I'll put this out there since it may help someone. It is possible (well, it was possible when I did it in 2001) to put together an unsponsored AF Reserve pilot package. I met the pilot board, and was told that I was selected, but I still had to go out and find a unit. I was also told that if I was unable to find a sponsor then I was SOL and they would find a place for me without any input from me.

However, if you are successful at getting an unsponsored slot, you can pretty much write your own ticket, because any unit you are interested in just has to sign on the dotted line to accept you (once you interview and they like you). This eliminates a ton of work and uncertainty on their part.

The USAFR ain't what it used to be, though. It's a whole lot like AD without the benefits. Buyer beware.

-It is my understanding that there you can no longer go to the board un-sponsored. That's just what I've heard though.

-And buyer beware, eh??? Oh, no.. don't tell me that man...that's not the news I need to hear only weeks before I sign my life away!:(

Hey, you're still getting paid to fly jets, right?

It's no secret that aviation's better days have come and gone, both civilian and military-wise.

Sounds like a similar scenario to mine
 

I applied AD played the waiting game as well for around 8 months. I had an excellent packet together in my eyes and was told that I was an outstanding applicant CFII.MEI 1200 hours Excellent resume to back it up.
Found out that I was NOT selected for AD then applied to Gaurd Unit and was accepted to UPT.
In my opion the Gaurd is the better way to go, but also keep in mind after you get selected your going to play the waiting game for up to another year waiting to leave etc.

But if you do not get selected don't give up. Keeping applying yourself, keep better yourself and keep applying to units.

If you have any questions about my experience since it was very similar to yours please feel free to PM me.

Thanks Kasserine, you hit the nail directly on the head, that is the exact situation that I am in. I want to wait for AD, but if I lose my current job and there could be up to 8 months before I go to OTS for an active duty slot, and I am looking for something to do in that time--not join a guard unit in the meantime. If I got the charter job and they wanted me to stick around, that is when I would grit my teeth and repeat the process again to try for a slot in the Guard and Reserve. Sorry it takes so long between posts, I do not have internet at my home and I must use the computers at work during my downtime.

Thanks to all who posted

So what you are saying is, if you lose your job now and you go do the charter job, that you would GIVE UP your AD slot if they wanted you to remain around? Are you crazy or smoking crack?