AD Fighter to Heavy Guard/Reserve Job

[Hawg76]

Wondering if anyone has gone from flying fighters to tankers/C-130s/helos in the guard/reserve? I'm thinking about pulling chocks from AD but don't particularly like the locations of guard/reserve A-10 bases. Thought about trying for another fighter unit (F-16) but with BRAC, pretty sure hiring will be more competitive and they'll want current/qualified pilots. Since I'd like to live in CA, my only options seem to be rushing heavies/helos. Any thoughts?

 

[LAFrequentflyer]

Louisiana has a A-10 unit...I can understand wanting to stay in CAL but Louisiana isn't all that bad...After a while you get used to it...

-LA

 

[HoursHore]

You'll be in the same pool as any other applicant who isn't current / qualified in the equipment. You'll have to rush the unit, and convince them of your commitment to stay with the unit. Willing to live local a big plus.

I think the Riverside units were looking for people. That'd probably be your best bet.
Baseops.net has listing of Guard and Reserve units looking for people.

 

[psysicx]

March has C-17 and KC-135s. Cal guard has Hercs in LA and Silicon Valley along with helos.

 

[hindsight2020]

The Louisiana Reserve A-10 unit (New Orleans) is going kaput, per BRAC. Those jets are going to the MO Reserve unit at Whiteman. I'm pretty confident the pilots will follow their birds, hence why the folks at Whiteman are still on a hiring freeze. It'd be nice if they didn't [follow the jets], it would open up the hiring for us UPT-hopefuls. But I don't think that will happen.

The other Louisiana A-10 unit ( @ Barksdale) is an FTU, and they're looking for rated people, and at that IP's.

Louisiana is probably a no-go for ya. Missouri would be a better shot for ya. I think your most realistic chance in CA would be the Fresno F-16 Guard unit...oh wait, rushing Guard and realistic don't mix LOL.. Joking aside, there was a guy in here who was down at Brooks when I was doing my MFS/FCI and he made it sound like his CA C-17 Reserve unit was giving slots away. I'm sure he took some liberty in his explanation of the situation, but it did imply that it wasn't half as hard as it normally is to get a slot with the Guard/Reserve these days. So I say research that unit, I think you got a lot going for it if you want to stay in CA.

My .02 pesos

 

[GasPasser]

yes, can be done

I have seen several rated guys hired w/o prior KC or heavy experience over the last few years in my tanker unit. Some even were non-AF and/or rotor-heads. I don't think it is atypical of other ANG tanker units hiring practices, but I could be wrong. I'm very surprised that LNC says they do not hire for UPT positions. However, they may be very incestious and not offering them up outside of their own prior-service homies. As far as I know every ANG unit gets a UPT slot every year or two (larger units might get 2 per year). Funny, I've never seen LCN out on the road, I don't think they are very active in the real world. I'm surprised they dodged the BRAC bullets.

Check your PMs Hawg.

 

[bearcat]

Not all of the jets from New Orleans are going to Whiteman...some are going to BDL. If you are a CURRENT hog driver you can get a job pretty easily. My squadron is short a few PART timers. If you need to go to a TX course it may be a little harder (sts).

Good Luck

 

[Ronnie75]

Hawg76, I know an A-10 pilot who palace chased to a Heavy unit in CA recently. No issues, apparently there are a lot of single seat types in that unit.
Bearcat, how easy is it to get the part time job? Can you expect to make about 30K? Thanks

 

[AlbieF15]

Eagle guy I know went to Fairbanks tanker back in late 90s. Supported Kosovo from a different perspective...

Attitude, attitude, attitude--if you want to be part of a team they'll see it. It sure would make being an weekend warrior easier if you were doing something similar at your airline job...

 

[stonewall]

I don't think fighter units will be as competitive as you think. Most ANG units are top heavy. Once they get BRAC'ed, I think alot of guys will hang up the G suit. They have families in the area and roots. Very little motivation to move.

As far as what to fly. Man, I went Fighter to fighter guard. I'm single, and I was highly mobile. I will tell you that you need to live where you want to live. F' the airplane. If you think you'll be happy living in Little Rock, fly C-130s. If you think you'll be happy living in Homestead, fly F-16s. If you think you'll be happy living in N.O, fly Eagles. If you want to live in Sacto, fly -141s. Once you make the call to join the Guard/Reserve you're doing it either for the money, the life (vs AD), or the desire to serve. What you fly doesn't really factor into the equation. My advice is to go for location. And I'm convinced being a UPT instructor HAS to be the best part time gig going!