I’m curious about what the “golden path” looks like in VRs specifically, but CNATRA and fleet communities as well for those who make the switch to TAR. I’d imagine it can’t be too different from the fleet where the selection boards value production, “community jobs”, a strong DH ticket, and joint exposure post-DH with strong performance throughout your career. So what I’m really looking for is insight into the nuances that makes the TAR path different vs active duty. I’ve heard making it to O-5 and beyond is tougher for TAR aviators since TAR top heavy with O-4s making the mid career switch all looking to hit their 20, as an example, but that’s about as much as I’m aware of. I haven’t had luck searching for VR bios online to paint a mental picture, just the standard career ladder PowerPoint slide of what the TAR career timing looks like from PERS. I’d appreciate any insight that you may have to offer.
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TAR “Golden Path”
- Thread starter Apush
- Start date
The “golden path” isn’t all that much different from active, as you surmise. DH, followed by joint or staff (Pentagon, CNAFR, CNR etc), CO. Obviously you could keep going if you really wanted to.
I’d say the biggest difference in my estimation is that in TAR you will never go back to the boat again, and that was a big reason I did it. No disassociated O5 sea tour and if you’re in VR, no boat in your DH tour either.
O5 is definitely a little harder to get on the TAR side, they just don’t need as many O5s. If you want to make it, it’s very doable, just know that you’ll probably have to do the “path” jobs.
I’d say the biggest difference in my estimation is that in TAR you will never go back to the boat again, and that was a big reason I did it. No disassociated O5 sea tour and if you’re in VR, no boat in your DH tour either.
O5 is definitely a little harder to get on the TAR side, they just don’t need as many O5s. If you want to make it, it’s very doable, just know that you’ll probably have to do the “path” jobs.
Thanks for the response. The other question I have is in regard to your record before switching. For example, if you took a Flag Aide job then got picked up, or had a community job within your original community (WTI/PERS) during disassociated and then applied, do those being “better” jobs on the active side make any difference on your progression once in TAR vs had you done PEP or something totally off track before you transitioned? My inclination is it matters more if you stay in your community when switching over, but if that’s not an option (CNATRA/VR TAR) I could see how it may only matter on the board to make it to TAR in the first place.
I doubt it matters very much on the VR side since VR doesn’t exist in the active side. Obviously any board is going to see your whole record, but the most important thing to continuing on the path once you’re in VR is a long-ticket #1 EP as a DH, just like the active side. I’ll also say that for the most part, at least in the current environment, anyone who wants this and isn’t a total buffoon can get this. There are enough people who don’t want the golden path, that if you do want it, it’s yours for the taking. Front offices typically ask you what your mindset is 2x a year (mid terms and FITREPs). Everyone is pretty open and honest about what they want at my squadron.
If you’re doing HSM or VP TAR I imagine it’s just like active where being FRS or WTI to be a CO is almost required.
If you’re doing HSM or VP TAR I imagine it’s just like active where being FRS or WTI to be a CO is almost required.
FormerRecruitingGuru
Making Recruiting Great Again
Have you reached out or mentored with some senior TAR 13XX’s? Assuming you’re a 1310 or 1320 they’re are probably a decent amount nearby you.
Thanks for the advice. Without revealing too much about my location out of privacy concerns, I’ve been pretty limited in this respect. Fortunately, I’m up on orders soon and should have more TAR units nearby to speak with once I execute them.
@MGoBrew11 covered most of it. One of my DHs in VTs picked up TAR and just made O-6 and command of a region recruiting thing. He did Pentagon after his VTP DH ride and was pining for the one TAR VTP command slot, but didn't make that. I don't think he's flown much or at all since his DH ride and he's fine with that. Many folks just wanna fly and be left alone that if you want upward mobility, it's yours for the taking.
That’s a good point too. You don’t necessarily have to pursue aviation command to promote. Reserve management is also a viable path, just probably less well known and understood.
Not necessarily. The current MSW Actual was a VT guy (although he has amazing paper). I don't know this in any official capacity, but my educated guess is if he wanted to stay in, he could follow the current CNRFC's basic path and could make flag.
That said, historically the HSL/HSM TAR selection has been some percentage of at least 50% FRS throughout my time of paying attention (with an IP designation of either flavor being ~90% or higher).