reCALcitrant

Why would they see your discharge? I don't recall that on the Cal paperwork. They asked me about what I flew, I told them some stories, that was that. They don't get a copy of your DD214. Also, on that note, he will get an honorable discharge, so why would it matter?

Tanker-driver

This sh!t kills me. We're going to start removing needed experience from cockpits because of waist measurements?! Seriously Big Blue, get a grip!

rickair7777

It will be an honorable, but two out of three regionals I interviewed at asked for my DD-214, I assume most majors will too.

The only catch there is that long the form DD-214 (which some employers may ask for) contains a separation code and a re-enlistment code.

A savvy interviewr might recognize a "no re-enlistment" code, and might also know what the normal separation code for officer resignation is. If you have a code which indicates something other than voluntary resignation, that might raise a flag.

I'm not sure about the legality of discussing such info, so an employer might not ask for an explanation but might still hold it against you on the assumption that a non-voluntary separation indicates something bad.

I would make sure you understand what those codes mean. I would also only present an employer with the short form DD-214, but you probably need to have the long form available in case they ask.

Also if you are near retirement eligibility (>14 years or so) they will wonder why you left early, and may ask.

I think it would be better to inform them as to why you left, as opposed to leaving it up to their imagination which might run away on all kinds of tangents (booze, buggery, burglary, etc).

I'm going to flag this thread for Lori Clark, our resident Pilot Recruiter. Hopefully she will have more insight.

golfandfly

Honestly Rick, I don't think you are giving him good information. I have never given a DD214 to an employer. However, some may ask for one to ensure that you are actually separated from the military. If it says "honorable", I'd leave it right there. There is no reason to bring up negative things that aren't pertinent to getting hired. If they ask specifically about your DD214 and what the codes mean, I would certainly tell them the truth. I seriously doubt they will ask for your DD214 (possible though) and it is less likely that they will look at anything other than "honorable discharge."

If they ask you why you left, simply say that you enjoyed your time in the military and are now ready to fly for their airline. You are not lying (unless you didn't enjoy your time in the military).

Don't make a big deal out of this, but honestly, I'd try and lose some weight anyway. Not saying you are overweight or just a big frame, but it won't help getting a job if you are overweight. It helps to look the part when interviewing. Most of us get fat after getting our job!

Good luck dude, keep trying and maybe you'll make the 39" waist anyway...

RogAir

My prediction: Next year the airlines will start hiring enmasse, Military pilots won't be able to get out due to 10yr+ committments/Stoploss/No Palace Chase. You will then see a steep rise in failed PT tests which result in separations (and subsequent hiring by airline).

This happened in the 90's, only then it was the "do not promote me" avenue of separation. AF leadership always comes up with these policies (kick out the PT failures) but can't see two moves ahead. They won't realize the corner they have painted themselves into after a few hundred pilots have been separated

GasNGo

Thanks for all the info fellas. Nobody has told me I'm being separated yet, I was just covering my bases. I'll keep you all apprised of any further developments.

rickair7777

Regionals want a DD-214 but majors don't? I know AA would ask for one, but maybe that's just them.

But my MOS is not admin...the only reason I know about this stuff is because it came up with an ex-military guy I tried to hire once. HR threw the flag for these reasons. It was fortune 500, not airlines but still.

Be aware of what's on your 214, and try not to give anyone the long form if there is anything which might raise doubts.

I do agree that they SHOULD have no business asking anything other than discharge characterization but I don't think it always works that way.

GasNGo...best of luck with the PT. Maybe try PX90 or something similar which will tone everything as well as burn the cals?

KC10 FATboy

GasNGo:

Reading your story had made me angry all over again. I am a bigger guy myself ... 6'2 225lbs. I am not fat. In fact, you can barely pinch an inch off my waist. However, the USAF's Fit-to-Fight test DOES NOT account for height/body mass when measuring the circumference of the waist. This test is clearly discriminatory. It is only a matter of time before someone lawyers up and this test becomes invalidated.

Here is my issue. I have a 36 inch waist. My percent body fat is 19. Yes, it isn't good but it is considered average for my age. The distance between my hip bones is 14 inches. Double that, you get 28. So regardless of how thick I am fore and aft, my waist will always be a minimum of 28 inches.

So, me being 6'2 with 36 inches, I score very badly on the waist measurement. In face, the USAF says I am at a moderate risk for heart disease based solely on this one measurement. (I wonder what the VA would say about that). However, someone who is 5'4 could have a 36 inch waist and pass with flying colors. That person would look like a weeble wobble!!!

Don't give up. Continue to work out, eat right, and document everything. I encourage you to contact your local representatives and tell them how this part of the test is clearly discriminatory.

Good luck.

C-17 Driver

I would caution those who go down that road. I do not know the rules, but I would not be surprised if you were separated for something like that, then you might not be eligible for the Guard or Reserve... do your research!!

Paok

Just had a guy whose about 6'5" not graduate from UPT due to the waist measurement...