Return to active duty

[usmc33]

I'm looking for people with real gouge to help a former pilot return to active duty flying.

I was an F/A-18 FRP and had a cockpit decompression which resulted in a sinus surgery and subsequent reassignment to the KC-130. While in that platform I was temp. grounded due to complications from the sinus surgery. Before my medical could be straightened out, my contract ended and I got ETS from the USMC.

Six months later I got an upchit from NAMRL/NAMI and was put back on flight status, but unfortunately was not on active duty and the USMC was not doing any recall for my yeargroup.

So, I took my upchit and copies of my logbook and submitted a packet with the USCG and passed their interview with colors, told to expect orders for Falcons, but was not assessed at the HQ level due to shortage of funding.

Now, I'm getting my CFI, CFII and MEI and looking for a door back into the military, with ANY service.

I'm currently a newly promoted Major (mobilized for OEF). Does anybody have any thoughts on a gameplan that makes sense?

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

Army

The Army is real short on pilots, they may give you a look. Of course you would start out by flying helos. I hear next week if I was accepted by the Army.

 

[Yahtzee]

Have you considered the USAFR or ANG?

Before my medical could be straightened out, my contract ended and I got ETS from the USMC.

Six months later I got an upchit from NAMRL/NAMI and was put back on flight status, but unfortunately was not on active duty and the USMC was not doing any recall for my yeargroup.

Does anybody have any thoughts on a gameplan that makes sense?

Not sure what a ETS is...same for an upchit, NAMRL/NAMI.

Sounds like you're a former USMC F-18 and KC-130 pilot who was removed from flying status, then reinstated to flying status after you left the Active Duty Marines. If I have this incorrect my apology.

With the low amount of time you have (750 hours) coupled with the rank of 0-4, I'm guessing fighters aren't your best option at this stage in the game.

Just curious if you would consider the USAF Reserve or Air National Guard? Since you already have wings on you chest, you may be able to find a unit that will hire you, and get you flying again.

If after a few years that isn't working for you, I'm sure the Active Duty AF would consider taking you back since you would be current and qualified in a weapon system (not sure why anyone would do that if in the reserves or guard though )

There are tons of AF C-130 units out there...heck some states have two or more Herc units. With the current state of affairs and impending stop-loss looming for the AF, seems like you would have a shot at getting back in a cockpit. The best bet would be to visit units near your home, or units where you used to call home.

If you are only interested in a fighter, my only connections are in A-10s Reserves. Sorry.

How 'Bout Them Dawgs!

Yahtz

 

[usmc33]

B-J-J Fighter: I have put together a packet for the Army, but I'm holding onto it because I'd have to resign my commission and become a WO. Not that being a WO is bad, but a huge pay cut, so I'm trying to stay in a commissioned flying slot first, until I'm convinced I've exhausted my resources there. Then I'll go after the WOFT position

Yahtzee: ETS=End/Terminate Service, I believe the AF calles it EAS (End of active service), and an upchit is basically the Navy/USMC putting you back on flight status. I would definately consider the USAF/AFRES. I've talked to a couple of C-130 squadrons, and they have not been too responsive. One unit actually told me that they didn't like former Marines. I'm not lookinig specifically at fighters, I actually think my skill-set has diminished too much in the tactics area to be competitive as a field-grade, but tankers or A-10 would be great. Do you really have an A-10 contact? Do you know some "former Marine friendly" Res or Guard units who might talk to me?

 

[Sonic Cruzer]

USMC33:

I know for a fact that the Vice Wing-Cdr of 446 AW (USAFRes, McChord AFB [C-17]) is a former Marine attack pilot. I believe he originally joined the AFRes flying C-130s at the Willow-Grove, PA wing. So there are definitely "Marine-friendly" units out there.

Andrew

 

[usmc33]

Sonic Cruzer: that's great news to hear. Do you have an email or phone number for the 446 AW?

 

[Yahtzee]

Do you really have an A-10 contact?

