Military downsizing = Airline Pilots?
- Thread starter C130JGUY
- Start date
C130JGUY
New Member
Where would one start talking to a specific Guard or Reserve unit? The recruiting websites are made for teens and don't give a whole lot of useful information for guys that are currently in the military (IE..Would you like an exciting career with great benefits that travels around the world? Would you like something to help you pay for college?).
Can I just call that unit directly? I've talked with active to guard recruiters before and it seemed like there was maybe 1 person for each state. Do units have their own recruiters?
Can I just call that unit directly? I've talked with active to guard recruiters before and it seemed like there was maybe 1 person for each state. Do units have their own recruiters?
Soku39
Well-Known Member
If you are already rated the only time you need to talk to a recruiter is to swear in and start the gaining process. As far as rushing a unit, the better the location the harder it'll be to get in, for ex Great Falls, Montana has Herks and you could probably walk in there with your resume and have an AGR slot by tomorrow of course then you'd be living in Montana. That said guys retire frequently and there is usually a slot for 0-4 or lower. Other than that, hang out, don't be a dick and you should be good to go. Like @Hacker15e said you're at an advantage because you have access to the phone numbers for every flying squadron in the country, if the time comes, start calling around. Until then, do try and stick out AD, this is what I tell every single one of my AD bros, as you just do not want to go to a regional if it can all be avoided, do invest and use your paycheck smartly, you'll need it if they right size you and you have to do something else, the civilian market is tough. Good luck at AC school!
NewYorkophile
Fly Casual
@Hacker15e said it right.
Call the unit, ask about who to talk to- usually it's the CP or one of the Flt/cc's who is going to be on the hiring board. Make sure you read up on Baseops.net about rushing ANG units. Our unit looks for guys we want to go TDY with, and can count on to be there when we deploy. You don't *have* to live locally, but it is a huge bonus. Most of our bums live within 2 hours driving distance, with a handful who fly in a few times a quarter to get beans done. The unit loves local guys they can call when they need warm bodies fast. I recommend spending some time at the unit, hanging out on drill weekends, and just being a good dude to hang out with.
I can't believe I have to even say this, but know your boldface. I know a pilot from AD who tried to apply to an -H unit, and since they knew he was already an -H guy, they asked him for the boldface, and he screwed it up. Thanks for coming, NEXT!
C130JGUY
New Member
Is there a way to join a guard/reserve unit that has a different plane (C17, C5, KC135) and transition to flying for them? I wouldn't mind that at all. I feel like a lot of guys love military flying and would do that if given the option. Maybe 130 units might not be hiring, but what are the chances of flying a different plane for the guard or reserves? Homeland security? Border patrol maybe? Forestry service?
No matter if I'm active duty or not, I just want to fly my butt off.
No matter if I'm active duty or not, I just want to fly my butt off.
NewYorkophile
Fly Casual
Absolutely. Less likely to get a DHS/CBP job without PIC totals. We just hired a KC-135 guy from another unit.
Seggy
Well-Known Member
Soku39
Well-Known Member
It's more than just flying, it's "would i want to go on a 3-6 month deployment with this guy/girl". So no, not at all. Just like every job, the technical aspects are usually the easiest to measure and it is rarely the technical aspect that will get an individual in trouble (i.e. anyone can shoot an ILS, why won't Delta hire anyone). It's the individuals fit into the culture of the workplace that can determine whether or not they will thrive, be it an Air Force squadron, a big 4 accounting firm or a small technology start up.
NewYorkophile
Fly Casual
Because the unit is deciding who they're going to be spending the next 20 years working with, drinking with, and going into combat with. That requires a bit more than a piece of paper and a 20-minute interview.
ASpilot2be
Qbicle seat warmer
Lynden is furloughing from what I understand. Last time I jumpseated on them they were talking about parking a plane or two.
Gordo
Well-Known Member
Like jheggie said, the US Forest Service has purchased numerous C-130s for conversion to air tankers, and they also fly a handfull of Sherpas for Smokejumpers (mins are 1200TT I believe). I can put you in contact with some people if interested. Lots of low level •, good schedule, probably not as much flying at some would like, but it isn't flying point to point. Also, on the Smokejumper contract aircraft side, Bighorn Aviation out of Wyoming operates Dornier 228s and Casa 212s around the western U.S. and Alaska.
Springer
Well-Known Member
Take the initiative, be pro active and start calling. I contacted a C-5 unit at Travis and they said to drop by. Held a mini board and hired me on the spot. My time was in F-4's and A-37's. Anything is possible.
Hacker15e
Who am I? Where are my pants?
That is the least of "these games" that go on in the military. The politics of jobs, promotions, and assignments in the regular military would make your skull explode.
But, the reality is, the process an ANG or Reserve unit, who can selectively hire whomever they want because of the long list of qualified applicants, uses to hire is no different than the games that a major airline uses to hire people.
Same game, different flavor. Compared to the shenanigans that take place politically on the active duty side, ANG and Reserve units are relatively drama-free.
NewYorkophile
Fly Casual
A-freaking-men.
Springer
Well-Known Member
The C-5 Sq/CC was a United pilot...asked me during the interview if I had ever applied to Continental; Lorenzo was running it at the time. Make or break question.
NewYorkophile
Fly Casual
Maybe an indicator of a unit you don't really want to be a part of, if they're playing games over your civilian choices.
We've got Southwest, United, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, and Part 91 guys. No bias.
Soku39
Well-Known Member
Lorenzo lead Continental in the early 80s, I'm not sure if there was a joke in there, but there mighta been, but ya nowadays it wouldn't matter. They're all the same.
bunk22
Well-Known Member
Ha, welcome to the military where games are the norm!!
Springer
Well-Known Member
Nope, great group of guys. A very contentious era back then. If you wanted a career with a major you did not go to Continental nor cross the United picket line. I did neither.
Passed on the unit as I was hired by a major a few weeks later.