pittflyer

To answer your questions in the original post...Yes/No on the foreign carriers. Emirates and Korean will not honor your military flying time. Not sure what your target carrier would be but I’ve found that of the ones I’ve asked about, military time isn’t considered in their mins. (Don’t know why, but it seems that having people behind you reading the newspaper is more important somehow? Have to do your homework.)

“...my commitment should be up in a year or so.” From talking to those in the business now and trolling these aviation type forums, you are lined up for success for the later part of 2013. You just have to realize it on your own, (like everyone is saying, network, resumes, applications, types, medical, etc. get it all in order. Have to “realize” it on your own. The spoon fed military approach doesn’t work here.)

Back to your question/comments in the post, “...because of the instability of the job market.” Yep, true in the past, got that one right. Future, I think you’ll actually see increased stability for a while. Does that mean EVERYONE will be hiring, no, but there are going to be more opportunities presenting themselves than in the past and once again, only you can realize that. (If you’re dead set on SWA, that one might not work out for a while. Do your homework. Ex: How does SWA’s acquisition of Airtran and subsequent letting of the 717’s effect their ‘pilot mobility in the near term? 3 years? 5 years? Do your homework on your target airlines, foreign and domestic.)

Most importantly, remember this: 99.9% of Americans don't have a military retirement. Is it nice...Hell yeah...Is it necessary? Well, lets just say that thousands of people retire everyday without it, just have to make the right decisions along the way too. You know what you want to do, just do your homework. It'll work out.

Chris99

Quite simply, the answer to your question is an emphatic "yes"!

grasshopper

I think if the big one kicks off...they'll probably take you back Heck they were recently allowing folks out of retirement for tours of duty. When you come back you can wear green suede cowboy boots and you'll be the envy of all the CGO's.

Seriously, I think lots of folks are thinking about it these days. Just leave with a well planned route and you'll be just fine. If you're not well planned you might have to do something you really don't want to do while you figure something out. I think it would be optimistic to say that the status quo will continue as far as federal spending is concerned. The rules do change from time to time. What if someone said you can't collect until you are 60 yrs old? Would that change your mind? Rules change. I think your timing is pretty good all around though.

HuggyU2

I got out at the 14 year, 9 month point.
21 months later, I was back in.
I enjoyed the military much more than I did my civilian career.

No one can answer the question but you.
If you know what you want to do for the rest of your life, then maybe waiting 7 years for the retirement may ruin your opportunity.

Think about it very carefully... and good luck.

Barnstormer

Don't even think about getting out without a Guard or Reserve job lined up.

UAL T38 Phlyer

Everything here is spot-on and outstanding advice.

I got out at 15.5 years; back the next day as a Reservist.

Now, I'm close to the 30-year point, and back on active duty.

It used to be guys got out to make more money and have a better lifestyle. Ironically, for the last 7 years, I've made more money (and had a better lifestyle) by being in the Air Force or Reserve.

Best option: get out, fly as a Reservist for UPT. NO DEPLOYMENTS.

I tell my students all the time: the best flying job I ever had was as an Air Force pilot.

Champ Kind

To those that separated -- how soon before your commitment was up did you start interviewing? How do potential employers (aviation or otherwise) respond when you tell them you're active duty military and can't start until such and such date when you separate?

HuggyU2

Champ,
Depends on the job. IIRC, the airlines didn't want you to apply until within 1 year.

For more traditional jobs... well, it depends. However, I'd say that if you're within 6 months, you should definitely be pushing your resume out there. Many can wait for you if you're the right person.

Keep in mind: if you commitment is up, and you get a job that needs you quick, you can petition the AF to accel your departure. We had a guy here separate with about 4 weeks notice.

Pancake

ANG/AFRC Units: Rush as soon as you can. In my experience, however, I wasn't seriously offered a job until 3-6 months out. Makes sense... I rushed a few squadrons over 18 months, but ended up with a squadron that I didn't really consider as a possibility until 2 months prior to getting out.

Airlines: Get you ATP/Type in order ASAP. Apply when hiring windows open, regardless of separation date. Make sure you put an accurate availability date on your App. I recommend attending specific airline conferences.

Non-Flying Civilian Jobs: My experience is with GE/Amazon Junior Officer Leadership Programs. They aren't interested in you until about 3 months from separating. However, I do recommend attending non-flying job conferences such as Service Academy Career Conference (you don't need to be a Service Academy grad to attend), to get a feel for what's out there.

Grad School: Go to the highest ranked school in your selected discipline. Institution name on the diploma matters.

Chris99

I started interviewing in mid-January and separated at the end of May. I accepted the job I was offered the day after I separated. I wouldn't start less than six months out if I were you. Employers will work with you for availability dates.