Seeking advice!

[CookieMonster]

Really want to transition from the military to a civilian flying job. Here's my situation. I have less than two years remaining on my commitment. My boss just informed me that I am hot for an Altus assignment in May '04. I can get out in Jun '05. By going to Altus, I'll end up delaying my exit another year. I already have 11 years of service.

Do I tell him, sure, I'll take the assigment...then wait until the papers drop...then turn it down? Or...tell him now not to bother with the assignment...I'm getting out?

I would prefer not to highlight my desires...but I don't want to lie, etc. I feel the longer they don't know my intentions, the less opportunity I have to get screwed with.

Anyone been through this same situation? Any advice? Thanks!

 

[Ih8AFYesmen]

I can't tell you what to do, but you have to be absoulutely sure if you are prior to or past V1....... you know what I mean? Do you have a job lined up, whether it's the airlines or the reserves, or does it matter?
Here's my story: I was committed to getting out from the get go: not even 9/11 nor the furloughs put even a knudge in my decision. When I had the long talk with my SQ CC about my career plans, he offered me a "carrot" assignment to Ramstein, but I didn't want to "lie" and screw someone else. I came out and told him that I've decided to get out. In less than 2 weeks from that conversation, I got my assignment: UAV to Indian Springs. I begged and pleaded with the guy and I was able to sqeeze a tweet out of him. It wasn't like he did me a big favor since it was a trade from a tanker guy who was "nonvoled" to a tweet. This guy actually called AFPC volunteering for a UAV. Back then, if you volunteered for a UAV, you can bank the assignment of your choice. By the way.... the tweet worked out to be the best 8 months of my Air Force flying career.

Moral of the story: Watch out for number 1, because no one else will. Perhaps your boss has more integrity and is a true leader than mine was. Pick a side of the fence and run like hell! Good luck!

 

[pilotyip]

Get out now

Do not take your next assignment, get out now. Look into what is out there, collect information, and start shopping for a reserve unit who wants you. From what I hear in the airlift community is real busy and there is all the active duty you want available. So you could make it as a guard bum. Don't limit yourself to the C-17, look around at all ANG and AFRES units. I know there are C-130 units so hard up for guys then are taking interservice transfers from USMC Helo drivers. Then when the hiring starts picking in the next couple years you are availalble for the job you want. Plus the reserves will give you a income source while bewteen jobs and a nice paycheck when you turn 60, I spent 11 yrs on active duty in the Navy and another 14 in the reserves. It is nice to see that direct deposit just show up in your bank account on the first of every month.

 

[jll]

If you want out, no need to hide it. Better to be open then to hide your hand. If your supervisers find out your hiding info, you just might get the screws. You need to start getting your applications out and most airlines will call to check on you. All must do a background check. You've done your time, no need to hide your intentions. If the military wanted more from you they would add more commitmnet.

 

[RShebib]

The biggest thing you need to determine is whether or not you're going to get out. If you are, then make plans now and start developing a plan. I fly F-16s at Luke and have a DOS in Feb. I am married and have 2 kids under the age of 2. Fighter guard/reserve squadrons are not hiring that much and you know how the airlines are right now. But for me, I knew I wanted to get out of active duty and just started networking like crazy.

By telling your leadership you're getting out, the worst thing they'll do is not give you choice jobs in the squadron/wing....which is only right.....those jobs should be for the guys trying to make rank. Besides, you don't want a job that's going to take a lot of your time anyways--your time and energy should be towards your career outside of the military....

You will have more options than you think......there are 2 guys (myself and a buddy) in my squadron alone who recently got out, and both have jobs now.....(he's full time in the reserves and I've got a part time job at an ANG sq and in phase 2 of jetblue hiring)

Biggest thing is make your choice, don't look back and don't worry about what your boss thinks....

Good luck!!

 

[Korgs130]

I was in a simular situation at the beginning of 2002. I had one year left and was told that I was going to get an assignment to Alaska. I decided to show my cards so I wouldn't screw someone else out of an assignment that, in general, is a pretty sweet deal. I also figured that there was no point in playing games with my commander. A tough choice as I didn't have any employment lined up at the time.

My commander ended up giving me the assignment anyway and I was forced to 7 day opt (He said that he thought I really wasn't going to get out). Remember they can't make you extend your commitment. They can make you PSC, but the have to waive the PSC ADSC. I spent my last 10 months with no ill effects from my decision and nothing was held against me by anyone in my squadron once my intetions were know. My commander even wrote me letters of recommendation for SWA and the Guard. Start sending out resumes to ANG/AFR unit that interest you. I'm sure you've noticed that most units are really busy right now and could use the extra help. Good luck!

 

[Steeler Fan]

Leaving Active Duty

Be ready to answer the following questions...

1. Do you need health insurance? How much will it cost you (or does your spouse already have that covered?)

2. What's the benefit of getting out now? True, you'll be in a position to act quickly if the job market opens up, but, in the Guard/Reserve, you'll have to figure out how to maximize your participation in order to keep food on the table (no more 30 days of leave each year with holidays off...then again, you flew C-17s, so you definitely know that AMC stands for Another Missed Christmas)

3. Are you willing to wait until your 60 to start collecting your military retirement? Then again, I know some people who never joined the Reserve. Personally, I'd definitely recommend staying in the Reserve, because the Airline Industry is INCREDIBLY unstable. I know that the grass always seems greener, but Active Duty may not be a stable lifestyle, but it's not like they'll furlough anytime soon either!

 

[potrack]

Get out as soon as possible.

I have never heard of the "Let your commander know so he has a heads up" or "Tell them your leaving so some other dude who really wants it can get the assignment" stories ever working out for the individual!! Don't believe the AF when they say they are all about the family or safety is first or they will take care of you! Gotta look out for number one.

Don't lie if asked...but don't volunteer or advertise it. There is discrimination against those getting out. Remote to Korea and that kind of stuff.

I'm still in the Reserve. It gives me the opportunity to serve only when it's convenient for me. Reserve life has its ups and downs too but thats another story.

 

[YeOldeProp]

Better get yourself on to the e-pubs website ASAP and into the 36 series (personnel). Read up on assignments and separations. Call MPF to answer your questions...it's their job. You may not have much of a choice if you still have an ADSC. If you have any ADSC, you still owe the govt your blood sweat and tears. You'll get a 2 year commitment for every PCS whether you move your family or not. They changed the process back in 2000, and now it's heavily favored in the AF way. If you have an ASD (assignment selection date that automatically gets assigned when you become vulnerable to move---you don't get a notification of it either), you're stuck with either accepting an assignment or 7-day opting (basically setting a hard separation date)...which they can then still send you to the assignment until your ADSC ends. Once it's set, there's no turning it off, pulling your papers, etc. I'm not as familiar with the separation side of the house as I am with folks who are retirement eligible, but it's tough either way. Good luck, better trust your CC if you open up to him without knowing what's in store...which way on the chain of command does his loyalty run?