Quote:
Originally Posted by ugleeual
I’m senior enough not to be furloughed. AMO recruiter said I can be fast tracked... and things go quickly once you apply so make sure I’m ready before pulling the trigger based on the app package. I have a TS clearance and VA rating.
I’ve always been interested in continuing serving (I’m retired AF) and flying LEO seems like a good third career... as I’m not getting any younger (53). The timing might be good to make a career change for 3-5 years by taking a voluntary LOA and open a spot for someone younger in my company. It will be a pay cut for sure... but personal gratification might outweigh it.
I’m in good physical shape and willing to work hard. I don’t have a SE rating... just 6-7K hours ME in jets and 2 years flying MQ1 Predator... just 10 hrs in ME props... will that be an issue? I don’t want to be a part of an organization where my age could be a factor... so am I barking up the wrong tree and too much of an old fart ? I don’t really want to fly UAVs... what are the odds if I’m willing to go anywhere? Will serving for 3-5 years be a show stopper for CBP? Eventually I’ll need to return to my airline.
BLUF: I don't think it's a good idea to leave a legacy for AMO. Even in these crazy times.
As always, full disclosure: I'm in one of the "good" branches, off the SW border, with a varied mission set, and near my family. Something of a unicorn in AMO but it can be done. That said, it's much harder now.
AIA's aren't in it for the money. Those that were qualified to leave to the big 6 mostly have. All are glad they did.
I understand wanting to try something more rewarding (debatable), but I think the long term financial hit would just be too big. I would say the average mid career AIA right now is making 140-160 with the SSR. If you only plan on a few years here you won't see that. Add in the loss of direct contribution to to 401K, it's even worse. As a retiree, you won't be able to buy back any of your military time or have it credited for leave purposes, etc. You'll be stuck at minimum leave accrual (4 hours per pay period). Under the 6c law enforcement retirement, we can get out at 20 years. The flip side to that is we have 1.7 percent taken out towards the pension. A normal federal employee contributes 1%. If you leave before 20 - that .7% per year is forfeit. Over 5 years that's a lot of your compensation you gave the govt.
I have been a part of 3 airlines, military units, and AMO in my flying career. AMO has it's dysfunctions for sure but so does everywhere. The people in the trenches are top notch, as is some management. Not all by any means.
I would take a recruiters estimate of fast track with a grain of salt, especially now. Normally the big hang up is the background check and I don't see how that could possibly be done in a timely matter today. They might bring you on, but stuck as GS-11 for a long time. You do not start LEAP until you finish the academy and get your gun - right now FLETC is closed. A TS clearance will not get you out of the poly, has to be a full SCI. If you have that - there are jobs out there beyond AMO's scope for sure.
Awesome that you're thinking of the junior dudes. You'll have to decide if it's worth the financial loss and uprooting your family to somewhere west of the Pecos.
Feel free to PM.