Retire and get hired. Current/qual'd TERA guys will be at the top of the heap. Reservists and guardsmen cause too many headaches for their companies.

 

I've heard MOAA put out an article in the early 2000's with similar stats that showed it made more financial sense to get out at 17 years with NO retirement to grab the seniority number. Obviously its all based on just the pay but if your going to factor in all the macro economic factors and what ifs then you would never make any career moves out of fear. This doesn't discredit the guys with those experiences, its just unlucky timing that I'm sure I'll experience as if I didn't have bad luck I wouldn't have any luck . I'm stashing as much cash as possible right now, paid off all debts and flying as many hours as I can to be ready to punch on my terms. I'm a year short of being able to apply for the TERA but like it has been said, I would be hesitant to apply if you have any lengthy ADSC left because I'm sure we are not even eligible but you won't know that until after the board.

 

The USCG began using TERA for officer "force shaping" this past year. Our TERA retirement date is based on 01 OCT to align with the fiscal year and you have to apply and be approved, not sure if the process is similar for each service.

I missed the cut-off this time by only a few days, but all indicators point to another round of TERA as 22 of 24 applicants were approved this first round (with no restriction on specialty). My request is ready for submission as soon as the solicitation is released again via message.

For my situation retiring as an O4 at 18 years and getting a 2 year head-start at an airline is the best option, plus I don't have to move again. No guarantee on the job, I know, but I have several contingencies if no joy in catching this hiring wave.

-4FF

 

Frozen,

I'm in the exact same boat you are. I know about the leg up with the timing, etc.

Crunching numbers and scenarios as we speak. Just a matter of "manning" up.

 

The matrix has fighter, uav and rescue pilots ineligible but all others have some or most year groups eligible. My two cents as a mil and airline guy is to immediately put your apps in. I think those that get hired during the next year should have pretty good careers at most airlines. If this (airline flying) is something you want to do, pull the trigger now while the gates are open and you should be in the front of a large wave.

AirCav

 

The way I read the matrix only bomber and mobility pilots are eligible for TERA. The rest are restricted to year groups that don't have 15 years in. Meaning they can only VSP if they choose.

 

Who's pulling the trigger tomorrow?

 

If you've got a job option on retirement, then punch. I'm not sure why anyone would stay on AD a day longer than they have to! In addition, if you are currently in a flying billet, I'd leave now if you can. There's no guarantee your next (and most likely, last) assignment will be a flying gig.

 

Folks,

if you are a 11X, look at the bottom of the matrix that AFPC put out. There are some more qualifiers out there that might allow a 11F to participate in the program.

Example, any AFSC can apply if passed over twice!!!

 

Big AF is going to be stunned at the numbers trying to bail.

Punch....and if the airlines don't work out, history guarantees they'll be offering you a bonus to come back in within 2 years.