Staying current on the Civilian Side when in the ANG

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I'm currently going through the process of obtaining a pilot slot. I've completed the AFOQT with a 89pilot and 77nav, have my physical next week, and have my BAT test scheduled as well. My question is this, I know being on the enlisted side is beneficial when trying to get a slot and I'm willing to do it but when i get back after 3-6 months what sort of process will my airline due to get me current again. Also I'm not exactly sure but don't they have to keep my job when I'm gone even for 3 yrs if i get a pilot slot?
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You'd be crazy to enlist in the Guard when you are already an airline pilot. You have the requisite resume to get a UPT slot without enlisting.

AS far as your job goes, they have to hold it for you for up to 5 years. When you return they are required to get you recurrent, but the rest is up to you.
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I agree. I wouldn't enlist unless is was a definite requirement for a unit you want to be in AND you are young. If you're over 25 or so, you're wasting valueable job hunt time while going through all those hoops.
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Another vote in agreement...don't enlist in a unit to "pledge" it. Shop around those pilot skillz to get a direct UPT appointment as a walk-on.
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Some units do have requirements to be in the unit and others have residency requirements. Also, a large bonus and some extra pay wouldn't be a bad idea if I was struggling with regional pay. That being said, the others on this thread are very knowlegeable.
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DO NOT. I Repeat DO NOT enlist. A recruiter tried to pull the same thing with me - told me I should go ahead and enlist & i'd stand a better shot at getting a pilot slot. I didn't. I still got a pilot slot. If I had listened to him, I wouldn't even be near going to OTS today. As it is, I'm C-17 qual'd & starting to apply to airlines.

As far as your USERRA goes, unless it's changed, I believe it's 5 years unless we're at war. If you're supporting a declared war, then they have to hold a position of comparable title & pay, i think maybe indefinitely? This was my situation at my old job.
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Thanks all
Hay thanks guys, I appreciate all the responses and kinda figured that enlisting would be a waste at 25. Well I'm working on the cover letter now and finding it the hardest of all things, that and lighting a fire under the people who are writing my rec letters. Got the bat test done and didn't do to bad but with 1800hrs its hard to screw it up. Still waiting on the phy appointment but should be anytime. Do must units wait to post openings in tell the beginning of the year?
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Quote: Still waiting on the phy appointment but should be anytime. Do must units wait to post openings in tell the beginning of the year?
Don't wait for them to post openings. Despite what they say and what the law is, frequently those jobs are very close to being locked up by the time they are advertised. I would start making contacts with any unit that you are interested in. Go see the Sq CC or Ops O, or even the WgCC or OG in person. If you know anyone in a unit, have them walk you in. If I were you, I wouldn't be afraid to cold-call an Ops O and talk about job opportunities.

It varies from unit to unit but I wouldn't be suprised to have a unit expect you to be full time around three years or maybe more. You have OTS, Pilot training, survival schools, and RTU that will take up around 18 mos and then they'll probably want at least a year of full time after that to get you "seasoned".
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