Does anyone have advice about going from Active Duty to FTS?

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 08:21:10 -0400

Hello everyone,
I was wondering if anyone could give me some information about switching from active duty to FTS. I'm an AT2 approaching the end of my contract, and am considering all of my options. I've been trying to weigh the pros and cons of switching to FTS, but I have several questions.
First, how does the process of switching to FTS work? Do I simply re-enlist into the reserve component instead of active? If I do switch to FTS, would I still serve my remaining obligated time with my current command before moving on to a reserve unit? How about cross-rating...is this possible when switching to FTS? Finally, is there a different sea-shore rotation for FTS units?
Any information you may have would be helpful to me. And aside from my questions, if you guys have any insight about FTS vs AD that you think may help, I'd like to hear it. Thanks in advance to anyone who responds.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 3:47 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 15:47:42 -0400

AT2,
Go to the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) and talk to the Career Counselor and the staff there. Talk with the enlisted staff there as they are likely FTS and can give you some insight as to what FTS means to them and how their career looks like.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 5:58 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 17:58:29 -0400

AE2, first I would say talk to your CCC and request to put in a pkg. You would need to do a 1306 if they have AE as an FTS billet. I crossed over from USN to FTS in 08 and I was a PR3 at the time I evem crossed rated going HM. Things change so quickly in todays Navy, so I would highly suggest you speak to your Command Career Counselor. Hope this helps signed HM1

Response by PO1 Russell Henson made Oct 17 at 2014 2:59 AM

PO1 Russell Henson — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 02:59:27 -0400

Depends on what command you go to. You will have a better chance if you go to a SQN, specifically helos. FRC I level is locked up for AT2 trying to advance to AT1. I level can be very disappointing for someone coming from a SQN. But if you have family or school then it's a plus. Rotation is 3yrs shore duty.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2014 5:08 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 05:08:35 -0500

Thanks for the info everyone. Unfortunately, it looks like there are no convert out opportunities for AT at the moment. I'll probably wait a couple months to see if any opportunities pop-up, and if not, I'll reenlist and try for shore duty. Worst case scenario, I'll knock out some more of my masters degree and hopefully make rank again.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 9:54 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 21:54:30 -0500

I was an AT when I was BRAC'd out of the AD Navy and forced into the Ready Reserve. I enlisted into the Air National Guard as a drill status guardsman an continued as an AT. (The Air Nationl Guard is a reserve component of the Air Force. My Air Force Specialy was 2A0X1D, which is one of the specialties that would fall under the AT rating in the Navy.) I learned of two programs that would allow a drill status guardsman become a full time person. One that I think is similar to the FTS that you refer to is what we call AGR --- Active Guard Reserve. This program is used by the Air Force and the Army that allows reserve component members of both branches to work for a reserve or national guard unit on long term active duty orders. Many of them stay long enough to get an active duty retirement. This is the status I current work under. For positions in the Air National Guard and the Army National Guard, you have to search the individual state websites under the dept of military and veterans affairs, which is headed by the Adjutant General for each state. I do not know how the find listings for the Army Reserve and Air Force Reserve, but their out there.

The othe program is through the civil service system. Under that arrangement, you remain a drill status reserve component but you work full time receiving a salary under the GS, WG or WS pay scale. I used to work under this status. The are a number opportunities like this posted on the http://www.usajobs.gov website.

Switching from the Navy to the Reserve component of the Air Force is painless compaired to going to a reserve component of the Army because you will not be required to return to basic training...a huge plus that I took advantage of.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 10:02 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 22:02:52 -0500

Since you are this close to your ETS, this would be the best time to seek the assistance of an Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve recruiter. There are a number of specialties that are similar to the naval employment codes of the AT rating. NEC was 6668 - EA6B ECM specialist. My Air Force Specialty is 2A0X1D --Intermediate level ECM Pod technician for the A-10 and F-16.

Response by PO1 Kyle Crippen made Feb 13 at 2015 1:27 PM

PO1 Kyle Crippen — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 13:27:26 -0500

As a retired (TAR/FTS) ATC is very tight, something to think about long term.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 1:57 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 13:57:26 -0400

I was AD 2003-2008. Had a kid, so I transferred to the Reserves. Even though I shared hanger spaces on AD with VP-92 (I was VP-26 at the time), I had NO IDEA how differently things operated. It was a culture shock to say the least. FTS is a good deal if it is important to not be gone from home for long periods of time. The Det/Deployment cycle is much shorter ~6-12 weeks (but more frequent in my experience) than an AD command. Advancement is REALLY tight for any aviation advancement to E-6 & above. Check the manning spreadsheet to get a realistic expectation about going above E-5. My CCC is always trying to get the Avionics guys to cross rate to the open rates (ie. boat jobs). All 3 reserve squadrons I have been with have had a different (more tense/stressful) atmosphere than my AD commands because it is commonplace for people to be HYT. Some head reserve officer (forgive me, I'm HORRIBLE with names) came & talked to us earlier this year & broke it down to us like this: Budget cuts=Squadrons decommissioning=less planes, but more people (the maintainers who's billets went away, but they are still employed by the USNR)=overmanned rates=no advancement. It has been this way as long as I've been in the USNR & there doesn't appear to be any quick fix to the problem, just time to dwindle down the numbers. If you have a degree then you really ought to look into your commissioning options. I've got a ton of resources if you want to PM me for more info.
Lastly, BUT NOT LEAST, I have to put a plug in for the VR community. It is one of the best-kept secrets of the USN!
(Prop planes will always be home for me! Lol)

Response by PO1 Ernie Johnson made May 24 at 2016 7:01 AM

PO1 Ernie Johnson — Tue, 24 May 2016 07:01:40 -0400

I concur with Daniel. I retired as a AT1, all 20 as FTS/TAR. I enjoyed the time and what I got to do, plus the places I went. At that time I was offered aircrew and took it. But I was rentenioned out at 20 for not making Chief.

