I have been weighing my options as far as civilian vs military route to the airlines, and after considering the huge debt and iffy job market as a beginning instructor/commercial pilot, I have decided to pursue a pilot slot in a Guard unit. I wanted to apply for the unit in Memphis, where I live, but they decided to open their board only to current unit members. So, I'm looking for other units nationwide that I can apply to. I don't have much of a preference on location (with some exceptions).

I took the AFOQT and TBAS this past spring, have a college degree, and have my PPL (working on instrument now).

Does anyone have any recommendations as far as units I should look at? I constantly keep an eye on guardreservejobs.net. I would like to fly heavy aircraft, but would look at fighters, too.

Would anyone recommend maybe signing on for a 1- or 3-year enlistment at the local unit as a loadmaster, and still applying for pilot slots? Would that give me a leg up/be worth it?

Any and all advice is appreciated.

[QUOTE=FlyingBulldog;1467891]I have been weighing my options as far as civilian vs military route to the airlines.

Join the military only if you wish to "serve." That's what you will do whether you like it or not. If your "attitude" is I'm here to prepare for an airline career, you probably won't make it to pilot training let alone through pilot training.

As a friend was told when being trained in surgery: "Keep your head where your hands are."

I'm aware that a desire to serve is of great importance when joining the military. If I wasn't prepared to serve, then I would only be looking at civilian options. I could take either path, and now I have chosen one. The challenge now is getting in.

I would apply to every unit I could stand living in for the next 5 years. Then I would think about transferring to my hometown, in your case, Memphis.

From what I've learned.......Most units want their guys to be "local".

Just don't leave a unit right after they put you through UPT and associated airframe training.....pay them back and then entertain a transfer. Who knows, you may end up enjoying your "new home". good luck.

Flying for the Guard is a great way to get experience you would otherwise not have as a civilian. As a guard pilot it's important to realize that at the end of the day it's a part time job. The last 10 years have been out of the ordinary for us Guard guys.

I would go get a line number and continue to search for a guard slot. Enlisting will help you out but it will also keep you out of the cockpit for awhile.

I think enlisting in your local unit would give you an outstanding opportunity to get a pilot slot. Especially as a loadmaster. You get the opportunity to fly with the same people that will be hiring pilots in future boards. It's not a slam dunk, but if you do a good job and people like you, it's certainly a huge plus. I think of it as a 2-3 year job interview.

On the other hand, you also have to accept the fact that you will not get hired and have to serve out your commitment as a loadmaster. Not a bad deal, but not the job you really wanted. But, it's a great way to see the world.

In short, I'd seriously consider going this route. I'd suggest you go to the unit and ask if this is a viable route. Obviously, they are keeping their pilot slots for internals so they value someone that has worked for the unit. There are other jobs in the unit as well, and many don't travel as much as a loadmaster. Administrative positions, intel, life support (AFE), etc. These positions also have exposure to the pilots. I'd recommend being a loadmaster though. Everyone will know you and I think it would give you a great shot.

Just make sure you know the age limits for pilot training. We had some older guard guys in my UPT class years ago so I know there are exceptions to the norm--know the rules and realize that waiver approval ebbs and flows based on necessity. Also consider that the environment will probably change the next few years with budget cuts and airline hiring. Impossible to predict but I know our local heavy reserve units are very concerned about manning. They are having a harder time keeping full time positions filled by quality folks as their pool of seasoned pilots/furloughees go back and/or retire. Throughout my military career I spent about $300 for testing/prep materials and got an ATP, CFII, and 2 type ratings. But I also had to spend 20 years doing what uncle sam told me to do so the desire to serve is a large part of it too.

Little off topic but quick question.

I have two UPT interviews next month 10 days apart. I would much highly prefer the unit with the later interview date for several reasons.

How do I go about playing this in the interview? I assume if I am offered the job it would be a few days after the interview?

Not always, I boarded the airline to go home knowing I was selected......