Cold calling AF Reserve/Guard units

[near beer]

I am looking to make the transition as a AD Marine helo driver to the AF Reserve or the Air Guard. Since I don't have any contacts in the units I am wanting to apply to, who would be the best person to cold call? The Pilot Training Office? The duty desk? Any input is greatly appreciated. My email is [email protected]. Thanks!

 

[Starlizard]

I am former active duty and have been trying for some time to get into the guard or reserves. It is very hard to get a flying job if you don't know many pilots in the unit. So you won't waste time talking to the wrong people, just start by calling the commander directly. Of course the first question you will get asked is, "So who do you know in the unit?" Good luck.

 

[beam_d]

AF Reserve units

Near Beer,

I would recommend calling the command post or the duty desk and ask for the chief pilot or chief of hiring. Some units I interviewed with, the Commander wanted to talk, most had a chief pilot's office who ran the hiring. All of them were more than happy to tell me about their hiring forecast/interview requirements/application package requirements.
I was hired at several units and, for the most part, didn't know anyone in the unit. I would say it's the easiest to go to a unit that flies aircraft you're trained in. However, knowing people in the unit and being trained in their aircraft are not prerequisites. Being a good dude with a great attitude and a willingness to commit to the unit if hired is essential. Buying lots of beer doesn't hurt either.
I got phone numbers off of the baseops.net website. It also has job postings for many units.

Beamer

 

[iflyfred]

Most reserve units have a couple of pilots that run the hiring process -- providing you with current hiring plans/requirements, collecting the required paperwork, setting up hiring boards, etc. These are the people you ultimately want to talk to, so if you don't know anybody in the unit, find out who runs the hiring. You can get this through the Chief Pilot's office, pilot scheduler or the like. Personally, I would recommend against cold-calling the commander because that could go either way and you are taking your chances. Plus, they are only going to steer you to the pilot hiring office anyway. Hope this helps.

 

[RJP]

What's with you guys using the "chief pilot" title? Is that what the trash-hauling guard/reserve units call their Ops Group Commander or Squadron commander? Fighter squadrons don't have "chief pilots". You'll sound like a tool if you call ops asking for one.

As for cold calling, it's a waste of time. Throw a resume their way, ring recruiting and if you can, make a personal visit. Just keep in mind that 99% of the time, they'll hire someone they know, not the guy who has the best resume.

I went to an interview in Texas and there were guys that flew in from all over the country. As far away as Alaska. We were asked questions about F-Pole of AIM-7 missiles and other ridiculous stuff you would never know unless you spent time in the safe. Then, finally, a guy in jeans and cowboy shirt came out under the SQ/CC's arm laughing. "We'll call ya soon bubba!"

That's how the system works.