Timing once passed over for Major
 

Hello. I just got passed for major after my first look. I am expecting to get passed on the next board and should find out next December. I am wondering when this next year I should apply to the majors. Is it bad practice to apply before getting passed the second time? 6 months out seems to be the standard for applying from what I've read. I'm thinking about applying this summer with an availability date in early 2017. I really don't want to wait for my second look message to come out before applying. Any advise or thoughts you all may have would be appreciated. Thanks for the help and happy holidays.

Do you mean you interviewed and didn't get the job, or do you mean you applied and you didn't get called for an interview?

Either way I would keep applying in every hiring window or updating at least once a month unless you were specifically told otherwise. It might help to know which airline you are talking about.

He means he didn't get promoted to O-4, and is trying to time his exit from the service.

Now. Apply now. Put the most likely availability date then modify if things change...

Apply as early as they'll allow you. Be warned that the O-4 promotion boards/date/release can change.

The Navy shifted its board results by 3 months after I had interviewed for a job (not a Major gig) and gave them a tentative start date based on last years results. They ended up withdrawing their CJO due to the delay and I have to restart the application process with them while I work on all the others.

Your question leaves out an important point: are you looking to get out ASAP, but have an ADSC that will prevent it (unless twice passed over, in which case you're out within seven months); or are you looking to stay in, but that's contingent on getting promoted?

If the former, then the timing of your promotion board is irrelevant. Apply NOW, let your prospective employers decide "how far out" they want to talk to you. Also, look at whatever waivers, Palace Chase, etc. opportunities you may have to curtail that ADSC.

If the latter, you have to ask yourself if you could continue as a captain (assuming continuation is offered). You should also really look hard at Palace Chase--I have no personal experience, but know several people and have heard of others for whom the AFRC provided promotion opportunities after getting passed over on AD. Again, though--apply NOW....

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Thanks for all of the responses. I'm a c-130 guy now flying c-40s. I'm sitting at about 2300 total, 1100 turbine pic. I'm looking to get out, don't have any enlisted time so not enough time to stick it out for 20. My original contract has me to the end of 2016, so I'm waiting on the board results to get the separation pay. I am current and should stay current until I separate. I have been thinking about the reserves as an option, but right now just trying to figure out when to shoot my airline apps out. I appreciate all of the feedback.

Being passed over can be a blessing in disguise. First, your ADSC goes out the window. Secondly, you'll likely get a severance pay. I'd go to the guard/reserves. Assuming that you've completed (or will) PME, you'll be promotable in the guard/reserves since they have a separate board. Getting passed over on AD has no bearing in the guard/reserves, as far as I know. Apply to the airlines now and come up with the best possible separation date. Seniority is everything.

Did not know C-130 peeps could fly C-40's.

Are they allowing people to continue as Majors to 20 if they want?