Posted this on baseops, but hoping some folks here might have some insight. Has anyone here left active duty and after a couple years decide to come back to the guard or reserves part time? I got out in 2010, but deciding to get back in via the guard/reserves to finish out my 20 (already have 10 years). If anyone has some insight on process, I appreciate the info!

 

Are you in the IRR or did you resign your commission? We have guys in our guard unit that have done both. Much easier if you are in the IRR and they don't have to recommission you. If a guard unit wants you, it shouldn't be too hard, plenty of guys with a couple year break getting back in.

 

First, easier if in IRR, but remember your commissioned service continues even with a "break" in service. So, you have 10 years AD, but now have 13 years of Total Years Commisioned Service meaning things like you might be ready for the Major's board; you might have to make Lt Col to get 20 good years. A good friend had a 5 year break and had to make LtCol, for example. Not usually a problem and well worth doing.

Second, do so before 5 years out, then the unit has to run a FEB to get you back on flying status. Not difficult, I've done one, but some commanders don't want to deal with it.

Third, related to first, you have to have your last 6-8 years in the Reserves or ANG, all meeting the participation requirements to be retirement eligible.

GF

 

Correct but for clarity...

Years Commissioned Service clock runs in the IRR, but it does not run if you are all the way out. It will resume where you left off if you come back.

The services can, if they choose, make some adjustments to things like board eligibility. The Navy will typically ensure that an officer with a full break in service (not IRR) gets two FITREPs after returning before getting boarded.

It's easy to get into a situation where you need O-5 to retire...and that may not be so easy in the near future as things wind down. But you only have to make it to 18 good years if you're stuck at O-4...after that you're in sanctuary and they have to let you finish.


I think they changed it to six (maybe Navy specific?).

 

True on the IRR vs. resigned commissioned. The 6-8 years has varied depending on "the needs of the service", it may well be 6, but shouldn't affect the OP.

I'd recommend taking a unit that first offers a spot and wrk out details. Hint: C-5 units have hurting for pilots since Jimmy Carter was President. Not sure why, it's relatively easy to stay current, the school is 12 weeks long, though and bases not all that commutable.

I just started collecting and the advantages of getting to 20 are pretty huge.

GF

 

All, thanks for the advice. I got completely out and no IRR. Being in the IRR can be a bad deal, especially if you get passed over twice while in the IRR, you are done for good then if you try to get back into service. If this happens you can only enlist. I got put in the IRR by mistake and this happened to me. It was not until I started talking to guard units that I found this out. Had to go to the BCMR to get that issue fixed which took me 4 months and was lucky to get it fixed. Otherwise I would have been SOL. So, since I was out completely sounds like it might be a longer process.

 

It is longer, but definitely not impossible. We have at least two guys come to our unit who had to be recommissioned. I wouldn't let that deter you if you really wanted back in.

 

Any ideas of which AFI would have the info and processes? I will start looking for it but if anyone knows that would be appreciated.

 

Pitts -
Not sure what you are wanting to fly or where, but the 340th Reserve Group always has openings. They have reservists at every pilot training base and the Air Force Academy and fly all training aircraft including glider planes. Drop me a PM if you want more info.

BigBlue

 

Pitts, I'm not sure what level of participation you want in the guard/reserve. RPA's might be a viable option for you depending on location. They are converting units all over since sequestration and the mini-BRAC that was the FY13 budget. I know that we are more than doubling the amount of rated guys we have. I would imagine other units are in the same boat especially if they were prior fighter units. The Air Operations Groups that are in the guard might be another viable option. Ours has over 60 rated positions. You can't swing a dead cat over there without hitting an 0-6. They did many FEB's to bring guys back in. It was a case of demand versus supply. Also, read the rules very carefully for the break in service. I didn't know any better when I left and I ended up losing a pay grade until I could get 2 good guard years worth of points. In the long run not that big of a deal, but I definitely lost some pay during that time while I was bumming. Best of luck.