Jones14

I've heard there is opportunity for full time careers with the ANG. Are any of these flying positions? It seems to me that doing the one weekend a month/2 weeks a year would create a knowledge retention issue. I've been working towards building my resume for OTS, and from what I can gather so far the process is similar when applying for the ANG. AFOQT, TBAS, etc. I like the idea of the ANG because there is a base very near where I grew up and it would be wonderful to serve so close to home. Their mission is appealing to me also. I know it's not logical to be picky about how or where you serve, but right now a full time military position is where I would prefer to end up.

I also have the option to go in as a mechanic, would there be any possibility of working Mx on my time away from the flying side? That seems like a lot to ask; walking in to two positions as an off the street applicant, but I'm very willing to provide all I have to offer.

I apologize this could be a "UTFSF" type of thread but my phone browser wont allow me to search.

Thanks

Tanker-driver

Full time positions in the Guard/Reserves are pretty hard to come by, even for guys that have been with a unit for years or coming off of active duty. That said, these positions do exist for pilots. However, if you have the idea that a traditional position consists of one weekend a month/2 weeks a year, you'll need to readjust your thinking. Typically, a unit will want a minimum of 5-10 days per month and one deployment per year, in addition to any trips you can pick up. It is possible to make ends meet as a traditional guardsman/reservist depending on how much work the unit has and what you're willing to accept as quality of life. Best bet: Call the unit you want to work for and ask to speak to the chief pilot or chief of hiring. Ask all your questions and try to keep any pre-concieved notions out of your brain. You may want visit the unit during a drill weekend to talk to and interact with the members. Get all the facts and then decide if it's a good move for you. Good luck.

Jones14

Thanks for your advice. That sounds more like what I'm after. I know you just suggested speaking with the unit, but does the typical Guardsman have a civilian career as well? I know that your civilian job is protected as a military member. But, being involved with your unit, presumably at least half of your time, would leave little time for the civilian career. I don't mean to sound greedy, but I would imagine most guys would highly prefer a salaried job as a civilian.

galaxy flyer

Most unit members have outside jobs--50% or more with airlines. Yes, 5-10 days a month depending on mission.

The full timers are, by definition, instructors so you have to one or capable of becoming before hiring. If you are asking these questions, you have a ways to go--selection for UPT, RTU, gain experience and hope to get an opening. My last unit went years w/o hiring.

GF

Jones14

Yes, it is a long painful process. It's difficult to be patient but I'm certain it's also well worth the wait. I'm planning to have my Commercial and CFI by spring and hopefully can be hired by my current employer (regional) by the time the next hiring boards open their flood gates. Seems like what I could really use is a good contact from within. Another long shot with so many people having similar goals.

Adlerdriver

If you're only interested in pursuing a non-fighter pilot position in the ANG, then just tell me and I'll save my advice. It sounds like Galaxy and Tanker are giving you some good info.

However, some of the stuff they are telling you is different in a ANG fighter unit so, depending on your desires, you may want some additional info.

For instance, many fighter units hire full timers off the streets. It's not uncommon to have a brand new Lt in a full time spot. The unit I was in tended to spread the full timers across the experience spectrum. Not all full timers are instructors, in fact, most of our instructors were part timers. Monthly work days for a part timer probably average 8-10.

Let me know if you want more info.

Cheers.

Jones14

Well I'll be honest with my thoughts. This doesn't mean I don't want or wont accept your advice.

If I'm admitting my perfect scenario I would probably be flying a KC-10 or C-17 as AD Air Force. I am drawn to the heavies for some reason. The Guard Unit near me (Scott, AFB - Belleville, IL) is a refueling wing flying the KC-135. Would be right up my alley for the reasons listed previously. When I decide it's time to hang up the military uniform for good I could then have a pretty damn solid resume for a purple tailed cargo company.

The REALITY is, I would take any airframe, in just about any location. And situations like you are talking about really sway my opinion. I would be unimaginably honored to fly fighters, but I read that most guys out there are going for those slots. I'll be 26 in April, so going for those "less desirable" airframes seemed like it could give me a fighting chance at this before I go age critical.

So I'm up for anything and I welcome the "If I were in your shoes..." type of suggestions.

UPTme

Given your experience with "UTFSF," I see you've already stopped by baseops. Check out the threads over there (as well as here) about guys willing to give their left nut to get off AD.

At 26, beggars can't be choosers. If I were you, I'd get my butt in to UPT any way I could, to include flying something you didn't dream about as a kid after you saw Top Gun.

Jones14

I know there is a lot of good info over there. But just trying to pick as many minds as possible.

Jones14

Not to mention, at this point in my life I may be THE definition of "Low QOL." I've been sacrificing a lot the last 2 years to chase this career. That won't sway me.

Pitty party over, time to read up on AFRES.