Luck seems to smile greater on those that apply to ANG/USAFR units at this point in time.

FWIW, I'm at 20+ and only 2yrs non-flying. Not typical these days.

That said, a desk looms in my future should I stay. Which is why I won't.

The biggest constant in the AF personnel world is change. If more airlines starting to hire again, there are a lot of guys right behind me who will be retirement eligible in the next few years, as well as the lion's share of the 10yr commitment UPT grads.

To the OP - decide what you want (quickly - you're in a time-limited situation) and remember that there are waivers to about anything, depending on what they need and how bad they want it. There is a chance that they're going to want pilots very badly in the near future.

Especially in the Guard/Reserve, where for every Air Force Instruction (And I'm sure this applies to other services), there is an equal and opposite Guard waiver.

Going back to your actually question prior to all the additional information and sidetracked explanations...

I will tell you this first hand, you are getting to a critical point in age. What you had at one time going for you is falling by the wayside and thats prior flying experience. You said 27, 400+ hours, CFII... Pick a type of aircraft you like or would like to persue if you are going guard/reserve.. You also need a location. I don't recommend AT ALL, shotgunning resumes out to especially guard units.. they are families, they DO NOT like hearing or finding out that you are just hoping or trying to get a job anywhere... ANG is a long term commitment. They look to see ifTHEY want to keep you around for twenty years, unlike the active duty world where you are stationed to fly for 3 - 4 years at a time. Your flight hours proves you have air experience, but know all new UPT candidates have to go to the wash out program in Pueblo, Co.

Your age is what is going to affect your ultimate decision. Again, first figure out branch, then active/reserve/or guard and if the latter... pick airframe and paticular unit. If you apply at more then one be ready to explain to the unit in a face to face board why you shotgunned your resume...

Good Luck.

I respectfully disagree with you sir, it worked for me... as a matter of fact the unit never said anything about it really - and later expected that...saying that if you were serious about getting in, you'd apply to every board you could - many of the guys on my board applied to a lot of units. I guess it just varies from unit to unit... luckily I got to an awesome unit at a great location with an awesome airframe.

But for every unit that says you should enlist, you'll find a unit that takes mostly outside guys.... for every unit that wants you to visit, you'll find one that doesn't allow it... for every unit that wants a local, you'll find one that takes mostly outside guys....

If I was asked that question about shotgunin' apps... I'd point out there's no guarantee my "hometown" unit will hire me - I would be stupid to not expand my chances to serving, regardless of what the board thought.... if they have a problem with it, oh well! Maybe that's not the unit for me!

The interview goes both ways - you're interviewing them as well.

Thanks for all of the info. It's a big decision. I know that I would like to fly C130s. So that should help me narrow my search. No known medical conditions, but I broke my leg when I was about 12.

I did have a misdemeanor expunged from my record. Will that disqualify me? Thanks again for all of the good info!

Dude, don't let other opportunities pass by while telling yourself something goofy like, "I will only fly the KC-135 at Pease Air National Guard Base for the New Hampshire Air National Guard." Plenty of folks interview at many units, often in the same weekend or even day, since drills are held on the first weekend of each month. I did, told each one what I was doing, and it worked out well all the way around.

Is there a way that we can get Ryan's words to the top of the search results?

What he said is true, and the point is that you can't stick to just one unit you've got a crush on. Even within units, hiring boards change composition from year to year, and the head of the board might be 180 degrees from the previous chief. A unit that only hires internals might pick up 2 or even 4 external applicants with zero service.

One more thing, since it's late and I'm ranting; I'm tired of reading dudes who got medical DQ'd for some reason and tell others not to pursue it. Forget that - GO FOR IT. The worst they can tell you is no; big deal. There are plenty of guys (myself included) who had some sort of big, goofy medical issue that might seem like a show-stopper, but wasn't.

If you've got time to read an internet forum for 100 reasons why you SHOULDN'T apply to for a pilot slot, you've got time to submit a package and see what they say.

If it has been expunged should not be a problem. You will be asked for your clearance if you have ever been arrested, so don't like about it. Its not that big of a deal.