Search
Notices
Military Military Aviation

Reserve IP slot...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-04-2011, 07:51 PM
  #1  
New Hire
Thread Starter
 
C17 Driver's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
Default 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!
C17 Driver is offline  
Old 10-04-2011, 09:20 PM
  #2  
Gets Weekends Off
 
atpcliff's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Mar 2007
Position: Capt
Posts: 3,215
Default

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
atpcliff is offline  
Old 10-04-2011, 09:26 PM
  #3  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Albief15's Avatar
 
Joined APC: May 2006
Posts: 2,889
Default

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!
Albief15 is offline  
Old 10-05-2011, 02:47 AM
  #4  
Gets Weekends Off
 
zach141's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Apr 2007
Position: holding pattern
Posts: 128
Default

Originally Posted by C17 Driver View Post
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!
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.
zach141 is offline  
Old 10-05-2011, 05:11 AM
  #5  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined APC: Mar 2007
Position: Petting Zoo
Posts: 2,072
Default

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.
Sputnik is offline  
Old 10-05-2011, 06:18 PM
  #6  
Line Holder
 
Woodro's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Jun 2009
Posts: 28
Default

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!
Woodro is offline  
Old 10-05-2011, 09:46 PM
  #7  
Gets Weekends Off
 
dtfl's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Position: Work
Posts: 506
Default

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.
dtfl is offline  
Old 10-09-2011, 02:49 PM
  #8  
New Hire
Thread Starter
 
C17 Driver's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
Default

Thank you everyone for the tips and posts, I appreciate the feedback!
C17 Driver is offline  
Old 10-29-2011, 11:29 PM
  #9  
On Reserve
 
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: IP KC135R
Posts: 22
Default

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.
thecloser2144 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
beech_nut
Regional
7
10-20-2008 01:20 PM
ryan1234
Money Talk
6
09-27-2008 07:31 AM
AggiePilot
Major
11
01-21-2008 07:52 PM
Riddler
Major
26
01-07-2008 03:43 PM
Hornetguy
Fractional
2
02-26-2007 12:21 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



Your Privacy Choices