Time-out.
Mr. Aviation,
Nothing in any of the posts I've read show any malice towards non-military folks, or that you can't or will not be called in for an interview if you're not military. I was simply trying to confirm or crush a rumor that Active Duty military pilots affected by stop loss would not be called by FedEx for interviews. The fact remains (in aviation and in other career fields) knowing someone who can and more importantly will go in to their superiors to give a recommendation for you, can't hurt.
When Kudwa took over at American, he said "No Mas" to this. Oh well.
I have heard from many on the inside at FedEx and other companies, the most major airlines like variety of backgrounds in their pilots to include miliatry and civilians.
Rather than slam the policy of using connections, try using it for your benefit. With all the time you have, surely you have one FedEx pilot who will make a strong recommendation on your behalf. Nothing says that only military pilots can use your version "of the Military good ole boys network"
When I was working for the largest computer company in the world in the early 90s, I made recommendations to my supervisors on behalf of an individual who had recently applied. Guess what? He got the job! T
The sky isn't carolina blue, if you don't think your past will catch up with you. Whether your a military or a civilian pilot, if other pilots find you difficulty to work with (ie.,you lack people skills) or have shown poor judgement on a repeated basis, good luck, cause you're gonna need it.
Cheers!