Prowler guy doing ANG / reserve research

[Whidbey]

Hello All,

I have word from the detailer I'll be heading back to the training command and T-45s for my next set of orders.

Long term (3-4 years) I would love to find a guard or reserve gig in the northwest. I know of the C-17 units in McChord, the KC-135 and F-15 folks in Portland, and the VR / Selres / SAU world in whidbey island.

Air Guard guys- would I be wasting my time applying to any of the ANG units since I am a Navy Prowler guy by trade, IE will they train you up in their airframe? Would I be completely wasting my time taking a shot at the F-15 unit since I have no experience in a radar platform?

Navy folks, how competitive will it be to get my hand in C-9s in Whidbey as a selres guy?

I love the Northwest and my long term goal is Alaska Airlines, and also to finish out at least 20 years in the guard / reserves. Thanks for any help-

Whidbey

 

[CCDiscoB]

Air Guard guys- would I be wasting my time applying to any of the ANG units since I am a Navy Prowler guy by trade, IE will they train you up in their airframe? Would I be completely wasting my time taking a shot at the F-15 unit since I have no experience in a radar platform?

Unfortunately, I'd have to say yes, you'd be wasting your time. That is not to say you couldn't be trained. But the reality is they'd rather hire a high time F-15 pilot, preferably an instructor in the jet, than someone that will be wingman for two to three years. We can hire Lt's for that. I had to be an instructor before I was hired at my unit, and I'm from the area. The Portland unit sits alert, so they would be looking for guys who can walk off the street and start accomplishing that mission.

But then again, never take no for an answer. I certainly would apply. Just be aware of what you're up against. The Portland unit gets a lot of current F-15 pilots knocking on their door.

 

[JungleJett]

I am not sure about the Northwest but can speak of us in the State of Kentucky. We have C-130's and have hired quite a few pilots out of other airframes to include fighters, A-10 and F-16. We have tanker, strat lift, prior Navy folks. We are a busy unit and keep our bums quite busy.


Check out some other C-130 units. You may find a home there.

 

[Steeler Fan]

Long term (3-4 years) I would love to find a guard or reserve gig in the northwest. I know of the C-17 units in McChord, the KC-135 and F-15 folks in Portland, and the VR / Selres / SAU world in whidbey island.

Air Guard guys- would I be wasting my time applying to any of the ANG units since I am a Navy Prowler guy by trade, IE will they train you up in their airframe?
Whidbey

KC-135s or C-130s may be doable...seems like the turnover rate in C-130 units can be high. What's your rank? Reason I ask is that most units are limited on the # of O-5 slots they have, and if you're an O-4, then if they're top-heavy (rank wise), you may create some promotion problems for yourself or someone in the unit. Don't take my word for it though; go visit the units, talk to them frequently, and see what you can find out.

Good luck.

 

[CCDiscoB]

The Steelers are going DOWN! Sorry, but not this year.

Go Pats

 

[Slim]

I know people who went to the Air Guard (many years ago!) from USN, USMC and, ocassionally, USA. Many were O3s. A few were O4s.

In some cases, they accepted an administrative reduction in rank to get into the unit. Then, when their previous grade had an open slot, they were "re-promoted."

I also know one prior service A-7 pilot, USN, who tried to get into the 192nd TFG in RIC. The unit flew A-7s at the time. They were willing to take him as an O2, then promote him to O3 after some time in the unit. He didn't accept the offer.

I also know a pilot who flew F-4s and was prior service USAF. He separated as an O3. After several years in a non-flying, civilian job, he tried to get into the 192nd. They made him the same offer. He turned it down.

You may be faced with this scenario as you try to find a Res/ANG unit. Don't be surprised by it.

Good luck...fly safe!

 

[Candide]

Whidbey,

VR perspective from a TAR guy:

VR-61 in Whidbey would be a good place. They'll probably be getting C-40s around the time you'd be applying, if not earlier. Getting a free 737 type rating ain't such a bad deal.

How competitive you are depends mostly on how junior you are. If you're an LT or boot O-4 getting out after your 8 year commitment, I would say that you'd have a very good chance of getting hired. The longer you've been a hinge, the harder it will be to get in.

As far as flying experience goes, you're fine. The only guys that can trump you on that are guys current in whatever airplane the squadron is flying.

Here's an approximate ranking in order of importance of the selection criteria:

Karma (if someone in the squadron knows you and really dislikes you, it's a major uphill battle)
Seniority (the slogan in the Reserves is "junior most qualified guy")
Home address- You'll have to live in the Seattle area or at least promise you'll move when you get out.
Flight Experience
Fitreps.

Hope that helps...

 

[Whidbey]

Thanks for the help

Candide,

Thanks for the advice- VR-61 is my first choice and my dream job. I am from Washington and will be heading back for good after the VT's. I have stopped by to ask those guys about the TAR / SELRES world and they have been very helpful.

I didn't get an EP in my fleet squadron, so I'm afraid that's going to hurt me down the road. Plus heading to the VT's isn't the smartest thing fitrep wise (in spite of the flight time, which is why I'm headed down there).

I have also thought about TAR. Is that harder to get than SELRES? Do you get the bonus? I hear a lot of helo bubbas go that route. Would it be hard for a prowler guy to do that? I'll be an old LT or young 04 more likely when I finish.

Thanks for all your help-

Whidbey

 

[Candide]

Whidbey,

I've sat on a few informal squadron SELRES murder boards. Current squadron guys will rate the different candidates to help the CO decide who he's going hire on the formal board. This event could not possibly be anymore like the Animal House scene (...we have to take him--he's a legacy!) without actually involving John Belushi. The main things that come into play are juniority, location, and how the guys in the squadron liked you when you rushed (you absolutely must get face time and attend the rush party). Everyone in the squadron has been around the block a few times; we all know the games played on fitreps and they factor less than you may think (unless they're really bad or really good).

TAR probably is more competitive than SELRES right now. It's been almost five years since I picked up TAR so my gouge is expired. We just had a new guy check in to the squadron and he was telling the same story about his board though: hundreds of guys wanting a few slots. Besides, being a VT guy you'd probably pick up VT TAR. VT TAR wasn't an option when I applied and I couldn't be happier about it. I liked being an instructor, but if I had to fly junior around the pattern at Brewton for two more years I would have been picking people off from the bell tower with a high powered rifle before my PRD came. If you want to read up on it, this is a good link: http://www.persnet.navy.mil/pers4417/PERS-462.htm

Good luck!