Guard Question

[Marc]

If a Guard unit has 70% part-timers and 30% full-timers. Do most pilots want to be full-timers or is the preference usually to be a part-timer (Guardsman)?
Thanks.

 

[Tweetdrvr]

It depends

It depends on why that particular individual joined the reserve component.

A lot of people coming off active duty not understanding the pay system, think they want full time jobs for the security. But they really torque the leadership if they sold them on why they should hired full time, without revealing intentions to seek airline employment. It takes a hard sell to walk into a full time slot from outside the unit, and they must really need somebody to fill that slot if they are willing to take an outsider. So using that job to hold you over, then blindsiding the leadership with two weeks notice after obtaining an airline job is not cool.

Some people like what they did on active duty and want full time jobs, but don't what to move anymore so a full time reserve job offers that.

Some people take military leave after they get hired by an airline and finish probation for a 3 year full time AGR(Active Guard Reserve) tour with the reserves, because they make more money at their current military salary than the first couple of years at their company. They go back to their company with a better schedule due to higher seniority, equal or better pay, and did not sacrifice as much precious family time.

There are people who like the traditional reserve position. They can run their own business, if they are not airline guys. They love military flying and aren't ready to give it up, but want to do something else in life. Unemployed guys seeking employment can control their lives while spending time with the family, but keep current in flying and pay the bills. (I am currently on a six week vacation to do spring chores and spend time with the family) A flyer can make 75% take home (with per deim from TDYs included, if they don't spend it all) of what a person on active duty at the same rank makes just in regular pay with no TDYs. Personally, I budget plan for 50%, so I don't extend myself or get into a position of really needing that last trip that always seemed to get cancelled.

Some of this depends on family situations. People with families need health care. If their spouse doesn't work or get a good health plan through his/her job, then they desire the full time slots, because those off the shelf family care plans can be quite expensive.

Lastly, it depends a lot on the job market. Now, there aren't too many full time jobs available. When the market bounces back, there won't be as many people seeking those slots.

Government/Military service is nothing but welfare for the educated.

 

[AlbieF15]

I respectfully disagree

When I was getting shot by Iraqis in 1991, being an Air Force officer sure didn't feel like Welfare to me! I don't think those guys who just drove to Baghdad in the "national interest" should be compared to welfare recipients, either.

The best thing for the nation and the soldier is to have a bunch of fat, overpaid soldiers who lay around and do nothing. That means the nation is at peace for the moment. Think of the firemen in the firehouse...playing cards, watching TV, flipping each other smart remarks while they wax and polish the trucks. You local goverment pays those guys lots to sit around a "do nothing" all day but some training and being ready.

Now...when your house catches on fire, and God Forbid someone you loved is trapped inside...just how much is that overpaid civil servant worth to you now? If my little girls were trapped inside, at that moment that fireman could have EVERYTHING I have ever owned or will own if he could get them out safely.

The ANG/Reserves are sort of a similar institution. In times of peace, some units could be called "flying clubs" by outsiders who see the training and good times but not the potential sacrifices required. Right now, the Feds have access to me for about 1/3 what they paid me on active duty. I can go help generate tax dollars working in my civilian job and stimulate the economy in my local community. However, if the goverment immediately needs another F15 pilot to fill a critical manning spot, either flying (or more likely on a combat staff), they now have an Eagle Driver with 14 years of experience available on call--for a price much less than if they had to keep me on active duty the whole time. In addition to my lower costs to them, I have been out generating tax dollars--so the "opportunity cost" to the Feds of keeping my active duty has to be factored into the math as well.

Are them some lazy bums out there in the ANG/Reserves? I'm sure there are some. But I also know for a FACT there are some real patriots and good guys who do the job out of a sense of obligation and a desire to serve the country. There is a FDX 727 Captain I recently met who is an A10 Vice Wing Commander. (Initials M-K for you FedEX bros) He left his 175-200k/year job for several months to go blow things up in Afgahnistan. Now...a young guy in the airlines like me or those guys troughing tweet and talon times as reservists in the training wings probably NEED the money right now that their service pays. However...you can bet this guy I mentioned took a major pay hit, left his wife and family and likely a very nice house and lifestyle and went willingly into combat--all because he took his role as citizen/soldier seriously. I'd like to think when I look in the mirror my reflection will look more like him and less like the "welfare recipients" you alluded to....

 

[Tweetdrvr]

Sorry about that

Albie,

I did not mean for that to come off that way.

I only meant it in the sense that when times are tough, it is way to earn money. A very worthwhile and honorable way to earn money, while defending democracy and protecting the future of this great nation instead of being a burden to society. If my comment conjured up images of laziness, and free money, I certainly did not mean it in that context. We all know how hard we work for our MPAs, AFTPs and UTAs when we are out in the trenches. Everyday we go to work, we lay our lives on the line, and depending on pay status, if we pay the ultimate price that day, our families may get no benefits other than SGLI and a flag.

So, I apologize to all.