Airline to enlisted

[Hootie9750]

Okay, so all I want is to get into the military flying side but things are really getting slow for the non AFA/ROTC people like myself. So I'll keep flying civilian if the military is too good for me, But I was thinking about enlisting in the ang as life support or intel to get my foot in the door. I should get hired by a regional this summer and was wondering if anyone knows if enlisting after I complete IOE is a good or bad idea? Good you get into the ANG while keeping your civ. flying gig and get to skip some FO reserve time. The bad, will the company fire you for pulling this or will this put you on the bad employee list? Im sure this has been done before and was wondering what you guys know. Thanks

 

[RVSM]

A) Under federal law they cannot fire you. You can enlist for active duty (5 yr time limit) and when you come back, if your job still exists you get it with all raises, etc had you never left. check out www.esgr.com

B) Black list...Illegal as hell but could exist.

C) I have a Senior Master Sergeant in my unit that is a 121 pilot.
Came in with intent to do UPT but the civilillan thing worked out better and faster for him.

Go for it. Can't beat some of the benefits not to metion the whole "maning up and doing your part"

 

[GuinessGuy]

From my personal experience, enlist in your "chosen" A-10 unit. That is the perfect "foot-in-the-door" to get a pilot slot. The ANG prefers to select from within. Being prior enlisted in the unit tells the UPT selection board your dedication to the unit and its mission.
Yes, doing mil days to get out of crappy RES scheds works great. Also, if you live near your unit, even better, you get to sleep in your own bed instead of a hotel.
The airline cant punish you for going on extended Mil leave following the completion of IOE. Guys do it all the time. If you get on with a large regional, they wont even know you're gone.
Back to the Air Force thing. Select a career field that you will enjoy and will help you later in the flying biz. I would recommend an aircraft maintenance career field. It's a lot of fun.........outside on the ramp running around launching jets during an exercise.........aircraft taxiing everywhere. It's some highspeed sh!^. You also will learn much about how a Warthog actually works. (Ask the recruiter about crew chief positions). Lifesupport.........boring...........maintaining helmets masks survival vest and speed jeans in a backshop. Select a career field that you will have fun with. It may take a few years to make the jump to the officer/pilot side of the house so choose wisely. Good luck and have fun.
Remember, the ANG is the best kept secret in the USAF. Screw ROTC and the active duty officer recruiter.

 

[Hootie9750]

Thanks for the advice guys, I really appreciate it. So It sounds like this shouldn't be a problem as long as I get on with a decent sized regional. As for A-10's ...I'll fly anything, give me a herc, 16, c17, just no drones. later

 

[Slim]

Been there...done that...now retired!

I just finished reading the BRAC thread and your comments make me wonder which A-10 unit you are interested in. If you are going to a unit which might be approved for closure, be careful.

No employer, as stated by the previous posters, may penalize you for enlisting after you start employment with them. I did that in 1981.

If CMR is the carrier you're hoping to start flying for, and they give you a hard time, PM me...I'll see what I can help you with.

Fly safe!

 

[viper548]

There was a guy in my newhire class that left DURING CLASS to go to UPT. By the time he gets back, he might be able to hold Capt in the RJ.

 

[Tina Fey's Scar]

There was a guy in my newhire class that left DURING CLASS to go to UPT. By the time he gets back, he might be able to hold Capt in the RJ.

That is if he doesn't get killed in an unjust war....

 

[urflyingme?!]

TINA, THAT'S JUST LOW MAN.... Wrong Place.

 

[BeechScrub]

I left my job at a regional a year ago to go to UPT. The process of getting a leave of absence was painless because, as previously stated, they have to do it. If you get hired this summer, I would definitely go guard or reserve instead of active duty. Pay attention to the BRAC recommendations! Two guys in my class are in units who's jets are slated to disapear.

 

[qmaster3]

That is if he doesn't get killed in an unjust war....

Tina,

Sweety you piss me off. Are those F'n braces off yet? My BJ is WAY OVER DUE.