Response by CAPT Lyle Brown made May 24 at 2016 7:47 AM

CAPT Lyle Brown — Tue, 24 May 2016 07:47:16 -0400

FTS = "Full-Time SELRES"
In all seriousness, these days being a FTS is very different from the old days being a TAR. As a TAR, you were pretty much still part of the AC, at least in terms of pay, orders, longevity, etc. These days, FTS is more treated like a form of Active Duty for a member of the RC. Think of it as longer term ADSW, or ADT. Point is, you never know when it will be someone else's turn and you will become a regular SELRES.
-Navy Reserve Captain, Retired

Response by PO3 William Farinas made May 24 at 2016 11:31 AM

PO3 William Farinas — Tue, 24 May 2016 11:31:36 -0400

I was a high year ten year and was given the option to cross rate or finish my time and hope for advancement. It is a tuff call for you to make. You only have one chance to cross rate so make sure if that is what you want to do. You schooled be able to do that before your contract is over. As far as sea shore rotation, you have one weekend a month and two weeks a year. I am not sure if it is still the same. Your two weeks you might be deployed over seas once a year. If you go active reserve than its almost like being on active duty, but as a reservist. If you are planing on going reservist, you might want to thank about it hard because you loose a lot of your privileges such as use of the NEX and Hospital. You will only have use to the base when you are on duty. I have been out for along time so you need to ask your consular. Good Luck to you!! I would not get out if I were you because jobs are very hard to come by.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 11:33 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 23:33:49 -0400

FTS is getting more and more locked up, especially with squadrons dis-establishing and there are not a lot of I level billets on the FTS side. AT has more than the other aviation rates, but you would be stuck at New Orleans, Fort Worth, Andrews AFB, and Mcguire AFB. With FTS on the O level side, you will likely move a lot because most bases only have one squadron that is FTS. I spent 13 years FTS and made it to AEC before picking up LDO, so it is possible to promote.

Your year group will determine if you can convert out of AD and into FTS, check the community manager page to see what is available.

I would recommend stay AD unless you truly want to go into the reserves. There isn't good enough advancement in FTS at this time.

Also, I would plug VR for the nice lifestyle, and the HSM60 or HSC85 if you like Helicopters. The reserve side can be fun and rewarding, just make sure you talk to people there first, it is a different world!

Best of luck to you AT2!

Response by PO1 Elverton Chin made May 26 at 2016 12:00 PM

PO1 Elverton Chin — Thu, 26 May 2016 12:00:25 -0400

PO2,
I am an AM1 retired after 22 years in the service. I believe I am qualified to assist you with your situation. I was on active duty for nine years, got out to be a civilian, and then three years later I returned to re-enlist as a reserve. I do not regret joining the service, but my only regret is not staying on active duty until retirement. If you stay on active duty until retirement, you collect your pension regardless of what age you are. As a reserve, you do not collect your pension until age 60 years old. Had I known all of this while on active duty, I would have stayed in. It is a cruel world on the civilian side, and it is not as rosy as some people make it to be. I do not know your age, but if you are young and I believe you may be. This is what I would do at a young age, I would stay on active duty until retirement and collect my pension at a young age. Then get out and start another career as a civilian. Here is the advantage of doing this, your pension could be your monthly car payment or your monthly mortgage payment on a house, while you are starting your second career. This best advice I would give to anyone. If you choose not to go this route and still wish to become a reserve. Prior to the end of your contract, approach a recruiter and inform him/her of your desire to re-enlist as a reserve. I would recommend you staying as an AT2 as you already have seniority and experience in your field. If you choose to get out of the service and then think about it, one word of advice, you have to re-enlist in the reserve before three years or you will be drop one rate below to AT3. Please verify this with the recruiter as the three years may have changed since I became a reserve. As a reserve, you are normally assigned to the nearest base where you live. Sometimes, your drive time could be as much as three hours away from home, so that depends on where you live. On the other hand, if you are trying to stay with your current command as a reserve, please approach your career counselor there to ask for assistance. There is no guarantee with this option as it goes by vacancy and if you are needed there. You have to complete your active duty obligation first with your current command and then re-enlist as a reserve instead of active duty with a recruiter. If you are trying to cross rate into another rating, it may mean a drop in pay grade as you have no experience in that new field and again, please verify this your with recruiter. As a reserve, you do not rotate as the active duty personnel do. You are normally at the same command until retirement. The only exception to this, is if you choose to relocate to another State to live and the necessary paperwork have to be done prior to the next gaining command. This is another ball game with the your current command and your new gaining command, if you should decide one day decide to do this. Well, I hope I have answered all your questions and if you have any more questions, I will be happy to assist you. I am AM1 Elverton Chin (AW) USN Retired.