Hello, I'm looking for some guidance to plan a few moves ahead in my career. Here's the details:
I'm an NFO. I've just left my shore tour and checked into Test Pilot School. I currently have 11 years TIS (joined in 2007, break in service for school). By accepting TPS, I agree not to tender resignation from AD for at least 4 years after graduation (so basically 5 years from now). And I must serve a minimum 24 month tour (typically 36 month) as a follow-on tour in a devtest squadron.
I don't know what to do after. I'm fine staying on AD even through my 20 year mark, but what's weighing on me heavily is my family, or lack thereof. I need to stop taking jobs which run me into the ground and focus on my home/dating life a bit.
I have zero interest in being a DH because the bonus is not worth it, and I saw how my DHs got used and abused. Similarly zero interest in making command and following any golden path.
What happens if I make O-4 but decline DH? What billets will I be able to take? I would ideally like to take a job in the Pentagon or some other office in DC, where I can stay on AD, but live in a real city instead of military town.
Also considering SELRES, but not sure if they'll take a guy with 16 years in. Also I'd still have to do some sort of disassociated first. This would allow me to also kickstart a civilian career with the TPS background.
Open to lat transferring too, but I'm not sure which communities will help me reach my goals. AEDO is a natural progression, but that's going to be more of the same, unless I can do it as a reservist.
To be clear, my goals hereon out are location location location. I'm wrapping up my military career and I'm looking to establish a life somewhere. I'm open to anything.
Thank you.
I'm an NFO. I've just left my shore tour and checked into Test Pilot School. I currently have 11 years TIS (joined in 2007, break in service for school). By accepting TPS, I agree not to tender resignation from AD for at least 4 years after graduation (so basically 5 years from now). And I must serve a minimum 24 month tour (typically 36 month) as a follow-on tour in a devtest squadron.
I don't know what to do after. I'm fine staying on AD even through my 20 year mark, but what's weighing on me heavily is my family, or lack thereof. I need to stop taking jobs which run me into the ground and focus on my home/dating life a bit.
I have zero interest in being a DH because the bonus is not worth it, and I saw how my DHs got used and abused. Similarly zero interest in making command and following any golden path.
What happens if I make O-4 but decline DH? What billets will I be able to take? I would ideally like to take a job in the Pentagon or some other office in DC, where I can stay on AD, but live in a real city instead of military town.
Also considering SELRES, but not sure if they'll take a guy with 16 years in. Also I'd still have to do some sort of disassociated first. This would allow me to also kickstart a civilian career with the TPS background.
Open to lat transferring too, but I'm not sure which communities will help me reach my goals. AEDO is a natural progression, but that's going to be more of the same, unless I can do it as a reservist.
To be clear, my goals hereon out are location location location. I'm wrapping up my military career and I'm looking to establish a life somewhere. I'm open to anything.
Thank you.
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