Isn't it a minimum of 10 year commitment?

Sounds about right.

Uh, BTDT myself, only on the Navy side, active duty for 12 years. I never said it wasn't a great and honorable way to go. You HAVE to want to serve in your heart above just wanting to be a pilot. I've seen a LOT of bitter puppies that bit off more than they could chew after flight school and found out what the real fleet is all about.

I've heard different things. It may be 8 years now, but not 100% sure. The Air Force changes it around with the needs of the AF. If you plan to just do 10 years, I recommend building a nestegg. You can live comfortably on active duty and bank a lot of cashola. If you get out at your 10 year commitment, you will go from possibly O-4 pay (around $90k a year) to first year probation pay (about $35k a year) with a major airline. Quite a shocker if your spouse doesn't work and you've got a family to support.

As I recall, it's 6.5 years from the time you get winged...for Navy helicopter pilots... I was prior enlisted then turned to the dark-side (officer) via the USNA. But, one needs a four year degree to fly for the USN. Do what it takes...

Take advantage of those tax-free combat duty zones and hazardous duty pay. Don't spend it... Bank it...

Invest (tax-free) in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), now that it's been opened up to active duty members. Once you're in, you can set up an automatic DFAS deduction (allotment) for investment. After 12 years, I left the USN with mucho $$$ in that plan, thanks to flight bonuses/pay/growth and avoiding the "new every two" car syndrome with a reliable, well maintained old Honda. Then there's the IRA, company 401K, and the individual stock "hobby" portfolio...

Personal investments like this will not go away like an airline (or any other company) pension. Whatever pension I'm left with at age 60+ from my current company is pure gravy...like social security...

And above all... SERVE with your heart and protect our country...whether it's on foot patrol, in a tank, HUMVEE, ship, submarine, aircraft, NORAD, etc...

RickAir has the correct career plan if you can swing it. I am joining the guard for all the right reasons, but getting the education and ratings are not a bad side benefit.

I have been wondering how to go from a guard baby to regional b*tch with low times.

If you go from a baby to a b!tch, then you're doing it wrong.

Put in your time and you will never be a b!tch. A baby can learn...a b!tch is well, a ......

How can you put in your time if your unit puts you out on the street w/ no days?

Um, bite the bullet and go ACTIVE DUTY, maybe?

Serve or serve not... It's not a part time job.

Thanks for the advice fludy. I only want to serve my country half heartedly and thats why I chose the guard. I also wanted a place where I could serve my entire career, in the same frame, and with the best maintenance......who all serve half heartedly.

Actually, it is a part time job.