Military or stay civi?

[ranger17]

I'm sure this question has been asked on numerous occasions, but I will ask it anyway in hopes a few of you humor me. I am CFI-I/ MEI just graduated from a reputable 4 year University in the Midwest. I have always been interested in the military but my eyesight is not 20/20. I now know that 20/70 is acceptable and I am borderline that right now, I also had reconstructive ACL knee surgery 5 years ago (no problems since). I am considering either AD, AFRES, ANG, or staying civilian. I have a few questions about my choices.

1) With my eyesight and knee do I stand a chance of being accepted to the military??

2) If I go reserve or guard, what are the chances of someone with no connections to the units being accepted?

3) Any recommendations on improving my chances in either of the three millitary options?

Any other insight will be useful, and thanks to all those that reply. Oh and I am not just doing this to try and get to the military, both my grandfathers in served in the military during WWII and my dad in Vietnam with the Air Force. This something I've thought about doing for awhile so any advice would be great.

 

[ranger17]

I meant to say get to the airlines,

 

[Mogus]

I meant to say get to the airlines,

Let the flames begin!

 

[c5driver]

etimpane,

I would definatly go ANG/RES! It's your best chance to get an airline job (major) down the road without having to put up with the regional crap (just check out the regional page). No doubt you'll have your share of $hit sandwitches in the military but in the ANG/Res we tend to filter most of those out (to the AD )

As far as your eyesight, as long as you can get by the class 1 you're good to go. I just got by that **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED** eye test (20/70) when they first changed the requirement. And if your knee has fully healed (and can pass the 1.5 mi run) you should have no problems. Just make sure you get your class 1 physical ASAP, even if you decide not to go the military route. At least you'll have that part done if you ever change your mind. And it takes a while to get the stamp of approval back too. I can't remember how long they're good for anymore though...3yrs?

Connections not required! Although of course it does help. I was hired back in the day without knowing a single person in the squadron, but they really needed folks back then when the airlines were sucking up everyone. Just find a few units that you're interested in and start calling and attending UTAs. That's the best way to show the unit your true personality (which is 90% of the equation), we already know you can fly, we just want to see if you'll fit in . Also doesn't hurt if your from the area too.

Good luck, I was in your shoes not too long ago (CFI and prior AD) It's a great deal! Build quality time while earning real nice paycheck!

 

[BeechScrub]

I totally agree with Patmack. I've been at a regional for almost 3 years and it's been nothing but a headache. Now I'm leaving the airlines for good to go into the Air Force. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the military options. Get your FC1 done ASAP. It will speed up the process and make you a bit more competitive.

 

[ranger17]

Thank you for the information everyone, it really helps to hear things first hand, instead of from the recruiter. Does anyone have any insights what the best way for me to try and get a guard spot in MSP with the 133rd airlift unit. I would like to try and stay in MN if I went the guard route. Or am I being too picky and not limit myself so much??? thanks again everyone.

 

[BeechScrub]

I would be picky, but not too picky. Obviously, you want to be happy wherever you end up. The more units you apply to, your chances of getting an interview increase. Send a packet to every unit you would be willing to fly for, and focus your efforts on where you really want to be. If you throw enough darts at a board, one of them has to land on the bullseye.