Heavy Lifters (C17, C5) Guard/Reserve Jobs

[kingsize]

I'm active duty right now, with a few years remaining on the contract. I don't know what I'll do, but I want to look at the options out there.
I don't fly heavies now, but if I went into the guard or reserves I'd want to fly the C-17 or maybe C-5, and on the West coast (California, Washington, Hawaii, Alaska) if able.

For those in the know, what are opportunities looking like? If I got on at a C-17 reserve/guard unit, how tough is it to get an active slot?

 

[C-141/C-5]

Guard and reserve jobs

They are tough to get these days because the airlines are sucking. The older guys aren't retiring because they fear they will lose there civilian job (I don't blame'em).

It would be a lot easier if you were quaified in one of the heavies this way you don't cost the unit any $$$$$. Best bet find a bud in a unit and have him/her weasel your way in.

Full time jobs are ARTs or active Reserve/Guard these are also hard to get because they don't know you and furloughed guys that have been with the unit are sucking them up.

C-17 units would probably be easier to get a job because the Air Force loves them and dumps money at them. Plus C-17 airline guys are getting sick of always being called up, so there trying to get in the C-5 units (My observation).

GL

 

[TankerDriver]

How about tankers at March ARB, Hickam and Alaska?

 

[kingsize]

I'd love tankers in any of those places. How are they looking for active reserve/guard positions? I'm still 3 years out from even doing anything, but when I get there, if I leave active duty, a reason would be because i could have a permanent base.

 

[psysicx]

They also have C-17's at March,Travis,and Hickam. Also they have KC10 and C-5's at Travis.

 

[kingsize]

Travis would actually be my base of preference. Do all those aircraft (C5, C17, KC10) have guard/reserve units there?

 

[TheSulaco]

yes they do. They are all reserve units. You could always Palace Chase.

 

[TankerDriver]

Are you an officer right now? If not, they are not approving Palace Chase for enlisted personel.

 

[TheSulaco]

When did they stop enlisted palace chasing. I have known some people that were able to do it about a year ago. Good thing they got to the guard before they put a stop to it.

 

[kingsize]

yes I'm an officer (USAF pilot) but not for heavies, so if I went that route, I'd have to find a unit that would send me through C-17 or C-5 or KC-10 training...and that would be willing to give me an active reserve slot.