TwoTwoEight

First of all, I want to say hello and thanks to all of those who served and who are serving the stars and stripes. Thank You.

My name is Jack and I’m yearning to fly C-17’s in the AFR. I have done quite a bit of research and understand that it’s going to take a lot of hard work. However, I am determined to get in. A little about myself: I recently earned a B.S in aviation management, hold a commercial ticket (SEL) with approximately 300 hours TT and will soon be turning 26. As far as I know, I’m without medical complications (FAA 1st class). I visited a local air base and spoke to one of the chief pilots of the reserve squadron; everything I heard about the AFR from him really appeals to me.

After OTS, SERE, and UPT, I was wondering what the lifestyle of a flying reservist is like. From what I have researched, a pilot can fly as often as they would like, so long as there is work to be done. Also, and almost unimportantly, what’s the pay like? According to the AFR pay scale, an O-1 brings in $377. I read another thread where someone explained how to make the most of the reserves, I just wasn’t sure whether or not that applied to pilots.

Appreciate any and all guidance.

-Jack

HuggyU2

First of all... pay is "unimportant"? Are you kidding? That is what will put food on the table for you and your family. It is very important.
Second, you've "done quite a bit of research"? If so, you'd have found the answers to every question you've asked. If the answers are not on this forums, go to Baseops.net Flight Planning and Aviation Weather, and look in their forum (see the link at the top of their website). And if you do go there,... use their Search Function, and don't go in and say "hey, where do I find this info?".
There are plenty of other online resources that I don't think you've explored.
Do your homework.

zondaracer

Thirdly, once you are in the Air Force, expect everyone with more rank or some crusty master sergeants to talk to you exactly the way Huggy just did. Not to discourage you, but once you make first lieutenant, you will start talking like that, believe me

TwoTwoEight

I say it's unimportant because it won't deter me from pursuing the AFR. I figure the money will come. I have done plenty of homework and I was just hoping to get a first person account from someone who is doing what I want to do and hear what it's really like and what I can really expect.

Definitely going to keep looking around. Thanks.

TwoTwoEight

Hahah no sweat man. Thanks.

HercDriver130

Well then Bubba I suggest you get on the stick, find a C-17 unit that will sponsor you for a UPT slot and get on the stick. You are already 26 and it might take a year or more in this environment to get to OTS.

kalyx522

Haha. I'd like to add to this. I got selected by my unit when I was 26. I had all the AFOQT/TBAS done during college AND I got selected on my first interview which cut down on the time many others spend rushing and interviewing with multiple units. You don't have the tests completed yet, and you may have to interview more than once or twice not to mention most units only hire once or twice a year so it'll likely take you a while just to get selected. At age 28 I'm just now awaiting results from the AFRC board. It took me almost two year from interview to board alone, so yes I'd def recommend that you hustle. Two years isn't common but it happens. For me it was a host of BS medical did I mention BS issues. You never know what issues they are going to find so you have to be prepared that this process will take a long time.
Oh and FAA medical doesn't really mean anything.. I've been getting those for years and does not come close to the physicals they will give you.

Triumph

It is important that you do your homework and research on this topic. Being very proactive and persistent is what will get you to where you want to be.
I fly C-17s in the Reserves...I don't know how many posts you need to be able to PM, but feel free to PM me, and I'll try to answer some of your questions.

DARR31

First off, congrats on making the right choice, to go in the reserves vs Active Duty!

To let you know, it is a long process. I enlisted in the unit and it took me 10 yrs before I made it. So now with over 20 yrs in the reserves, here are a couple things:

1. Apply to many reserve units and do not forget about the Guard. Also do not just limit yourself to a C-17 unit. There are other aircraft out there too like the C-5, C-130, KC-135 and even a C-40 unit. The good place to see who is hiring as Huggy mentioned is on Base Ops.net.

2. Be the squeaky wheel. If you bug them enough they will know you are interested and they might give you the job to shut you up!

3. Go to the UTAs/drills and hang out, let them get to know you and you them.

4. Also it is not uncommon for Guard units to ask you to enlist and be in the unit for a year before they select you. At 26, that might not be an option, but the Air Guard if they like you can seem to get age waivers, even past 30 from some stories I've heard.

5. Finally if you want it, never give up on it. I'm proof of that. Was told by one unit my overall score was too low and I'd never make it through UPT. I got picked up and went to UPT at 29 and to my surprise took home the top 3 trophies. And the thing was, I was not even trying for honor grad, I just wanted to get my wings and get out of there!

Hope that helps a little. Also the pay you spoke of looks like the UTA (one weekend a month). As a flier you will do a lot more than that. In the C-17 at a minimum will be 10 days a month. When you go through OTS, you will be paid as a SSgt. After OTS you will get 2d Lt pay which is $2784 a month before taxes and that does not include flight pay or BAH and BAS. You can also expect to be on orders for a minimum of 2 years to go through all the training and then some units will give you another 6 months to a year for seasoning.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

TwoTwoEight

DARR31, Triumph, kalyx522...I really appreciate the info!

I spoke to the recruiter this last week and FINALLY it looks like he's gonna get me scheduled for the AFOQT. Not sure if it's their way of weeding out those who aren't that serious, but I have had to really pester him to get this far. Next week he says we need to get my paperwork ready for it.

Unfortunately, I can't do pms yet. Definitely hope to stay in contact with you guys though...

Thanks again!!