Yeah. I was confused when I said active duty. I really meant go full time ANG once I graduate.

I'm in the reserves and trying to find a full time AGR job. Part of my problem is that there's just not a lot of C-17/Mobility Pilot AGR jobs out there. Jackson and Elmendorf are the only 2 flying bases, and they'll never hire an outsider for a full time position.

On the other hand, the Guard does a great job at looking out for its own people and promoting from within. So you plan isn't all that far-fetched. Just realize that in the Guard, the only time a new job opening becomes available is if someone voluntary moves/gets promoted out of it or retires (unlike active duty squadrons that have 20-40% turnover each year).

Your best source of information would be the folks up there in the squadron. Do you have any contacts up there? If not, now's the time to start getting them. Try to find an inside contact up there, hopefully someone you know. If not, then maybe a "friend of a friend" might be able to put you in touch with someone. Worst case, don't be afraid to call up there and try to talk to each squadron's chief loadmasters (aka loadmaster superintendents). Explain your situation and ask them for guidance. Initially focus on just getting to know them a little bit and see what it takes to get hired. As you gain some rapport, then you might be more comfortable (and they might be more open) with talking about full time jobs. My experience is that those old and crusty guys (myself included!) can't help but to dispense career advice.

Riddler

One more thing to keep in mind... remember that the underlying premise behind the Guard/Reserve is the part-time "citizen-airman." It's fundamentally a part time job with limited (but nonetheless existing) full time opportunities. Again, I'm not saying that it's not possible, but you just have to understand the culture.

I made a pretty good living as a reserve bum. It's A LOT of time away from home though.

Uhhh.... There's also Hickam, which is a tough sale if not a local, but I've known a couple. But Elmo, I know folks that came from outside. Getting hired now....maybe not so much. But this kid is from Anchorage so he's not outside.

Can't speak to Jackson (though I met non Miss dudes that got hired back when) but Hawaii and Alaska don't like commuters much because they know how bad the commute is.

AS2be,

The AKANG C-17 unit is the 249AS. I think we are about 100% manned for LMs right now, but I will ask for a contact e-mail/phone for the guy in charge of hiring if not the case.

If hired, it could be a long wait for Basic Tng and LM school (possibly 1 yr or longer), sometimes this is much sooner. I am more familiar with pilot hiring than LM hiring, so my info may be skewed that direction.

Once done with LM school, you would be put on MPA orders (full-time pay, full-time work, but are technically a part-timer). Unless they are looking to hire Techs/AGRs--the true full-timers--doubt they are doing that.

AS2be,

Currently we are overmanned on loadmasters with no hiring on the horizon, but the AKANG C-130 unit 144AS is hiring. I will PM you the info.

I'm graduating in May with my degree. Think I'm going to switch from the Army Reserves to the AF reserves and do the loadmaster gig, since my Army Officer recruiter has been ignoring me, I'm too old for Naval/Marine Aviation and AF Officer recruiter said that an 88 Pilot AFOQT and 90 PCSM score are not good enough for a commission. I'm down in Vero Beach, FL and found out that Dobbins AFB needs loadmasters. Now if my request for release forms from the Army will just get signed.

Just got to my unit a few months ago from basic to qualified 17 load was about 10 months. Best job in the enlisted USAF! I highly recommend it but the first school out of basic is very difficult to weed out the weaker students. I am already a CFI on the civilian side and all the Loadmaster schools were just as hard as flight school was so bring your A game!!! Good luck and go for the 17, it is a dream to fly on!!!!!