Expert: Howard Lorenz - 3/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I'm getting into a tricky situation here. I entered into active duty air force on a four year enlistment in 2006 as open general because they didn't have any of the jobs I wanted. I got put in a job I absolutely hate at a base I also hate and have put in to palace chase out of here. Then they found that my security clearance when I initially entered the Air Force never got completed so I had to reopen it in February 2009 and I'm waiting on that to get back so I can start the process again. The thing is my enlistment is up June 2010. This is really throwing a monkey wrench into my plans and I don't know what to do anymore. I was planning on using the reserves as a guaranteed job in this economy so I'd at least have some money come in for sure while I got started in a new place. I also have a long-term goal of being a commercial pilot, which the air force isn't co-operating with, so I was going to work on flight lessons outside of the air force and try to land a job as a Flight Engineer so I could rack up some flying experience. My palace chase would commit me to two years, if it still manages to go as planned, and at the end of that if the AF was still pissing me off I'd leave and the economy most likely would be back by then. So I guess my question is how long/short is a reserve enlistment outside of a palace chase? And if I don't have any mx experience (2R1X1)should I not even bother then if I'm unable to palace chase in time?

ANSWER: Scott,

Let me ask you this question..

Have you looked into Embry Riddle Aeronautical University? Our TA benefits cover the degrees here as well. We have entered a partnership with ERAU, they train all of our pilots now.

You are able to get your pilots license and flight hours and all that even though you are at a base that you do not like.

Now Let me ask you another question... Have you updated your dream sheet and how often do you do it.. IF you want to get orders, then you have to update your dream sheet WEEKLY!!!

Those who update weekly get orders sooner.. Believe me it works, I advised one of my airman to do this,l he got orders with in a month now the lucky guy and his wife are basking in the sun at Hickam AFB!!

SO before you go cutting your nose off to spite your face, look into other avenues of getting another assignment, As for the career field, look into retraining. You can go into the vMPF and see what career fields are needing people.

Bottom line, yes you can go Palace chase, You WILL have to go to school and end up having to work full time and You WILL have to maintain a certain GPA to stay in the program. You are assigned to a reserve unit and have to attend the UTI weekends, EVEN if it interferes with your school & plans you have for that particular weekend..

BE Damn sure that you have all the information you need BEFORE punching out.. There are other opportunities that you have not explored yet. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!! or you will be kicking yourself in your own ass later for not doing it.!!

If you have trouble, recontact me and Ill help guide you in the right direction

H

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, I've been taking classes with Embry, working on a BS
Professional Aeronautics. I got a little over 60 credits
left. Also, I'll be clepping my last class for my CCAF this
Friday. I'd just like to have a normal life again closer to
home since I've spent nearly 4 years doing something I
hate, it feels like I've wasted 4 years of my life I'll
never get back. Also, Is there any AF assistance for flying
lessons?

Answer
Scott,

Dont look at it as time you will NEVER get back... Im sure that there was something that was memorable that happened during that time that was a positive. My career hasn't actually went to the letter that I wanted it either,  but I wouldn't trade anything for the time that I have had...as they say Everything happens for a reason. We are in control of our destinies..

The Base education office would have the answers, but I know that TA does cover ground school. You have to get with Base Education and the base Aero club to see what you need to do as far as getting that set up.

The other thing is... BE updating your deram sheet on VMPF weekly, there is a huge misconception that the dream sheet doesnt work!! WRONG!! The problem is that Airmen are not educated in fact that this must be updated weekly. What this does is virtually takes your sheet and pulls it from the bottom of the list and moves it up chronologically in the system. Want to PCS? UPDATE EVERY FRIDAY!!!

I had one of my airman that did what I told him to do faithfully, with in 2 months he got orders to Hickam!! So I know it works!!

If you are still at your first base.... PCS,  there is better places to go and better things to do.. The Air Force is HUGE...Get out and see the rest of it before making the decision to punch out!!

H