Got an interview W AF Reserves!

[comstsa]

I have already applied to the AirForce and now I am in the process of applying to the Reserves (just trying not to keep all my eggs in one basket). I would rather fly for the Reserves because that means i get to know what air frame and what base i get to operate out of. The bad thing is that the reserve board isnt untill march and they wont decide until may. I applied to the AF back in Sept. and I will find out in 12 days if i have been selected. Anyway I got an interview coming up this friday at maxwell with the 357th airlift squad. I was wondering if anyone had any advice for the interview or with my whole situation. I still have some qestions about the major differences between the reserves and AD, such as how often the reserves are deployed or activated?, how much flight time can I expect out of the reserves?, can i get more flight time if i wanted?, if there is any diff in the health care provided? Is flying for the Reserves going to be more of a part time job or full time?

[germb747]

check out the forums at www.baseops.net

[frog_flyer]

You'll get all the flying you want in the C130. In fact, there's a post on baseops right now for a 4 month deployment to the Deid.

In the C130, you'll do AEF rotations. Google that. I think C130s do 4 months on then 16 off? It could be 4 on 32 off, I have no idea.

There's a dude (i think on this one also) on some of the forums that just got picked up by them. SQUAWK6936969 comes to mind, although I have gotten dumber in recent weeks.

As for the rest of your questions, try the search function: both here and on baseops.

Advice I can give you for your interview: Do your homework. Learn about the unit and its history. Certainly learn something about its mission. I'm not even going to fly a C130 and it seems I know more about their mission than you do. Air Force is two separate words. It's a squadron, abbreviated sq. Little things like that will stand out and make it look like you didn't do your homework. (Maybe double check your resume for stupid little things like that)...So get on baseops and read. There's a sticky in the ANG/AFRC section with common interview questions. Start there and work your way down.


Good luck!

[mhcasey]

My advice: There is one cool place in all of Montgomery. Make sure to hit up Sous la Terre on Saturday night. They start playing around 01:30 and end around 05:00.

Other advice: Learn the mission of the C-130. I think they've got older H models out there, but I was always too busy low crawling to get a good look.

[The Fez]

Everything already posted is dead on. Baseops.net will say the same stuff. My two cents...be yourself. You're going to fly with these people for a long time. They want to know what they're getting up front. You put on a show for the interview but have a totally different personality after UPT and you're going to have a miserable career in the Reserves. I'm watching it happen with a new guy in my unit right now. Good luck man.

[kaudbron]

I was picked up by a ANG unit that flys herks recently. I am a non-prior civy. It was my third interview, had a 4th scheduled (all Herk squadrons) which I canceled since I got picked up. Just be yourself, they are looking for commitment, personality, ability to pass training/medical.

At my interviews they were trying to figure out if they could spend 4 months in a tent with this guy and not want to strangle him? I don't know if you have prior military experience, but the units you want to get on with you should try and visit if they will host (sort of too late for your interview). It is a great way to network and also learn a ton. The unit I got on with I hadn't visited prior to the interview but we had time to talk with everyone. Being able to sort of speak the lingo will show you have done your research.

Right now with the Ops tempo is high for guard/reserves. Deployments are 90-140 days, my board straight up asked me if I would have a problem deploying up to 6 months, which is something to think about.

[ian]

good luck!

[Mikey_G]

Originally Posted by frog_flyer

In the C130, you'll do AEF rotations. Google that. I think C130s do 4 months on then 16 off? It could be 4 on 32 off, I have no idea.

It all depends, right now most if not all 130 units are enablers and not on AEF Rotations. For those that do not know what an enabler is, they get tasked whenever big blue needs them. As far as how much you deploy, that depends on you and your unit. How are the manning levels? I have seen crew members come back from a 4 month deployment only to return two months later. I have also seen other crew members deploy once, then never again.

A friend of mine is a loadmaster in that unit you are looking to join comstsa, I'll see if I can get him to join the forums and respond to your post.

