pilotgolfer

I just got back from doing my PC in Denver and the LCA relayed the same info. He said that all the Chief Pilots were sent a letter from the AF asking them to talk to the future furloughees about going back to AD. The LCA was a Buckley ANG guy and he did mention the AF was looking for people to fly the Predator. Just out of curiousity I asked if you could do it as a civilian contractor and I think as long as you still have your security clearance, it may be possible. I don't think this would involve deploying.

Starlifter

I remember soon after the first VSP in 1991/92 guys were asked to come back on AD as well. As far as I know, virtually all of them got screwed. Many did not get promoted and did get thrown out a few years later. I suppose it would be a different story if you went into the Reserves after initially leaving AD and then went back on AD, at least then you'd have a military record (i.e. OPRs etc) during your non-AD time. Many of the intitial VSPrs did not go into the reserves and were plucked back on AD from civilian life.

Lifter

justwannalfy

Chris99,

Have you looked into the Air Guard, if you want to look at doing the UAV thing? They have the Pred mission and depending on where you live, that might be an option. A lot of the units are looking for help, and you could probably get yourself activated at the unit for the next 6 months-year, or maybe even longer if you wanted till they get their manning docs straightened out. They are being asked to do a lot more and just don't have the people. There will be a small chance that you'd be sent on a short dep to fly at the LRE, but majority of your time will be at the stateside location. Look into it. On the other hand, wish I was in your seat, I fly for a commuter, but sitting in this Iraqi desert right now, been here since Apr in a non flying position, and just found out I'll be on furlough status when I get back....

Good luck with your decision.

wise810

History repeats itself. I separated from the USAF in 92, and in 95 was in C-130 school for the Air Guard when I got a letter from USAF asking if I wanted to go back. I said no at that time but ended up going back on AD in 98. I just retired as a passed over Major but who had a great time flying right up to the end, including getting qualed in the C-130J. Everyone has their own situation, but for me it was the right choice to return.

BUT, traditionally, those who go back on AD are not promoted, and will not be competitive for leadership positions. Then again I know several guys in AFSOC who made O-5 after coming back, but they also has lots of MC-130 combat time and medals to boot.

I could see your situation coming. First lots of guys leave via VSP and Palace Chase and then the CSAF gets fired and re-emphasis on ISR support then the recent ad for pilots to fly the RC-12 ISR platform.

If you go back, plan on being first on the list to fly the RC-12 on a 179 day TDY then back six months and then back over, etc, etc,etc. Its a market economy, and the need for pilots is really a need for pilots to deploy. Or sit in the box at Creech/Indian Springs and fly a UAV. All these jobs are in support of the warfighter and contribute to the fight, but if you are married and have small children then the next 5 years will be tough. I did a 6 month gig as Air Advisor to the Afghan Air Corps and now all the guys are doing 365's. Again, good work but be ready to be away from home. Even for a single guy/gal it means less time to date and establish a relationship.

I just retired, and like everyone who re-enters the civilian world, its no picnic either. Civilian avaition is what it is. Remember everyone leaves the military one day and you will have to find a job on the outside. It is nice having the retirement check but no one sits on that. Good luck on your decision. If you go back get an assignment in writing! When I came back I selected MC-130 and thoroughly enjoyed it except for one knucklehead sqdn commander, but he left and we got a great replacement.

DLax85

....Shack!!

LivingInMEM

You can get your own answers with the following info:

Interested crewmembers should e-mail [email protected] and
provide the following information:
Full name
SSN
DOB
Highest rank held
Date of separation/retirement or reserve status
Aircraft flown
Contact e-mail
Home address/phone number
Brief comments or concerns

Sputnik

And if you have questions, put "Question" in subject line.

Marvin

The previous AF Secretary was pushing to get the AF down to 316,000 by the end of FY 07 to free up money for recapitalization. The new AF Secretary is pushing to go back up to 330,000.

The only other option I can see would have been to involuntarily separate some folks in 07. It would probably be a bit tougher to get those disgruntled people back when needed.

Was there a better way to do it? (Seriously, I'm asking ...)

Marvin

I was in a position to see quite a few records over the past couple years as folks came into the zone for promotion to Lt Col. Many of the guys who left AD and went to the Reserves, then came back to AD when their airlines furloughed them after 9/11, simply had really weak records over the intervening years when they were in the Reserves.

The Reserves (in general) don't tend to write OPRs that will be competitive on an active duty promotion board. Active duty OPRs tend to be "what did he do, how did he do it, what was the result" ... Reserve OPRs tend to be "what did he do" only. And, since the AF is not looking for Lt Cols to fly airplanes (the AF wants Lt Cols to be in charge of organizations and in positions of some authority on staffs), saying that he went to XXX location to drop off a plane load of Spam is not going to get you very far.

So, when those 2, 3, or 4 Reserve OPRs show up in front of a promotion board, they just don't stack up strongly enough.

It works fine for the Reserves -- but when those guys go back to active duty, they are at a MARKED disadvantage. And, the board is not going to say, "Well, this guy was in the Reserves for a few years, so we'll add a few extra points so he can compete."

I'm not saying it is right or wrong or fair. I'm just sayin' ...

magicrat

Marvin, I certainly hear what you are saying. Sounds like if guys elect to come back on active duty, there will be PLENTY of opportunities for sound OPR bullets (high deployment rates). I have to assume if Majors return and check off the boxes (acsc, masters, etc) they will be competitive. Who knows....maybe there will be some promotion verbage in the policy when the rules are written.

In all fairness, I do hope dudes are not crapped on when they step up at a time of need.