LKampa

Dear Mr. Kampa
I truly appreciate your desire to return to active duty in support of the defense of our great Nation. The Retired Rated Office Recall Program (RRORP) was implemented as a means to minimize the critical shortage of rated officers. Retired officers recalled under this program are being assigned to a myriad of positions to include Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (UAS/MC-12), rated staff and other requirements. Programmed flight training slots are extremely limited and there are currently more recall applicants with recent Air Force flight experience than there are slots to train them. Unfortunately, we are unable to support your request to return to the cockpit in a flying position. Your present offer for a rated staff position will fill a greater need and could best utilize your experience and qualifications.
Thank you for your correspondence. The Air Force continues to value your past contribution in defense of our Nation and any future endeavor the recall program may present.

signed (Deputy Director, Force Management Policy)
(HQ USAF/A1P)

LKampa

(My Response)

Thank you for taking time to respond to my letter to the Sec. of Defense, Sec. of the Air Force, or the Air Force Chief of Staff.

It would appear my request for review of the 8 year restriction since having flown a military aircraft has made it to the highest authority in the Air Force. After having applied early, passed the selection and review process, and passed the flight physical, I remain frustrated by the policy change in the Retired Rated Officer Recall Program which keeps me out of returning to a military cockpit.

I also find it interesting after nearly a year there are still unfilled rated positions for which I was a volunteer.

As you know, I declined a rated staff position.

If the 8 year restriction changes, then I remain a volunteer for an ISR rated position.

signed (Lawrence M. Kampa, Jr.)
(Major, USAFR (Ret))

eyesinthesky

Longtime lurker of this thread, first time poster.

First, thanks for all the information you folks have made available. It has helped me in my return to active duty by knowing timelines and people to call.

Now, my question: Am I eligible for a bonus upon return?

Background: I left active duty in early 2009, while eligible for the bonus. I knew I might be returning to active duty, via the permanent recall, within a year, and might have to give up the bonus. Looking at the rules, however, it seems I might be eligible for a smaller bonus. If a pilot is just completing his initial UPT ADSC, he can sign a 5 year bonus for $25,000/yr ($125,000 total). It looks like I won't be able to get that bonus even if I return via the permanent recall. But I might be able to take a $15,000/yr bonus.

Is there anyone on the board with a story similar to mine (recently separated while bonus eligible) who knows the answer? Maybe some older head has heard rumors from AFPC or coworkers? Thank you

crewdog58

Under RRORP you are not eligible for the aviation bonus.

eyesinthesky

I should have been more specific. I'm not retired. I separated. So the Retired recall doesn't apply to me. I would return under the Permanent Rated Officer Recall Program (PRORP?).

kangaroo

Submitted my package 20 Nov. Physical complete (story in itself). All I've heard is that they've received my paperwork. Looks like 8 years out of a military cockpit is a show-stopper for a flying job. Anyone have news to the contrary? Like many of you I'm retired and currently a high hour, 53 year old airline pilot. Great web site, I would say to "fish" and his 12/21 entry, thanks for your service, but lighten up a little. Pilots have been giving bean counters, navs and others s@#t for years, and it flows both ways. When that stops, its time to worry. Happy new year and good luck to all. If the program continues its a unique opportunity to get back and do some fun flying again, and serve our country in time of war.

Aloha Air Pilot

Thanks for the Beale info. My question about the MC-12/GH deal is this: If I have been out of the AF cockpit for over eight years and they will only give me a UAS (GH), then will they let me fly the MC-12?

puget

CTII

Merry Christmas. You read the law right, any mandatory training or training to upgrade your skills is exempt. UTAs are exempt because they are by definition mandatory. So a trip to Altus and a prog tour are exempt, locals, sims, IRC is all mandatory, what is not is a 5 day trip to PHIK or a desk tour/MPAs to process OPRs etc. As long as you have the records to justify what you did was necessary, get a plug, touch and go, you are covered by the law.

Still the best resource is the ROA law center.

puget

There is no way I can say. But it sounds like a good plan to me., as I cant see anyone at AFPC with the time or energy to think that far ahead. Best of luck with it.

CTIIpilot

Great info. What is the ROA law center? Also, any word on if the AF ROTC limited recall program would have the same stipulation? I wouldn't think so but if manning is limited (augmenting required) due to reg AF contingency requirements then there maybe some room to justify. Thanks again.