Brac affected pilots (reserve/guard)

[YGBSM]

Don't you guys get money to commute?And will they let you find another unit?

They pay us extra to commute. The more you commute, the more money you make and the faster you get promoted. Some of us switch units 3 or 4 times a year.

 

[RedDogC130]

Look at history. Not may things get changed. I am getting my resume out ASAP.

 

[RJP]

I'm not too sure what actually happens when it comes to having your unit shut down but the ANG is owned by the state. Not the USAF unless activated. If your unit moves within the state, you should theoretically still have a job and have to commute to your new base. If they close and the planes go away, you're SOL. The question would be what happens to the AF Res guys who have their unit move to another state. It's a much different scenario since they're part of the USAF and not bound to one state.

The Selfridge thing that I read was that the A-10s would come from the other base in MI (which is to be closed), and are reportedly going to merge with Willow Grove, PA (also to be closed). What a mess.

 

[CCDiscoB]

We're retiring about 150 F-16s, which in all reality need to go. They're old and most are barely combat capable. But we're only retiring 3 F-15Cs?? WTFO?

I haven't had time to look at the BRAC brief, or the numbers, which I plan to as soon as I get to a mil computer, but my first thought when I read this post is "apples and oranges." A block 50 Viper is a completely different airplane to a block 30. F-15s are exactly the same, as far a mission. Some can hold more gas, have better radars, etc, but when it comes to getting a AIM-120 off the rail, every F-15 will have the missile flying at the exact same range.

How many more F-16's are there than F-15's, twice, three times? We've lost too many F-15s throughout it's life, as a result we need every single jet.

More later, I have to do some research.

 

[scoreboard]

And another thing

Yeah, I'm confused by some things, too. We're retiring about 150 F-16s, which in all reality need to go. They're old and most are barely combat capable. But we're only retiring 3 F-15Cs?? WTFO? Those are even OLDER and cost more to operate per flight hour. I understand the Noble Eagle commitment, but Vipers can do that very easily. I don't want any bros to lose their jobs and I have mad respect for my eagle brethren, but I'd like to see more eagles go than vipers. Of course, I'm heavily biased.

I noted alot of light grays going to Nellis, sounds like a super aggressor squadron to me.

Plus, it ain't the years, it's the milage...http://forums.flightinfo.com/images/icons/icon30.gif

 

[Foties]

Stat just heard on fox news...

Gen. Meyers was quoted in saying in the last BRAC, 15% on the list survived. He said he expects a much less percentage this time.

Once again I wish you all great luck and am sorry to hear about some of your misfortunes.

 

[MEW04]

Questions -

I have a FY06 Guard slot and my unit is on the BRAC closure list. I'm slated to leave for AMS in August and was told that I would still be sent to get my wings although ultimately, I'll probably end up flying somewhere else. How does that work? When I get back from training will I have to go through the whole application process again to find a new unit? I know there are going to be a lot of pilots out there looking for new units once this list gets finalized so it freaks me out a bit . I'm not sure what my options are . . .I just want to fly! Any info?

 

[CCDiscoB]

It Depends

I have a FY06 Guard slot and my unit is on the BRAC closure list.

The good news is you're going to pilot training. The bad news is you're going to have to look for a job. No, you won't have to go through the entire process again like a new hire, you'll be in a different category, rated pilot. Many have done this before, guys who thought they were going to fighters and not getting fighter qualed, they end up spending the last weeks of UPT making phone calls.
Now if you're going to a fighter, I'd start coming up with a plan of attack soon. Have the guys in the unit start calling their buddies for you. There will be far fewer fighter cockpits when you graduate from UPT. There will be a few guys who thought they were going to fighters that will end up going to heavies.

 

[talondriver]

The good news is you're going to pilot training. The bad news is you're going to have to look for a job. No, you won't have to go through the entire process again like a new hire, you'll be in a different category, rated pilot. Many have done this before, guys who thought they were going to fighters and not getting fighter qualed, they end up spending the last weeks of UPT making phone calls.
Now if you're going to a fighter, I'd start coming up with a plan of attack soon. Have the guys in the unit start calling their buddies for you. There will be far fewer fighter cockpits when you graduate from UPT. There will be a few guys who thought they were going to fighters that will end up going to heavies.

In addition....it helps if you do very well in training. You'll have more options. If you're an awesome student (stick and attitude) it's easier for the SUPT squadron commander to put in a good word for you as well.

 

[MEW04]

Thanks for the replies . . . makes me a little less nervous about what's to come! My unit is a C-130 unit and from what I've read in the BRAC the C-130 world kind of got turned upside down. Many of the C-130 units around the area I'd like to stay are slated to be closed or realigned. What happens if I want to swtch airframes to say a tanker. Will it be harder to find a new home or should I just stick to finding a C-130 unit elsewhere? I'm a non-prior so this is all new to me, sorry if it sounds a elementry.

 

[Steeler Fan]

Thanks for the replies . . . makes me a little less nervous about what's to come!

You'll cost a unit less money because UPT and OTS/AMS are already paid for by someone else.

Make sure that you don't allow all the uncertainty to distract you from doing well at Pilot Training.

 

[CCDiscoB]

My unit is a C-130 unit and from what I've read in the BRAC the C-130 world kind of got turned upside down.

Last I heard the Duke Field AC-130 Reserve Squadron and the Eglin HC-130 Reserve Squadron are always looking for pilots.

 

[Wild Weasel]

Not all units will have this same luxury, however Terre Haute is blessed in that while they are slated for closure, there is another F-16 unit about 2 1/2 hours away in FWA. And being in the same state, you can bet the ANG State HQ will take care of any of the guys from TH that want to go to FWA.

Hey Magnum....good to see you on the board!!

 

[dtfl]

CCdisco - to be technically correct - there are no AC 130s in the reserves (the A models were phased out in 95), and the planes at Eglin aren't HC's. The Duke reserve unit consists of MC130E Talon Is. The Eglin unit is MC130P Combat Shaows. They are always hiring as AFSOC has a way of limiting the time the folks stay...meaning they can make it great or make it suck. I spent 11 years, and 3 of them in the reserves at Eglin.
hey are hiring if anyone wants to apply. They get touchy about folks that are not local due to the MANY..I mean MANY semi-annual requirements that the MCs have. The Talon Is have more than the Ps (Shadows) but both are tough. Great flying though. Especially during wartime.

Reddog130 - you are Martin St? Sorry man...I had sooooo many good times at the Marriot Residence Inn there during Banner...sooo many. Red Brick..I miss youuuuuuuuuu.....