Considering re-enlisting
 

Its been nearly a year since I finished up last May with 9 years in and as a E-5, it has been a good and needed break. Problem is that I'm starting to miss it. I wasn't deployed to either Iraq or Afghanistan and always felt like I was missing out being with my friends who went. If it goes down with North Korea or somewhere else, I don't want to miss out again being with my buddies. When they get together and talk about their deployments, I end up quietly leaving the room as I cant relate. I enjoy my flying job, despite my often complaints about it and sometimes wanting to do something else, so Im leaning towards National Guard to get something that would get me sent over, but also to continue being in the military. Should I stay out, only to forget it, or go in again? I'm on the fence.

I have a buddy who was out for good after ten years... but he went back in the reserves after nine eleven just to deploy. it provided solid closure to him. but afg is winding down and nk is far from likely. if you really want to, go find a guard or reserve unit that's going soon. Better hurry.

The AF also has a limited number of slots for prior service to come back on active duty. They are job specific and lots of hoops to jump through. Also in today's fiscal environment they may not be available next year. But another potential option. But as stated the deployments will never go away but are drying up.

I recommend you explore all service branches thoroughly if you're really serious about it... Opportunities do differ extensively, especially based on current fiscal constraints. I have deployed twice, and say be happy you didn't, rather than feel guilty.

Consider yourself lucky, going to the sandbox is HIGHLY overrated...especially if your job will take you "outside the wire." You should be proud and content to have served with honor, even if you didn't place yourself into harms way. By the fact that you volunteered to put on the uniform, you done more than 97% of the population.

Trust me, as someone among many here, who has spent lot's of time in "overseas contingency operations." You are not missing out on anything...other than a little bit of camraderie...which you can get without going into a combat zone and is not unique to the military.

Forgive me for sounding harsh, but it sounds like to me that you want to join up and deploy ONLY to get some "combat stink" on you. If that is the reason for wanting to get back in do yourself a favor and DON'T! Depending on what job you had when you were active duty, for most people (MX, Finance, Supply, etc.), deploying is just like doing your normal duties...just in a combat zone where there is minimal personal risk to your health and well being and 12 hour shifts. Some folks will even get scheduled days off! For those who "leave the wire" everyday, this can be a drastically different experience depending if you are infantry, SOF, helicopter crew, etc. And realize the experiences deployed of someone who flys on C-17's for example, is vastly different than someone who flies CAS on A-10's or CSAR in HH-60's. Bottom line, if you enjoy your job and life is good, stick with it don't throw a good thing away just to get some "combat stink" on you.

I think wanting to deploy is totally legit, which is not to say I disagree with any previous posters. I do suspect though, if that is the only reason you rejoin, you kight be disappointed in the reality.

Why dont you tell us your personal pros and cons of re-enlisting?

"Politics and all that BS goes out the window when the first bullet grazes by your head."

I wouldn't bother with the idea, unless like said you went reserve/NG for a good purpose such as flying or OCS, WOFT. Staring at sand and crap gets old quickly after people have multiple deployments. However the NG is state funded so cuts are always looming around the corner. Don't sign on the dotted line again unless it really presents a good life move for you. Got to think long term especially if you already have time in.

Just my 2 cents being in that position of stay or go

+1, learned that lesson the hard way...as many others have as well.

What is your current flying job, and what job would you be reenlisting into?

I'm a F/O at a Regional, but I was Chemical Ops in the army days. Not sure what I'd be reenlisting into, I have only gone to the recruiter to have a brief discussion, nothing further as I've been trying to fly my rear off this month, and moving to the new base. At nearly 31 years old, I'm too old for anything aviation related.

You may surprise yourself. Do you have the degree and is your medical a solid one? Mind you, a civilian first class won't get you a loadmaster medical on active duty, but if a guard or reserve unit likes you and wants you, they may be able to get you pushed through.

As JohnnyG said that's the key, getting to know some people on the inside...if you want to pursue this route. Networking will be of critical importance if you want to have an enlisted aircrew job with the ANG or USAFR. Few units are willing to hire people "off the street", personally I think this is a bad thing but it's how it is. If you know some guys that are ANG/USAFR aircrew or Pilots/Navigators talk with them to try to get your foot in the door. Don't expect to be immediately embraced, but if you meet some people in the unit you want to work in and they think you may be a fit, doors will open...it just takes time.

This has been an interesting read and you have an interesting decision to make. For what it's worth, I believe that reenlisting in an ANG or Reserve unit would make the most sense. As well, as others have said, you may enjoy deploying to a combat zone, but that feeling will quickly go by the wayside, especially if you are somehow wounded or worse. That said, one cannot overemphasise the benefit of a military retirement, along with the feeling of belonging to something larger than just yourself, and the life-long relationships that come out of military service. As well, you might transition over to the dark (officer) side, which would also help you throughout your work-a-day life.

I mention all of the above, because I was in exactly the same situation as you are, although many years ago. I returned from Viet Nam as a AF E-5 (SSGT) and separated, a year later I joined the Guard, and retired some 30 years later as an O-6. A great ride. Again, I cannot tell you how fortunate I feel to have both a military retirement as well as military health care through the TriCare system. Both worth their weight in gold.

Good luck with your decision.