Networking and not burning bridges is key to your survival after you separate from military service. I wouldn't have my airline job(s) without networking. And because of that, I've given back as much as I possibly can. I have written recommendations for everyone that has asked for one and made lots of phone calls and name-drop visits.

However, a warning to the douches out there ... you know who are (I think).

I have witnessed several co-workers and a former commander call up a chief pilot and/or recruiting office and blackball individuals.

In the real world, your reputation is everything. And if you have a bad reputation in the military, it will come back to haunt you in ways you can't even imagine right now.

Thanks for posting this. I am about a year out from retirement and taking the leap to the airlines from the F-16 world and was hoping this was the "standard" for old buddies who are looking for an assist.

And oh, by the way, don't start that first contact call with: Hi "Bob", it's me "Joe", from the XXth Squadron, I was calling to see if you could help me get a job at your airline." You might first ask him how he's doing and maybe something about his family or his kids, or "how about them Mets." My point is you should be a little social before you get down to the real reason you've called. He already knows why you're calling, but it's always nice to show a little concern for the guy (or gal) whom you're about to ask to help you out. Just sayin'.