If you want to avoid a MOB as a 1315 in the Reserve:
- Change your designator when you off ramp (several NAVIFOR designators are undermanned but avoid 1835 at all costs, it's a dumpster fire). If you have a technical degree, consider 1825/IP
- Stay 1315 and transfer to the VTU after your 2-year dwell time expires
I have two O4 pilots in my VTU. One a former rotary wing (now pilot for American), and the other a former fixed wing (now a pilot for FedEx). They are riding it out and are loving life, especially the last 1.5 years since we have been doing "telecommuting" drill weekends. We've drilled once at the NOSC for Unit in the Spotlight. Everything else we've done virtually including all "GMT" which I send out via PDF.
Remember, in the Reserve you are
entitled to 20 years commissioned service (this is different that 20 total qualifying years of service). You can FOS for O5 as many times as you want but keep in mind when you hit 20 years commissioned service, you will be force retired.
If you want to avoid employment issues while in the Reserve:
- Do not tell anyone you work with or your "boss" about your Reserve status until it is absolutely necessary. No one. You are not required to disclose this to your employer. You will list it on the official employer job application but hiring managers do not look at this, they look at your resume
- Do not list your Reserve status on your resume. This includes removing your security clearance from your resume. Your resume is a marketing tool and is not used as anything official from a job application standpoint
- Do not ask stupid questions during the interview process about the employers military leave policy or anything military related. Do your own research and find out
I've followed the above to a "t" and have never had any issues with employers. The only times I have had issues with employers is when I bring up my Reserve status
before I am hired (i.e., listing it on my resume or mentioning it during the interview process).