fishforfun

I've heard MOAA put out an article in the early 2000's with similar stats that showed it made more financial sense to get out at 17 years with NO retirement to grab the seniority number. Obviously its all based on just the pay but if your going to factor in all the macro economic factors and what ifs then you would never make any career moves out of fear. This doesn't discredit the guys with those experiences, its just unlucky timing that I'm sure I'll experience as if I didn't have bad luck I wouldn't have any luck . I'm stashing as much cash as possible right now, paid off all debts and flying as many hours as I can to be ready to punch on my terms. I'm a year short of being able to apply for the TERA but like it has been said, I would be hesitant to apply if you have any lengthy ADSC left because I'm sure we are not even eligible but you won't know that until after the board.

4FrozenFans

The USCG began using TERA for officer "force shaping" this past year. Our TERA retirement date is based on 01 OCT to align with the fiscal year and you have to apply and be approved, not sure if the process is similar for each service.

I missed the cut-off this time by only a few days, but all indicators point to another round of TERA as 22 of 24 applicants were approved this first round (with no restriction on specialty). My request is ready for submission as soon as the solicitation is released again via message.

For my situation retiring as an O4 at 18 years and getting a 2 year head-start at an airline is the best option, plus I don't have to move again. No guarantee on the job, I know, but I have several contingencies if no joy in catching this hiring wave.

-4FF

T6 Pilot

Frozen,

I'm in the exact same boat you are. I know about the leg up with the timing, etc.

Crunching numbers and scenarios as we speak. Just a matter of "manning" up.

AirCav

The matrix has fighter, uav and rescue pilots ineligible but all others have some or most year groups eligible. My two cents as a mil and airline guy is to immediately put your apps in. I think those that get hired during the next year should have pretty good careers at most airlines. If this (airline flying) is something you want to do, pull the trigger now while the gates are open and you should be in the front of a large wave.

AirCav

snolat

The way I read the matrix only bomber and mobility pilots are eligible for TERA. The rest are restricted to year groups that don't have 15 years in. Meaning they can only VSP if they choose.

Humboldt

Who's pulling the trigger tomorrow?

Deuce130

If you've got a job option on retirement, then punch. I'm not sure why anyone would stay on AD a day longer than they have to! In addition, if you are currently in a flying billet, I'd leave now if you can. There's no guarantee your next (and most likely, last) assignment will be a flying gig.

LOBO

Folks,

if you are a 11X, look at the bottom of the matrix that AFPC put out. There are some more qualifiers out there that might allow a 11F to participate in the program.

Example, any AFSC can apply if passed over twice!!!

Bill Tetley

Big AF is going to be stunned at the numbers trying to bail.

Punch....and if the airlines don't work out, history guarantees they'll be offering you a bonus to come back in within 2 years.

KYTBRD

Before you decide to retire, get all your affairs for the after-life if you desire an airline job. Don't decide to retire and then start writing your resume afterwards. Life will come very fast and youll feel like you don't have enough time to get it all done and still do your current job and all the additional duties. Attend the ECIC seminar, get your CFI equivalency completed, talk to friends about what each airline wants on a resume, discuss the psyc tests, cognitive tests, learn jepps symbology, decide where YOU want to live, what will commuting do to your family life (living in base is great, but chasing your base is as it changes is a nightmare), etc. And most difficult of all for most military guys is, get your log book up to date in civilian terms. Go to the HARM office (AF term) and make sure your hours are correct. Then begin determining the conversion factors for each airline and have a spreadsheet for each one which can be easily updated. Don't punch and then go "time to get started" with the applications. If you do you're already way behind. If you want the golden B-B where you're on terminal leave and in class at the same time then getting started 6 moms prior to separation is too late. With 75 days of leave you'll actually be able to be on terminal almost 100 days prior to your retirement date - or in other terms, less than 3 months from your aproval date if its 6 months. Or if you arent hired you may elect to fly until you have to sell 60 days. Remember, recency of experience now becomes a big factor. Lots of folks out there are applying from regionals, ACMI carriers, and other walks of life. You'll be competing with folks who have had 2, 3, 4+ airline jobs and are already in the cue or have submitted their apps. Don't be naive and think your special. Get started early. Of the folks I know who have applied only one has not been hired yet. But all those who did get hired had to put in lots of effort to be prepped and ready for the airline phone call. Best of luck to all.