ANG Loadmaster
10-19-2009, 11:50 AM
#21
Qbicle seat warmer
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Oct 2005
Position: SAAB FO
Posts: 1,177
Originally Posted by Riddler
Just be careful during your interview. The money for your training and seasoning is typically centrally funded (i.e. it doesn't come directly out of your squadron's budget). However, your squadron has a limited number of training slots, local sorties, overseas missions, instructors, and classroom space during all the other BS training that you'll need. The bottom line is that most ANG and AFRES squadrons will hire you based on your personality and ability to "earn back" the costs associated with your training through you remaining a current, qualified, and participating loadmaster. So if word gets out that you're looking for a 1-2 year ANG job followed by a full time active duty job, it might affect their decision to hire you. Depending on whether or not you have buddies in the squadron who help you get hired, it might also impact their ability to get others hired in the future.
Don't be afraid to say that you'd like to learn more about full time career opportunities within the Guard though.
Good luck,
Riddler
Don't be afraid to say that you'd like to learn more about full time career opportunities within the Guard though.
Good luck,
Riddler
10-19-2009, 05:26 PM
#22
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Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: Left Seat, Toyota Tacoma
Posts: 593
Originally Posted by ASpilot2be
Yeah. I was confused when I said active duty. I really meant go full time ANG once I graduate.
On the other hand, the Guard does a great job at looking out for its own people and promoting from within. So you plan isn't all that far-fetched. Just realize that in the Guard, the only time a new job opening becomes available is if someone voluntary moves/gets promoted out of it or retires (unlike active duty squadrons that have 20-40% turnover each year).
Your best source of information would be the folks up there in the squadron. Do you have any contacts up there? If not, now's the time to start getting them. Try to find an inside contact up there, hopefully someone you know. If not, then maybe a "friend of a friend" might be able to put you in touch with someone. Worst case, don't be afraid to call up there and try to talk to each squadron's chief loadmasters (aka loadmaster superintendents). Explain your situation and ask them for guidance. Initially focus on just getting to know them a little bit and see what it takes to get hired. As you gain some rapport, then you might be more comfortable (and they might be more open) with talking about full time jobs. My experience is that those old and crusty guys (myself included!) can't help but to dispense career advice.
Riddler
10-19-2009, 05:29 PM
#23
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Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: Left Seat, Toyota Tacoma
Posts: 593
One more thing to keep in mind... remember that the underlying premise behind the Guard/Reserve is the part-time "citizen-airman." It's fundamentally a part time job with limited (but nonetheless existing) full time opportunities. Again, I'm not saying that it's not possible, but you just have to understand the culture.
10-19-2009, 09:32 PM
#25
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Joined APC: Mar 2007
Position: Petting Zoo
Posts: 2,074
Originally Posted by Riddler
I'm in the reserves and trying to find a full time AGR job. Part of my problem is that there's just not a lot of C-17/Mobility Pilot AGR jobs out there. Jackson and Elmendorf are the only 2 flying bases, and they'll never hire an outsider for a full time position.
Can't speak to Jackson (though I met non Miss dudes that got hired back when) but Hawaii and Alaska don't like commuters much because they know how bad the commute is.
10-26-2009, 07:06 PM
#26
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Joined APC: Jun 2007
Position: Kickin it "C"old School in AK
Posts: 283
AS2be,
The AKANG C-17 unit is the 249AS. I think we are about 100% manned for LMs right now, but I will ask for a contact e-mail/phone for the guy in charge of hiring if not the case.
If hired, it could be a long wait for Basic Tng and LM school (possibly 1 yr or longer), sometimes this is much sooner. I am more familiar with pilot hiring than LM hiring, so my info may be skewed that direction.
Once done with LM school, you would be put on MPA orders (full-time pay, full-time work, but are technically a part-timer). Unless they are looking to hire Techs/AGRs--the true full-timers--doubt they are doing that.
The AKANG C-17 unit is the 249AS. I think we are about 100% manned for LMs right now, but I will ask for a contact e-mail/phone for the guy in charge of hiring if not the case.
If hired, it could be a long wait for Basic Tng and LM school (possibly 1 yr or longer), sometimes this is much sooner. I am more familiar with pilot hiring than LM hiring, so my info may be skewed that direction.
Once done with LM school, you would be put on MPA orders (full-time pay, full-time work, but are technically a part-timer). Unless they are looking to hire Techs/AGRs--the true full-timers--doubt they are doing that.
04-04-2010, 10:19 AM
#28
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Joined APC: Sep 2006
Position: Lovin' life at .4 (ish) mach
Posts: 1,317
I'm graduating in May with my degree. Think I'm going to switch from the Army Reserves to the AF reserves and do the loadmaster gig, since my Army Officer recruiter has been ignoring me, I'm too old for Naval/Marine Aviation and AF Officer recruiter said that an 88 Pilot AFOQT and 90 PCSM score are not good enough for a commission. I'm down in Vero Beach, FL and found out that Dobbins AFB needs loadmasters. Now if my request for release forms from the Army will just get signed.
05-02-2010, 12:18 AM
#29
On Reserve
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Posts: 16
Just got to my unit a few months ago from basic to qualified 17 load was about 10 months. Best job in the enlisted USAF! I highly recommend it but the first school out of basic is very difficult to weed out the weaker students. I am already a CFI on the civilian side and all the Loadmaster schools were just as hard as flight school was so bring your A game!!! Good luck and go for the 17, it is a dream to fly on!!!!!
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