It's OVER......for now at least

[NEO]

Has anyone been called for the SWA July 15th Class yet???

 

[YeOldeProp]

For FL510GV: good words, there's a lot of the older guys reading the tea leaves and throwin' the chicken bones to see what may be going on in the "real world" so they can throw down their retirement papers and still have a shred of an income to feed their families. But, one note to add to your train of thought is to highlight that the Reserves are now open to retiring O's as well under recent law changes. So, if someone really wanted it that bad, they could switch form their active duty spot to a reserve unit (if someone will take them that "senior"). They lose a day's worth (out of 30-days worth) of retirement pay per day of work, but pick up more than that in Resereve pay. And their time continues to build 2.5% for each year's worth they accumulate. Can't see this as mega-probable for most greyhairs, but it's a pretty interesting concept.

For #1 Windmilling: Just how does a fellow Herkybird pilot get in the same enviable position as you (minus the activated part)? But, the flight room agrees with you...most younger airline guys we know are still planning on keeping the part-time status with their units (even those that have been out a couple of years). Saw the older guys get out of the ANG/AFRES after the Gulf war, and have been hearing the grumblings that there's too much "active duty" support going on these last couple of years (even though the trips were to really nice places and not Pope or Lawson). Plenty of guys willing to be thrown into that scenario after the last half-dozen years worth of taskings and shuffles. The flying is great once ya get there, if you get to fly (anyone around when the Saudi's were pissed at us, so they denied all flying that wasn't directly protecting their borders?) We've got folks lining up their ANG/AFRES resume's and letters and will knocking on ya'lls door pretty soon.

Good luck to all..whether staying in or stepping out....

 

[#1 Windmilling]

YeOldProp,

As a response to your inquiry, I worked my tail off in preparation for the airline interview. I started the process (FE written, ATP, etc) a full 2 years prior to my separation. I had all my apps out with 12-14 months left on active duty. I made religious updates and stayed in contact with most of my AF buddies throughout the years. I leaned on all of them for letters, info, etc. It paid off, as I had two interviews lined up and took a job while on terminal leave. When I got furloughed, it didn't stop. I kept in contact with my friends at Guard/Reserve bases and also hit up folks at Jet Blue, SWA and the cargo haulers. I have been very diligent and also very lucky. I also used an interview prep (free) at Randolph AFB. The lady conducts the interview prep at the family services center and her name is Faye Simmons. She is outstanding and was amazingly helpful. You go see her in your blue suit/red tie get up and she will videotape and critique your performance. Most of the AETC guys at Randolph know the value of her service.

Now, I know some guys who dropped ONE app off with AAL in 99, got hired in early 2000 and are singing! So, it does come down to some timing and luck.

#1W