Leaderboard

Yes, we know... there was no official "runner up". But the fact that there are people like Noah out there... he's not the only one... and they elected to go with this decision... well, that's a defacto runner up in my book. Actually, it's far beyond just that.

I haven't seen the JMO program offered on USAA's website for a few months, but wanted to share my experience. A little about me...I chose to take VSP about this time last year an applied, got accepted, and separated on 31 Dec 2014. I filed my VA disability claim early in Dec 2014 so my claim was decided and finalized in four months (unheard of, but getting better). I only mention this to say that anyone separating should immediately request records from their medical clinic on base, because it takes three months for them to copy them down for you. I had an immediate job after separation with an investment company and life seemed to be good. I was moving back to my home state and was going to spend the rest of my days in one place. Needless to say, this "great deal" ended up being a big steaming pile and I walked away immediately. Due to legal implications, I will not mention the firm's name, but I recommend everyone read the following website if you are offered an investment position with any of the firms. https://​https://www.financialindustryscam.com/index.htm I moved back to my home state with no job, and a family to feed, but we have made it work in a phenomenal manner. I applied to over 30-50 jobs a week on various sites, but never used any of the headhunter firms mentioned above. I also applied to USAA as well, but found they typically only hire from within and will move you up from the bottom. This is not uncommon at every military and Veteran's recruiting fair that I have attended. Most companies are looking for you to start at a beginner's level and a beginners salary. While this is not a bad thing necessarily, I was fortunate to be much more picky when the right job came along. I got a telephone call out of the blue asking if I'd be interested in a GS job out of my home state, and I said yes. Three interviews later, I got the job and will be moving again shortly. I share my side of this because the unemployment to employment process sucks very badly if you are not prepared. I believe my TAP program was phenomenal at my previous base. I would not have applied for VA compensation if the DAV rep had not been there, and I'm very thankful I did in the end. A few rules I've learned in the process. 1. Never underestimate the power of a referral from a friend. I received two interviews this way that turned into opportunities I eventually turned down for the GS job. 2. If you simply submit a resume and don't follow up afterward, don't expect to get the job. 3. Don't get discouraged if at all possible. 4. Start early finding a job. The USAF will run itself long after you are gone. My last boss tried to tell me not to take any PTDY or terminal leave because I already had something lined up. I took what I'd earned and was allowed to and I don't regret it at all. 5. The job search takes a long time. Although I have to move out of my home state, I am very happy to be given a government position that will allow me to retire in less than ten years if I deem necessary. Also, once you are in, you have a better possibility of transferring to a state of your choosing later on. 6. Get all of the civilian certifications you can while on Active Duty (Six Sigma, PMP, MBA, etc...). It's a very competitive world out there, and certifications can get your foot in the door. ***Bonus - I wrote a letter of recommendation for a close friend to teach English as a second language (ESL) in Japan. He made a little over 30K per year, but loved his experience over there and he had two months off a year. I'd have done that in a heartbeat if I hadn't chosen a family first. Maybe when I retire from government work***

How can you show career progression when you go straight to the MoH so early?

Just added my CSEL last year. Background is A-10/T-38 IP/EP and ATP with numerous large aircraft type ratings. No single engine time meant I had to do the checkride. I ended up flying 4-5 hours with an instructor in a 172 prior to the check which I flew with a DPE who happened to be a First Officer with AA. We did normal, short field, soft field takeoffs and landings, chandelle, 8's around a pylon, stalls, and a power off 180 to a landing. I'd rate my least graceful event was landing. Finding that flare picture with my butt just a couple feet off the ground after decades of 10 feet or better took a few attempts before I found something reasonable.

Dude, are you posting drunk or representing the Chinese? All your mice are belong to us.