Prior Service but Old

[Naz]

I'm looking to join the naval reserves as a pilot, but want to get a few questions answered before I seek out a recruiter.
I'm prior service naval reserve with some active duty time. Here's a few things I have going against me:

I'm 38 years old.
My medical says I wear corrective lenses but I never wear them when I fly. I've never needed them. Regardless, my vision isn't 20/20.
I served for 11 years before I got out several years ago.

Plus side:
I have my commercial pilot's license with current instrument rating and multi-engine ad-on.
I have two bachelor's degrees in Aviation Management and Aviation Technology Professional Piloting.
I have no health or psych issues.
I could probably pass a PFA with an excellent.
I have been in aviation for 17 years.
I currently work for the FAA.

Would you folks happen to know if it's worth it for me to even try or should I just go the airline route? Thanks

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

I'm looking to join the naval reserves as a pilot, but want to get a few questions answered before I seek out a recruiter.
I'm prior service naval reserve with some active duty time. Here's a few things I have going against me:

I'm 38 years old.
My medical says I wear corrective lenses but I never wear them when I fly. I've never needed them. Regardless, my vision isn't 20/20.
I served for 11 years before I got out several years ago.

Plus side:
I have my commercial pilot's license with current instrument rating and multi-engine ad-on.
I have two bachelor's degrees in Aviation Management and Aviation Technology Professional Piloting.
I have no health or psych issues.
I could probably pass a PFA with an excellent.
I have been in aviation for 17 years.
I currently work for the FAA.

Would you folks happen to know if it's worth it for me to even try or should I just go the airline route? Thanks

There is a reserve aviation program but it’s for current or prior military aviators / officers. It’s not for someone off the streets like you.

Your age is beyond the active duty pilot requirements (32) as well.

 

[Hair Warrior]

Based on your age, since Pilot/NFO are out, the reserve “aviation” officer programs you could look at are:
- AEDO/AMDO, if your degrees/experience qualify
- Supply, then look for billets in support of a CNAFR hardware unit (not sure how many reserve SUPPOs there are who are brownshoes)
- Intel, then screen for VAQ-209 or NAWDC as soon as you can
- Chaplain, then look for ways to support a Navy or Marine Corps aviation unit

Edit: none of the above jobs stop you from going for airlines in your day job.

 

[Griz882]

The National Guard might give you an age waiver.

 

[number9]

- Intel, then screen for VAQ-209 or NAWDC as soon as you can

Can you please give me an unclass idea of what a Reservist would do attached to either of these units? I can DM you my Navy email if you want to have a chat on Teams.

 

[HSMPBR]

Can you please give me an unclass idea of what a Reservist would do attached to either of these units? I can DM you my Navy email if you want to have a chat on Teams.

They pull incredibly busy, tiny-font, stoplight-charted PowerPoint slides from the CNO N2 portal, shrink/crop them to fit on the unit’s ppt template, and then read the tiny-font words aloud from a notecard to the audience during briefs.

 

[Swanee]

The National Guard might give you an age waiver.

These days he might get one but only if he has connections.

But there might be a unit that would say yes to a great dude who is persistent, lives locally, and everyone loves.

 

[number9]

They pull incredibly busy, tiny-font, stoplight-charted PowerPoint slides from the CNO N2 portal, shrink/crop them to fit on the unit’s ppt template, and then read the tiny-font words aloud from a notecard to the audience during briefs.

 

[Griz882]

 

[Hair Warrior]

Can you please give me an unclass idea of what a Reservist would do attached to either of these units? I can DM you my Navy email if you want to have a chat on Teams.

Go on myNRH with your CAC and you can drill down to find those units, see their SharePoint sites, etc.

 

[Michael_J_Caboose]

Can you please give me an unclass idea of what a Reservist would do attached to either of these units? I can DM you my Navy email if you want to have a chat on Teams.

I just left there this week and we had reservists working with us as instructors. For the most part, they graded our briefs and ability to mission plan. They show up for big events like AWF and enjoy lamb burgers on Thursdays. I enjoyed my time with them and they also provided some mentorship for those of us interested in dropping to the reserves eventually.

 

[MIDNJAC]

Slanted Porch still doing the lamb burger? That one was pretty good if I recall....

 

[Michael_J_Caboose]

Yup, between that and the Monte Cristo, I spent so much money there.

 

[Griz882]

Yup, between that and the Monte Cristo, I spent so much money there.

A good Monte Cristo? Where is this place?

 

[Michael_J_Caboose]

A good Monte Cristo? Where is this place?

The Slanted Porch. It's across from the high school.

The Slanted Porch, 310 S Taylor St, Fallon, NV 89406