Any AF UPT Reserve IP's?

[Sundevil]

Hi,

I am currently on active duty in the AF and have been approved for the Palace Chase program with a DOS rapidly approaching (3 1/2 months). I really want to land a job as a reserve UPT instructor, preferably at Laughlin or Vance in the T-6 or T-37, but I would gladly take a position in the T-1 or at any of the other UPT bases. I am in a tough spot right now and need to find a position ASAP or my Palace Chase will be terminated and it will be back to the active duty for 6 more years
I already have 2 civilian job offers and bought a house as I was planning on getting out.
I don't have any connections at the UPT bases so I was hoping to find some people on this forum who might be currently working at one of these units to ask some questions and get some advice. I would appreciate any help that you could lend. Thank you very much.

J

 

[Foties]

Dude,

Maybe you already have, but check out,

http://www.afrc.af.mil/340ftg/Steps.htm

It gives you steps to becoming a reserve IP. Maybe call them directly and tell them your situation. Good Luck and great decision.

 

[Sundevil]

Thanks a lot for that link. I have actually been on that site and I have put the package together as stated on the site. I was hoping to get some insight from someone on the inside as it seems that each base has their own interview/hiring process. I have a unique situation that needs to be addressed and I want to get a feel from someone who knows the process whether it will be a show stopper or not. Thanks again!

 

[HoursHore]

Are you current and qualified in the T-6, T-1 or tweet? If not its an up hill battle. Everyone at those squadrons plans on getting out (for the most part) and most are looking for reserve positions either at the associate unit with that squadron, or somewhere close to where they plan to live. Personally I would look for a position in the equipment you are current an qualified on. Since about everybody is getting approved for palace chace these days, thats your best bet.

Of course ther are always exceptions. If you know some one hi up at a UPT reserve unit, who knows. But I don;t think you'd be writing this if you knew someone like that.

 

[viperdriver]

Well my Palace Chase just got disapproved today, no idea why. Wing CC had even approved it. Sundevil what are your two civilian jobs and where did you buy a house?

ViperD

 

[Sundevil]

Own a house in California. Got two Charter jobs lined up, pay pretty good with PIC time almost immediately. More importantly, I have a couple of people that are willing to help me at SWA which is my ultimate goal, should I be able to get out. (Just paid $7500 for the 737 type prior to these problems coming up)Unfortunately I am not current/qualified in any of the UPT aircraft. It is just my ideal reserve assignment, and I was hoping that someone would be available to field questions since I know nobody there. I know that current and qualified is usually the key, but I also know that if they like you or if you know somebody there that exceptions could be made. My "special situation" (non flying related) has eliminated the possibility of me continuing in the reserve squadron at my current base in my current jet. I have gotten a pretty bad deal and am trying my best to fix it in a short time period. Bad timing to say the least.
Thanks for all of the replies.

 

[MarineGrunt]

Send Tweetdrvr a PM. He's a T-37 reserve guy, and very good dude.

 

[AlbieF15]

You might also look at some non-flying staff or ALO positions. Not flying won't kill you if you are already flying on the civilian side, and many times those jobs are esier to schedule anyway since you don't have to worry as much about currencies.

 

[HoursHore]

Own a house in California. .

Your best bet is to call the squadrons and talk to someone.

I'd look pretty hard at trying to commute from Cali to the garden spots of VN,CB,XL, however.

I turned down a position at one of those for that reason alone. Otherwise they are a great gig.

 

[Sundevil]

I know the commute would suck. I am willing to relocate closer if necessary. Where I will live will more than likely depend on which civilian job I get. Luckily, my wife works for an airline so I can fly for free when they won't buy me a ticket. However, the commute is a better option than staying on active duty IMO. And to me it seems that doing a job that I would enjoy with a commute would be better than doing one I dreaded that was right next door. Not that I don't love my current job. I will definitely make the calls as you suggested.

 

[Spur]

If able, go visit one of the units during their mandatory UTAs (call 1st and bring beer). Vance is currently going thru the T-6 transition so there may be some IPs who won't take the transition and you may be able to get in when they get out. Everyone must go to PIT so being noncurrent may not be a show stopper. Anyway, call and get the scoop from one of the AGRs. If you need the #s PM me.

 

[Herculeus]

Why don't you stay in the C-5 unit?I would imagine that your house is in the bay area.

 

[CAL to T-1A]

I'm in the unit at Laughlin. We are short on money this FY for PIT slots. Also, your "incident" might be disqualifying.

 

[FastCargo]

I'm a reservist T-38C IP at Randolph as a PIT instructor and was at Laughlin before this job.

Right now most of the AETC reserve squadrons are filled (even slightly overmanned) and there isn't a whole lot of movement due to the furloughs.

From what i can tell right now, you really need to know someone in the squadron before putting in a package. It helps make you a known quantity.

Good Luck!
FastCargo

 

[talondriver]

Your best bet is to call the squadrons and talk to someone.

I'd look pretty hard at trying to commute from Cali to the garden spots of VN,CB,XL, however.

I turned down a position at one of those for that reason alone. Otherwise they are a great gig.

Long commutes are show stoppers with our squadron. We've been burned one too many times by people saying they'll make it work and it didn't. We can also be more hard-nosed about it since we're (Columbus) pretty close to a couple of major domiciles (ATL and MEM).