Like I have said every time I walk past either the BBJ or the G-IV, "I'd give my left #$% to fly that jet"... Also coming from a wonderful past USAFE tour, combining the two would be my dream assignment. As a herc guy, I'm not sure about the lack of pure jet time you guys face in the real world, so I again would take the experience in the 737. DV airlift is a great resume builder if your thoughts are to fly corporate as well.

Then again, at 11 years you would pretty much be taking the career pill if you took this job. And that's a hard pill to swallow... tough call. I'm curious to know what you chose.

I was in a similar situation in 98. For me it was go to the airlines or stay if I got hired into the U-2 program. I figured the airlines would always be there but if I didn't fly the U-2 then, I would never get another chance. I stayed and have enjoyed it and would do it the same way again. The time has gone by fast and I retire at the end of the year. I can't wait.

I have an interview with SWA next month and other apps out as well. I hope your decision works for you.

Cathy Clothier just made BG. That says a lot about the direction the USAF is taking!!

Looks like a serious warrior to me...wearing a gun and everything.

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/5407977-md.jpg

Nice problem to have. BBJ to Ramstein or a shot at the majors? I think I would have taken the BBJ to Ramstein, gone for the sure thing (Active Duty retirement) and then gone to the airlines afterwards. 'They' are forecasting pilot shortages due to the baby boomers retiring and not enough to replace them with. You have two sure things at that point because of your experience in the BBJ, who wouldn't hire you?

Going for the sure thing is always the safest bet for you and your family. Lets say you don't get the job with SWA, do you have something to fall back on? With that military retirement, you have something that most others don't have if things go Tango Uniform in the future.

Not trying to sound negative here and please don't take it that way. I am just playing devils advocate.

Best of luck to you in whatever way you have decided to go.

You guys have it made...Military is the way to go if you want into aviation as a career.

Retirement at 42/43 w/ 20+ years at a major / SWA / FedEx...

IMHO, you deserve it.

-LAFF

I was in a similar situation at one point in my career. In the end, the choice is personal but I will tell you what I thought about my options:

Germany is great. I could have spent my whole career there.

Don't think one assignment into the future, especially at the 11 year point. You have to think about what they will do to you next, or what options you have left to yourself after this assignment plays out.

For example, at the 14 year point, what do you think the flesh peddlers are going to do with you? Will you still be under a bonus commitment? Do you have other job options at that point? Airline hiring is pretty cyclical but ANG/Reserve hiring usually goes opposite what the Airlines are.

Are you willing to pay the price at the 14 year point for a great three years at "the Stein".

Your active duty retirement is worth a whole lot of money and is guaranteed. If you stay to the 14 year point, it's a pretty tasty carrot.

I don't think the active duty is so bad, I still work with them almost daily. Any career field you go to is going to have it's detractors. You just have to be ready for what they're going to do to you and realize that's what you signed up for, make the most of it.

The decision is personal and no one can really tell you the right thing to do. That's up to you.

Good luck

Hey, I know that picture - Good 'ol "Box-D" in the background. That was taken during OIF when she was the Det OG.


So Herk, what was your decision?

I did my time at the 517 when they still had herks. Now I'm just building my PIC hoping that the 11M gets out of the minus range for the VSP. If I finnish my time where I am at I could be in your situation. The current deployment situation will have to change for me to even think about sticking around for a career. I want to see my kids grow up not just in pictures. It sure would be nice not to have another deployment or hear the words exercise or ORI. Anyway, the grass may not be greener on the other side but at least the view is different

T-1

We still have one! It's leaving soon though...and we're not flying it anymore anyways.