Reserve and Guard service

JasonW-CA-907 · 07-18-2008

Bob,

I have had a real turbulant couple of months, divorce and laid off in one week. As an alternate source of income and benefits, I was considering joining either the air national guard or air force reserves. How lenient are the airlines with military service when these units are called up to serve overseas? I haven't found out if the education benefits would apply to a program like ATP or not. No one at this point has been able to answer that question. If you have any information on that it would be appreciated. Sorry about the double question in one thread thing.

Thanks,

Jason

ExpressJet_Bob · 07-20-2008

Hey there Jason,

Sounds like you've definately had a rough time recently... my thoughts are with you as you sort things out.

Regarding your questions... The airlines are actually VERY good at allowing time off for serving your country. There are many pilots today that are veterans or even current reservists/guardsmen. So, I don't see any issues with that decision.

Regarding whether or not you can use the GI Bill bennies for ATP... to my knowledge... you can not. ATP is primarily a part 61 training program. In order for the military bennies to apply, you'd need to attend a part 141 school that is certified.

Hope that helps...

Bob

JeremyY_TX · 07-21-2008

My cousin is a C-5 Pilot in the guard and also got hired with Air Wisconsin this year. Most regionals seem to be really good about working with people who choose to serve their country.

Also, there is a law forbidding discrimination for those who already do:
http://www.osc.gov/userra.htm

PSA Josie · 07-28-2008

Jeremy,

Sorry to pipe in! Just thought I'd put my advice in for you. My husband is a C-17 pilot (Reserves) and it is a sweet gig. Most guys in the squadron either fly for FedEx, or a major carrier like Delta etc. I'd look in to it if you can qualify. Are you still pretty young? I think the new cut off age for pilots is 30. But you definitely don't have to be a pilot. Bobby, another pilot in this forum is a Guard guy and flies for Pinnacle, while also works as a crew chief for the AF RES. Lot's of potential there...plus it's a great backup when the airlines go South for the winter!

Josie

JasonW-CA-907 · 07-29-2008

Thanks for all of the info guys. Unfortuneatly I'm 32 years old, almost too old even to get into the reserves at all. That's why I'm considering reserve or guard service and not active duty. I wasn't too concerned with actually flying with the military, altough the thought of flying C-17's and C-5's does appeal to a few childhood dreams. I was looking into it for income on a part time basis and benefits, as the present job market isn't really showing very good prospects for me right now. There are jobs to be had, if you are willing to work for peanuts. I'm having trouble finding anything will even pay as much as my unemployment insurance. Thanks again for the help and explainations.

GilbertB-CO-608 · 08-25-2008

I am in the Navy Reserves and yes, there is a law that protects any reservist that is called to active duty. As for being 32, reserves is the way to go. I am an Aviation Electrician and have worked on the EA6-B Prowler and the C-9 and P-3 Orion and having the background in the aviation field will help me in becoming a pilot. The Navy Reserves will take individuals over 30 without any prior service (that's what I did). I hope this information helps.

07-18-2008	#1 (permalink)
JasonW-CA-907 Future Professional Pilot Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 7	Reserve and Guard service Bob, I have had a real turbulant couple of months, divorce and laid off in one week. As an alternate source of income and benefits, I was considering joining either the air national guard or air force reserves. How lenient are the airlines with military service when these units are called up to serve overseas? I haven't found out if the education benefits would apply to a program like ATP or not. No one at this point has been able to answer that question. If you have any information on that it would be appreciated. Sorry about the double question in one thread thing. Thanks, Jason

07-20-2008	#2 (permalink)
ExpressJet_Bob Pilot Career Coach Join Date: May 2006 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 1,894	Hey there Jason, Sounds like you've definately had a rough time recently... my thoughts are with you as you sort things out. Regarding your questions... The airlines are actually VERY good at allowing time off for serving your country. There are many pilots today that are veterans or even current reservists/guardsmen. So, I don't see any issues with that decision. Regarding whether or not you can use the GI Bill bennies for ATP... to my knowledge... you can not. ATP is primarily a part 61 training program. In order for the military bennies to apply, you'd need to attend a part 141 school that is certified. Hope that helps... Bob __________________ My head is in the clouds and my heart is still in Maine... but my devotion and love belong to my wife and children.

07-28-2008	#4 (permalink)
PSA Josie Pilot Career Coach Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 524	Jeremy, Sorry to pipe in! Just thought I'd put my advice in for you. My husband is a C-17 pilot (Reserves) and it is a sweet gig. Most guys in the squadron either fly for FedEx, or a major carrier like Delta etc. I'd look in to it if you can qualify. Are you still pretty young? I think the new cut off age for pilots is 30. But you definitely don't have to be a pilot. Bobby, another pilot in this forum is a Guard guy and flies for Pinnacle, while also works as a crew chief for the AF RES. Lot's of potential there...plus it's a great backup when the airlines go South for the winter! Josie __________________ "I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly" There is no beginning or end. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift.

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07-21-2008	#3 (permalink)
JeremyY_TX ATP Instructor Join Date: May 2006 Location: Temple, TX Posts: 161	My cousin is a C-5 Pilot in the guard and also got hired with Air Wisconsin this year. Most regionals seem to be really good about working with people who choose to serve their country. Also, there is a law forbidding discrimination for those who already do: http://www.osc.gov/userra.htm

07-29-2008	#5 (permalink)
JasonW-CA-907 Future Professional Pilot Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 7	Thanks for all of the info guys. Unfortuneatly I'm 32 years old, almost too old even to get into the reserves at all. That's why I'm considering reserve or guard service and not active duty. I wasn't too concerned with actually flying with the military, altough the thought of flying C-17's and C-5's does appeal to a few childhood dreams. I was looking into it for income on a part time basis and benefits, as the present job market isn't really showing very good prospects for me right now. There are jobs to be had, if you are willing to work for peanuts. I'm having trouble finding anything will even pay as much as my unemployment insurance. Thanks again for the help and explainations.

08-25-2008	#6 (permalink)
GilbertB-CO-608 Future Professional Pilot Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 9	I am in the Navy Reserves and yes, there is a law that protects any reservist that is called to active duty. As for being 32, reserves is the way to go. I am an Aviation Electrician and have worked on the EA6-B Prowler and the C-9 and P-3 Orion and having the background in the aviation field will help me in becoming a pilot. The Navy Reserves will take individuals over 30 without any prior service (that's what I did). I hope this information helps.

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