Here's what I've learned: All units are different - some let you commute and some require you to live with in XXmiles of the base.

I don't have any experience with this, but I've asked several people both online and over the phone when calling different units. If you though those guys were assholes and don't feel comfortable with competition amongst your peers, or think being 33 yrs old and still studying for several hours on a day you're not flying is bullshit, then it may not be for you. If you enjoyed sports in high school/college, the camaraderie and competition, then you'll probably like it. QOL in good the flying/mission is phenomenal - do you want to fly at 100' AGL and 50K in the same sortie, blow assholes up, shoot missiles, fly in all corners of the world, go on awesome TDYs, etc? It's a great lifetstyle, but not for all.it's competitive, can be more stressful (good and bad), etc.

The guard fighters GENERALLY do 2-3 month deployments, unlike AD's 6 month standard. Flight hours are less overall, but flight hours are also not 'equal' either.1 hr in a C-17 is not a direct comparison to 1 hr in a F-16 there's a reason fighter guys are getting hired by airlines at the bare minimum requirements, so I wouldn't personally be extremely concerned with 'total hours' if airlines are eventually your desire. (I've searched the forums and didn't find anything specifically to fighter/attack/bomber.)ĬRM is not limited to heavies - it fully exists in the fighter world, you're just working with guys in another jet (single seat world). My question is: what is life like for reserve/guard fighter/attack/bomber pilots? What kind of jobs do they have outside of their part time military etc.? I am curious and interested in applying to fighter wings, but I do not know enough to sell myself. The lifestyle of these pilots is very appealing to me, 3-4 month deployments, they can rack up hours a lot easier then a fighter/attack/bomber pilot could, possibly gain more relevant experience for the airlines with the utilization of CRM and working with an aircrew and even possibly be flying a militarized version of an aircraft utilized by airlines, Example: C-40, DC-10. Up until this point I have only been exposed to transport/cargo/refueling aircraft and pilots. I recently separated from Active Duty AF to finish my degree, BS in Aviation Flight, with the intention to apply to AF Reserve/Air National Guard units and compete for a pilot slot.

Fighter pilot slots ang vs reserves