Regional FO to USAF reserves

[777forever]

At a pilot convention the last couple days I was advised by several major pilots to consider joining the Air Force Reserves. They said I would make way more money combined with the regional job, and have an excellent backplane if the airlines decide to throw me into the street. So far Ive learned that reserve slots are highly competitive and hard to get, that I would have to go on military leave from ASA for pilot training but I would still keep my seniority and flight benefits til I get back. Im not too sure yet about making the move but I am gathering information and considering it, especially when they told more Ill make significantly more money. Any information or advice from you guys would be great!

[bravodelta79]

Yes -- very competitive.

You'd be away from your job for about two years for officer training, UPT, survival training, aircraft specific training and seasoning at your unit.

From what I've read, I don't know if I'd use the phrase "significantly more money".

[SteveC]

I would only urge someone to join the reserves if they are doing it solely to serve their country. Any other reason is just setting them up for disappointment.

[777forever]

Thanks for the info. I was told to look into this because Im young, the reserves provide a backup plan, extra retirement, and more money than I would make just being a regional pilot. Im hesitant because 2 yrs is a long time away from my job even though i would keep getting seniority and flight benefits. I just settled in ATL and Im back in my comfort zone after leaving Dallas. Going military and learning to fly the Air Force way would be a big change. Would joining the reserves for a non flying position be a better option? Im thinking I would be away from my job for a much shorter period of time.

[Maurus]

Originally Posted by bravodelta79

Yes -- very competitive.

You'd be away from your job for about two years for officer training, UPT, survival training, aircraft specific training and seasoning at your unit.

From what I've read, I don't know if I'd use the phrase "significantly more money".

Well, working at McDonald's part time would be a significant boost to first year FO pay

[Flies2Much]

The Reserves or Air Guard would be a great way to go, but like SteveC said it is the military and you are serving your country (deployments). It is also a 10 year + training commitment (almost 12 years). Not many people consider that. But, that being said, flying for the Resrves or Air Guard would be an excellent oppurtunity for you. If you are interested I highly recommend looking at www.baseops.net this site has pretty much all of the flight school and medical related answers. It also has a very detailed list of flight slots from around the country with point of contacts. Hope this helps and good luck.

[aloft]

A friend of mine did just as you're asking about; ATR FO at Eagle, got a C-17 slot with a reserve unit, went to AF pilot training, went back to Eagle, and got picked up by Continental waay early.

[bravodelta79]

Originally Posted by Maurus

Well, working at McDonald's part time would be a significant boost to first year FO pay

touché

[blee256]

Like the others have said, Do NOT join the reserves to make more money. joining the military to get rich, doesnt make sense. Do it ONLY if you have a desire to serve your country. because if its just for money, there are plenty of alternatives to supplement your income. If its to fly, getting yelled at during OCS, and dealing with all the other BS, is unnecessary when you get paid to fly at your airline already, without having to deal with all the screaming and marching.

[germb747]

Originally Posted by 777forever

Thanks for the info. I was told to look into this because Im young, the reserves provide a backup plan, extra retirement, and more money than I would make just being a regional pilot. Im hesitant because 2 yrs is a long time away from my job even though i would keep getting seniority and flight benefits. I just settled in ATL and Im back in my comfort zone after leaving Dallas. Going military and learning to fly the Air Force way would be a big change. Would joining the reserves for a non flying position be a better option? Im thinking I would be away from my job for a much shorter period of time.

Here's how it worked out for me:

June 2003 - unit hiring board
Nov 2003 - enlisted in the AF
May-Aug 2004 - Officer Training School, Maxwell AFB AL
Sep 2004 - Medical Flight Screening, Brooks TX
Oct 2004 - Oct 2005 - Undergraduate Pilot Training, Laughlin AFB, TX
Nov 2005 - Combat Survival School, Fairchild AFB, WA
Nov 2005 - Feb 2006 - MDS Pilot Initial Qualification, Altus AFB, OK
Feb 2006 - Dec 2006 - Seasoning Training (Prog Tour)

Most likely you'll be away from your civilian job for more than two years, probably more like three. We had one girl in my UPT class who was at Comair, and she had a big leg up on most of us, especially at first. But she was also sharp and willing to adapt--there are folks with ATPs and 1000s of hours who sometimes wash out of UPT because they're too set in their ways and can't adapt to military flying. Flying in the reserves is extremely rewarding and I wouldn't give it up for nearly anything. It gives me the opportunity to make a difference in the world and do something worthwhile other than improve the bottom line of greedy corporations and shareholders. Now I'm flying both civilian freight and military; if I had a family to take care of I don't think I'd be able to do both since I'm lucky to be home more than five days out of each month.

Having recently gone back into civilian flying, it's only getting tougher to keep up with all the currency items I have to do in the reserves (i.e. overseas sorties, HRC/Intel/Tactics briefs, refresher sims, etc), they just keep adding stuff to the training tables. It's been about 4 months since I've taken a few days to just go do what I want to do--having two jobs is certainly very taxing on your time. You hear people complaining all the time, so unless you appreciate your role in public SERVICE and see the big picture and how important what you do is, you'll find yourself among those who are just there to collect an extra paycheck and aren't satisfied otherwise.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do. The single most important thing for getting into a reserve unit (besides having a degree, not being a total ######bag, etc) is networking. Get to know the people who will make the hiring decision and show your face and interest around the unit.

[bravodelta79]

Thanks for sharing, Germb747. I take it you're flying the C-5 or KC-135?

Thanks for your service! (I hope to join the ranks soon.)