Originally Posted by Hilltopper89

You got out for QOL but will go to Afghanistan for a year?

Accurate post. The uncertainty is what kept me up nights leading up to retirement. Lots of folks wait til they have a job outside first...not an option unless you're retirement eligible.

Originally Posted by BDGERJMN

Yes and for the last 5 yrs the longest I have been away from home and my kids has been 2 weeks. Unforunately I am going to afghanistan for a year. You know what, if I had stayed on AD I most likely would have done an IA (Individual Augment) regardless at some point in addition to regular AD OPTEMPO/Deployment cycle/Sea Shore rotation so the risk vs reward was sufficient for me in my decision.

I'm a reservist so yes I'm eligible to deploy on an IA and got tapped for orders. Will a year in that place suck in terms of QOL? Sure...but a necessary price to pay for the ability to continue flying until I retire and still draw the reserve retirement, at least for me anyhow.

Typically Navy SELRES aviators in active flying billets were shielded from IA requirements. 2012/2013 saw big Navy reserves reaching down into some of the reserve flying units to pull folks as the active component shifted the IA responsibility to the reserve component. Those of us who fly with active clearances/medical readiness and TACAIR background quickly became square pegs for square holes. That is what it is I suppose.

I dont want to sidetrck the thread from the original poster or discussion about ACCP writ large, but my point is each situation is different and what worked or didnt work for me or someone else may not be germane to someone whos' considering getting out or staying in in a tough job market.

Originally Posted by C-17 Driver

In 2006, I had the initial paperwork for the bonus signed and faxed in. They were just waiting on a wet signature from me. I took a couple of calls and emails from AFPC that were essentially badgering me to sign the paperwork. I politely told them each time that I had until 30 September to sign it and that I was still thinking about it. I am sure glad I waited because I happily accepted a reserve opportunity that created a very pleasant and unexpected life vector for me and my family. I say this despite being furloughed from UAL after less than a year from getting hired. I freely admit there was a lot of divine intervention during these past years and have been well taken care of which I am very grateful.

At our squadron's "hail and farewell," my Ops Group commander told me and the other guy that were getting out that we were just "cogs in the wheel." This is from the same guy who as squadron commander of the 17th in CHS, grounded anyone who put their separation papers in. Although he was essentially correct, I would expect a little more class after 10 years of honorable active duty service. So, it is 2006, I separated from 10.5 years of active duty with a wife, 3 kids (age 4, 2, and 6 months)

To this day, I still feel and freely tell others that if they offered the 20 year bonus at the time, I would have stayed in (take 1/2 up front, invest..etc). Looking back on it, I am glad I did not and here is why:
Altus: 2004-2008 (would have left in 2008 if I did not separate)
Good flying assignment: 2008-2012 (at 16 year point and all flying gates met)
2012-2016: staff tour/non-flying (if I were in, this is what I would be doing right now)

So, in 2016, I would be finishing a staff tour at my 20 year point having not flown in the past 4 years. As a 20 year Lt Col with no flying in the last 4 years, what is the likelihood that the AF would send me back to a cockpit? That is still 3 years into the future. I think most reasonable people would feel as I do and think the chances are low that I would be able to return to the cockpit.

From a family perspective, my wife and I discussed if it would be easier to get out when my kids were 4,2, and 6 months old versus 14, 12, and 10. Each option had their own perceived challenges, but this was a big factor in our decision as well. Looking back these 6.5 years, it has been nice to see my kids grow up with the same friends and in the same school.

I guess my point is that I am glad that someone took the time to mentor me and tell me that whatever path I chose, that I would need to tackle either one with equivalent fervor because it would determine the course of your life for the next 10-20 years. If I chose to stay in, then I would need to become super Capt/Maj (volunteer for extra duties, get the schools done, etc.). If I chose to get out, I would need to aggressively get my ATP, FE written, and applications out.

It's a tough choice. Just take comfort in knowing that whatever path you choose is well travelled and well marked. Don't be afraid to ask for advice from those you respect and trust. Only you know what is best for you and your family and that can never, ever be stressed enough.

Now, with all that being said, if I were facing the decision today with what is going on with my active duty counterparts, I would try to get hired by a guard/reserve unit and separate in a New York minute!

Good luck!

C17D

Originally Posted by C-17 Driver

You must not have been flying the C-17 all this time to never have deployed more than 30 days since 1997. Have you been buried in AETC most of the time or were you PNAF? Just to satisfy our curiosity, what have you flown? You are definitely yhe exception and not the norm.

Originally Posted by Snooter

Thanks for this, I still have awhile on my commitment but this is definitely how I'm feeling now. The closer I get to my date, the greener the grass gets on the other side...

Originally Posted by Billy Pilgrim

Two more snooter...

I've got a few years left as well but am consciously not doing anything to extend my 10 year ADSC. It's only money.