Reserve IP slot...
 

I've got a year left on my commitment in the AF, and have been offered a C17 IP slot, that if I took would extend me 1 year (2 year payback commitment). I'm leaning toward just getting out and joining the Reserves while searching for an airline gig, but I'm wondering if the IP time would make a difference in A) getting into the Reserves; B) getting into the airlines. I've got 2000 TT, 1000 PIC in the C17.

Any Reservists know how many IP billets units are getting these days? I'd love to take it, I had mine yanked from me when I went to a "green door" for my 2nd assignment, and now that I've come back would do it if not for the service commitment.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

I would get the IP time...it usually helps a lot, and there will be a LOT more job openings in that time frame, unless something massively goes wrong. You should have your pick of jobs at that time.

If you liked the heavy mil flying (minus the mil crap), then check out Atlas Air. It is a good fit.

cliff
MEL

Suggest you contact DO/Training Officer at the Reserve/Guard units you might want to join and ask them. Perhaps you can get out in 12 months, join the Guard, and THEN go to IP school. Not an easy decision, but probably one worth having (privately) with some guys in the units you might want to join.

And apparently Atlas needs good pilots like you....Cliff is on a mission! :D

Unless you can get a Guard/Reserve unit to *promise* you a job as Albie described, I would have to say: take the IP slot. If you elect to stay in, you need it. If you're applying to the ANG/USAFR, it's a plus. It (more or less) locks you into the C-17 (assuming you like/enjoy the C-17), forestalling a PCS. It gets you better "deals", i.e. more control within your current squadron (scheduling). It extends you a year at senior O-3 or junior O-4 pay (not shabby). My two cents.

When I first got to the 17 there were several people who didn't want to extend for IP school--and turned it down. The unit turned around and non-vol'ed them (so they didn't pick up the ADSC) because they were that short of IPs. I've also seen guys who heismaned IP school, didn't get non-vol'ed, but then got hired by Guard/reserve units who sent them. If you know the unit you want to go to, Albie's advice is spot on.

If you end up staying in, you'll need to be an IP. But they'll end up sending you sooner or later anyway.

If you don’t have anything lined up on the outside (airline, ART/AGR, or traditional gig that will pay the bills), I would take the IP slot and use the time to build your resume/ work on the transition. I bummed in the guard for 5 years with a family and was a nervous wreck trying to keep the health benefits coming. Have a couple of solid plans before you make the jump. Good luck!

As someone who sits on boards in an AFRC unit I would say take the Ip school slot. I would give you a questioning look if you told me you turned it down to get out, unless your wife was a millionaire or you won the lottery. I see your point, but, the bigger picture is to improve yourself professionaly, which taking the slot would do.

Realize that ANG/AFRC units have to fight for slots also...so it is not a guarantee you would go immediately. Also out unit, like others, wait a bit to keep an eye on someone coming right off AD to see how well they are meshing with the part-time mentality.

Thank you everyone for the tips and posts, I appreciate the feedback!

If you are going to go to a specific guard unit, can't speak for reserves, see what the manning document is like. You may want to delay pinning on Major for a while to get into the unit because they may be top heavy with Majors/LtCol's.

I would still take the IP school in a heartbeat though and try to become an evaluator, looks better on a resume.

Good Luck with everything.