Advice I can give you for your interview: Do your homework. Learn about the unit and its history. Certainly learn something about its mission.

Absolutely, I flew slicks for nearly two nears and am now moving on to the talon world, I don't regret switching jobs one bit.

[SQUAWK3274]

Originally Posted by frog_flyer

You'll get all the flying you want in the C130. In fact, there's a post on baseops right now for a 4 month deployment to the Deid.

In the C130, you'll do AEF rotations. Google that. I think C130s do 4 months on then 16 off? It could be 4 on 32 off, I have no idea.

There's a dude (i think on this one also) on some of the forums that just got picked up by them. SQUAWK6936969 comes to mind, although I have gotten dumber in recent weeks.

As for the rest of your questions, try the search function: both here and on baseops.

Advice I can give you for your interview: Do your homework. Learn about the unit and its history. Certainly learn something about its mission. I'm not even going to fly a C130 and it seems I know more about their mission than you do. Air Force is two separate words. It's a squadron, abbreviated sq. Little things like that will stand out and make it look like you didn't do your homework. (Maybe double check your resume for stupid little things like that)...So get on baseops and read. There's a sticky in the ANG/AFRC section with common interview questions. Start there and work your way down.


Good luck!

That's right Frog..at least your memory is still hanging in there;P

OP: I was selected by the 357th last March. Congrats on getting the interview! It's a great group of guys, and was a pretty laid back interview in my opinion. I don't know what I could tell you that would be the kicker that would get you in...Just, like everyone else says, be yourself. Have questions for them, smile alot, and be interested in everything they have to say. PM me if you would like. Good Luck!

Dan

[alphaone]

Originally Posted by HH-60CC

It all depends, right now most if not all 130 units are enablers and not on AEF Rotations. For those that do not know what an enabler is, they get tasked whenever big blue needs them. As far as how much you deploy, that depends on you and your unit. How are the manning levels? I have seen crew members come back from a 4 month deployment only to return two months later. I have also seen other crew members deploy once, then never again.

A friend of mine is a loadmaster in that unit you are looking to join comstsa, I'll see if I can get him to join the forums and respond to your post.




Absolutely, I flew slicks for nearly two nears and am now moving on to the talon world, I don't regret switching jobs one bit.

MC-130 or T-38?

[Mikey_G]

Originally Posted by alphaone

MC-130 or T-38?

MC's

[comstsa]

I really appreciate all the help guys, I dont see how I could do it without yall.

[BCTAv8r]

Mind sharing your stats (either publicly or via pm)? Thanks!

[Justin172]

Originally Posted by comstsa

Is flying for the Reserves going to be more of a part time job or full time?

Think full time job, part time pay.

[HeyEng]

Originally Posted by Justin172

Think full time job, part time pay.

True that, especially in a flying gig. All the currency requirements will have you there much more than a weekend a month...unless you are a slacker, then eventually your services will "no longer be needed".

[akmountaineer]

Originally Posted by comstsa

I have already applied to the AirForce and now I am in the process of applying to the Reserves (just trying not to keep all my eggs in one basket). I would rather fly for the Reserves because that means i get to know what air frame and what base i get to operate out of. The bad thing is that the reserve board isnt untill march and they wont decide until may. I applied to the AF back in Sept. and I will find out in 12 days if i have been selected. Anyway I got an interview coming up this friday at maxwell with the 357th airlift squad. I was wondering if anyone had any advice for the interview or with my whole situation. I still have some qestions about the major differences between the reserves and AD, such as how often the reserves are deployed or activated?, how much flight time can I expect out of the reserves?, can i get more flight time if i wanted?, if there is any diff in the health care provided? Is flying for the Reserves going to be more of a part time job or full time?

You're on the right track. Essentially, in the Reserve you can fly as much as as little (within the bounds of currency) as you want. If flexibility is important to you, I think hands down it's the best way to go and I researched all options extensively before I made the leap.