Yes, I have a contact. He's a full time A-10 scheduler (an ART)and one of my best friends, even though he's a Bama fan.

I concur with Sonic Cruzer's post about the 446th Vice CC. He started the position 1 July, and he's a former Marine Harrier pilot according McChord's Website.

Here's the number to 446 AW Public Affairs office.
(253) 982-3330 or DSN: 382-3330

They can give you the phone numbers to the three reserve squadrons at McChord. (97th, 313th, & the 728th)

If someone told you they don't like former Marines, use that as motivation to find a unit who does, or at least is indifferent to your background.

I was recently told I wouldn't be considered for a C-5 position since I haven't flown C-5s and wasn't from the area. Although I disagree with this person's view, I appreciate the honesty of the C-5 unit. I learned not to waste my or my commander’s time, and didn't. The C-17s at McChord probably wouldn't touch me either, even though I know a few pilots in the unit. My resume has too much time near the SEC and not enough near the PAC-10.

In the end it worked out for the best. I'm going to another reserve unit near my home. The unit that hired me just happened to be my number one choice, and I plan to keep buying season tickets for the Dawgs. It just took awhile to get hired by first choice.

Do you know some "former Marine friendly" Res or Guard units who might talk to me?

Just curious what part of the country you call home or live in? I am adamant your best bet is to target your search to units near your home since they’re more likely to hire folks who live or have family in the general area. If you are from New York, you're going to have a tough sell the Savannah Guard Dawgs, unless you’ve got family in the area. Likewise, the C-5s folks in Westover, MA probably think of Deliverance and the Dueling Banjos tune if they see Tennessee on a resume. I know I heard it in my mind at the UGA-Tenn game this week in Athens.

Yahtz

P.S. Houseopain, How 'Bout Them Dawgs?

 

[DHPope93]

I'm a FNG in the AZ ANG (tankers), and I've already met a former E-2 pilot and know of a ex-Marine Harrier pilot in the unit. The Lincoln, NE Reserve unit (tankers) sent multiple Navy/Marine guys through the schoolhouse over the 2 years I was there. March Reserves (CA, tankers) has sent at least 2 former Navy/Marine HELO pilots through the schoolhouse as well. Birmingham Guard hired a P-3 pilot about 1.5 years ago. It was amazing (to me, anyway) the numbers of Navy/Marine pilots that came through the schoolhouse in the past year or so.
So, I highly agree with Yahtzee. From my limited sample size, most Guard/Reserve tanker units care more about your ties to the area than what you previously flew, given they have enough CCTS slots to send you to Altus. The better your ties to the area, the more likely you are to live there long-term, and the better chances of you being an active participant in the unit. And, of course, any buds (new, old, doesn't matter) you have in the unit will go a long way to establishing your "Do we want this guy in our unit for the next XX years" bona fides. Like it or not, there is an element of a popularity contest in some/most (?) units. If they don't like you, they'll use any excuse to tell you why you're not "qualified" to join the unit at the present time.
As far as contact info, check out www.ang.af.mil and www.afreserve.com for phone numbers/email addresses. Baseops.net is also a good site for looking for Guard/Reserve units in need of pilots.
Hope this helps.

Peace,
DP

 

[usmc33]

DHPope93, thanks a lot for the information. I'm going to pursue these leads. Thanks also for knowing that I'm looking for SOLID gouge, actual numbers, email address and such. Hope to see you on the flight line someday.

 

[Yahtzee]

Sir, are you using your Air Conditioner?

If they don't like you, they'll use any excuse to tell you why you're not "qualified" to join the unit at the present time.

DP,

Is that why the C-5 unit turned me down without even talking to me?

Heck, I thought it was due to my infamous 1998 phone call to the Wing CC at Altus about the lack of AC in late May (with the temp at 107) as another C-5 engine run erupted like a volcano just outside our rooms.

I still remember the 55 ARS CC's question the next morning, "Who called the Wing CC and asked him if he was using his air conditioner?"

That has to be one of my finest moments ever!

Yahtz