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!

 

[Zulu]

For fighter units, call the duty desk and ask for the Operations Officer (but specifically say only if he's not busy). If he's not available,then ask for the Top-3 or SOF (same caveat on being busy), and finally, any bro' pilot that happens to be hanging around. One of those should be able to give you at least an idea on hiring and who to contact.

Good luck,

Z

 

[A-10yungin]

Definately agree w/ Zulu. If you call and talk to one of the pilots, they can tell you when the best time is to come and visit the squadron. Visiting is key!! It's much better to talk to the commander or DO in person. It shows that you're interested in being there. They may only give you 6-9 minutes, but they'll remember that you were there.

Good Luck

 

[mudkow60]

Do they take helo pilots for that? All my reasearch has led to the conclusion that slots are limited. Not trying to be a downer... I am looking for the same info.

 

[spongebob]

Units that are looking...

While this is a bad time to join reserve/ANG flying units due to supply/demand equation, I would advise you to visit Baseops.net and go to the bottom and browse the units that are advertising.

It would be much easier for you to join a helicopter unit (most are currently short and hiring..e.g. NY ANG 106RQW is ten pilots short in the HH-60), a fixed wing unit is not out of the question. Fixed-wing qual slots are now tougher than they used to be so any unit has to go through some hoops to hire you but it is possible. Fighters are usually toughest as well as the DC Guard, KC-10s and some units in nice places like March. Units flying heavies tend to send plenty of guys to FWQ and if they are transitioning to a new airframe it is usually the best time to get in e.g. Jackson, Warner-Robins, Memphis, Honolulu. Face time is the way to do it. Remember this is a system where you "pledge" a unit and take your time.

Good luck,

 

[AArider]

Have you tried looking at the USMCR KC_130 unit in NY? They are short guys and might transition you? I know someone up there and can ask around if you want. However, be prepared to deploy to the sandbox - in fact they are headed that way very soon. (PM me if you are interested).


I did cold calls for my reserve job. Call the Pilot shop and ask for the chief pilot or DO at any AMC unit. It might be tough now to find a unit willing to transition you because the AF AETC use to have waiver in place for helo guys (since the flew T_34s) so they could go straight to the MWS training (the "Rag"). That waiver expired about a year ago, so now any former helo pilot must go through T-1 training. Our unit has decided this is too costly and time consuming - based on the fact we have plenty of non-helo folks knocking on the door.

Air Inc (Kit Darby's company) - www.jet-jobs.com - sells a book by Robert Black called "Flying in the Guard and Reserves" - it has just about EVERY DoD guard and reserve unit in it - worth the $$ as you are shoping around for units.

Good Luck,
AArider

 

[mudkow60]

Where on the Base Ops web site are units looking for pilots? I found a message board, but it seems to be similar to this. Just wondering if I am looking in the wrong place.


The info I have gotten from recruiters has been fragmented at best. No one seems to know who is hiring outside there sphere of responsibility. A unit message site would be helpful to those of us looking for openings.

Thanks

 

[mudkow60]

Nice...


Still wanna' get stashed here? Just talked to Sarah and she said you are not set on comin' down to Perdido. We have been busy, but let me know and I will get it done this week.