPRs to be written for you? Obviously no PRF. OPR bullets are hard enough to invent these days.
Are they applying that to Reserve officers also?
I don't see the non-promotion being that big of an issue for retired dudes. They are only back for 48 months. When they ask you to do queep, say no thank you, I'm not promotable. Just doing the J.O.B.

Razor

Here's some more on the MC-12 from the AFA. I like the part about the laser designator.

For guys that are considering going back in you could try to get into the U-2 program. They're always hiring and need pilots. Plus you get to fly the T-38 on the side.

Almost There: The Air Force has secured all but about $100 million of the $950 million required to fund the acquisition of 37 manned MC-12W intelligence-reconnaissance-surveillance aircraft and associated ground equipment, Brig. Gen. Blair Hansen, director of ISR capabilities on the Air Staff, told reporters during a Pentagon briefing Jan. 23. The remaining funds, which will cover the acquisition of the final seven aircraft, are expected to come this summer as part of the next war supplemental, Hansen said. The MC-12Ws will supplement overhead ISR coverage in Afghanistan and Iraq starting later this year. The aircraft's crew (two pilots and two sensor operators) will have the ability to communicate in real-time with ground forces via voice and video communications links. The first seven airframes, Beechcraft King Air 350 models, will feature an MX-15 high-resolution electro-optical sensor with laser pointer capability. From the eighth airframe on, the MC-12s will be based on the King Air 350 Extended Range design, which provides an additional hour-and-a-half of on-station time. They will also include a laser designator with a more accurate, narrower beam than on the pointer. This feature will "greatly" facilitate operations, said Hansen.

KC10 FATboy

You mean we are buying manned aircraft to help exploit the problems with the UAVs?