How to be a Reserve Bum?

[Klamath]

I was in the Coast Guard reserves (no flying jobs in the CG reserves) where I was only able to use my 2 weeks ADT and my 52 IDT drills per year, at a desk. Well, lucky me, I got a C-130 AF Res job. I'm just waiting to sign the papers.

My question is,... I would like to be a Reserve Bum and work near full time for my unit. Is there a publication that describes all the different drill opportunities for AF Reservists (pilots)? I've heard a bunch of different acronyms thrown around and can't make heads or tails of all of them.

Thanks,
Klamath

 

[T1bubba]

bumming...

Check out this thread for an explanation of the different types of drill periods-

http://forums.flightinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7303

The best way to find out about bumming opportunities is to talk to the guys who are doing it in your unit. The herc units I've talked with over the last few months are all pretty busy, so I don't think you should have any problems.

Also if you're a USAA member you can call 1-800-531-8792, give them promotional code NGA2A, and they'll send you a free 2002 National Guard Almanac which has all the detailed pay/benefit info.

T1bubba

 

[KC-10 Driver]

When I was on active duty and preparing to move to the reserves, my reserve buds tried to explain to me all the different ways to get paid. But, as much as they explained it, I still couldn't understand it.

However, when I arrived at my unit as a new reservist, it took me no time to figure it all out. When your paycheck depends on it, it's amazing how quickly you can make sense of the reserve pay system.

That being said, I have been a bum on two different occasions(when I first left active duty, and now as an airline furloughee), and I always managed to make plenty of money. I wouldn't want to do it forever, but troughing isn't so bad.

Every unit is different, but the possibility exists for bums to make a living wage.

 

[Klamath]

Thanks for all the input. It make me feel a little more comfortable about being able to support the family during the transition.

"The Trough" as I understand it is random ground jobs working outside the squadron for a different component on base, like the Command Post for example. I'd like to work while waiting for a C-130 class date. Are there typically ground jobs available while waiting to go to Little Rock? If so, what kind of things might they have you doing?

When at Little Rock, is your BAH calculated for the town your unit is in, or the town you're living in? In my case, it would make a huge difference.

One last Q: Are you and your family covered for medical while at school?

Thanks for your help!

 

[FamilyMan]

When you enter training, you’ll be on orders. After a certain amount of time your family will be eligible for medical care. I don’t remember how many days but it was an even number (30, 60 or 90 days.) This timeframe also applies to dental care.

If you’re just bumming around the unit for a short period of time don’t expect family medical care.

Family Man

 

[KC-10 Driver]

One correction to what FamilyMan says:

On long term orders, you get medical/dental from the first day -- just as long as the orders are for at least 30 days. You don't have to wait for day 30 to qualify for medical benefits.

 

[Pig]

Actually it takes thirty ONE day orders for you to get 'full' benefits. Including leave, tricare standard for you and your family although you have to register with tricare and also talked to the relevant MPF (military personell flight) your 'long term' orders. You can't get tricare prime or whatever it may be called this year unless you go on orders for 180 or more days.

Unforetunately I've been bumming as an AF reservist for 15 months now and I've learned more about the system then I would like. Every unit is a little different and year to year funding can also change your opportunities to work. If you have more questions ask away, I've figured out alot. It just takes time and the first few months the other reservists should guide you alot. It's really confusing for a while then still confusing but manageable.