PittsDriver

What's your background and what are you flying now? Probably one of the easier reserve paths would be to get on with a UPT unit.

rickair7777

Reserve Tricare is a pretty good deal, but you cannot do prime even if you live in a prime area.

Chris99

I second this. There's a good probability you'll be passed over again and then the AF will screw you like they did those Majors a year or so ago (didn't offer continuation). You can get promoted in the Guard or Reserves no problem. I just got promoted to Major in the Reserves and I haven't even started a Masters yet. That wouldn't have happened on Active Duty. People have been saying for a long time the AF needs to focus more on job expertise instead of queep, and some people are hopeful with Welsh being the new CSAF, but I'm not going to hold my breath. The AF will screw you until they desperately need you, and then they will give you a bonus and play semi-nice. If they don't need you, you're gone--no questions asked.

DarinFred

Hey dude,

I am in the same boat, but a year earlier than you. I volunteered for the VSP when it came out and was denied. Then the RIF came and they retained me. Two months later, I met the board with an P (imagine that), and I was passed over. I have 2 combat tours, a PCS to the schoolhouse, and no black marks on my record. I also don't have a masters...so I definitely didn't play the game.

That said, with your Bac+ and SOS in correspondence, even with a P, I think you have a pretty good chance of getting promoted. You probably even have a good chance of getting a DP.

If you don't get promoted, don't sweat it. It has been awesome for me. I let the boss know know I was planning on getting out when I get passed over the second time and he hooked me up with a "job" that allows me to fly my butt off and actually have time to improve as an instructor, my primary AF job. I have totally jettisoned all queep. I work less and life is pretty good.

From the Reserve units I have talked to, if you have a clean record and are a good dude, they won't have a problem putting in for a waiver and hiring you. A lot of good workhorses in the AF are getting passed over these days because they don't have the boxes checked...that's the exact kind of person the Reserves are looking for.

Also, your timing may be perfect with the "shortage" coming. I have been putting applications in with every company that opens their windows. We'll see how those pan out.

Any questions, just shoot me a PM. Good luck!

UPTme

You mentioned solely your primary time: remember, primary + secondary both count towards FAA total time. Don't sell yourself short.

This isn't intended to open up the timeless "can I log PIC if I'm the A code in the bunk" discussion.

reCALcitrant

I know one thats a one star.

HuggyU2

?
One what?

reCALcitrant

Sorry. Quoted on the I phone and couldn't edit it. A twice passed over captain, rifed in 1993, now a 1 star probably going to pin on a second. Also, never a Sq/CC. Odd path for sure.

Mooseflyer88

"There are Federally-mandated limits on length of service based on rank. For Major, it is 24 years, and LtCol, 28."

Keep in mind that those limits are on commissioned time; you're enlisted time doesn't count toward it. Your "clock" was, essentially, reset the day you commissioned. You could, potentially, stay in much longer depending on how long you were enlisted.

rickair7777

This is true. Also the federal mandate does not necessarily apply to the guard (state rules can vary widely)