MEDCON vs Civilian Disability Pay

[Rated Flyer 4 Life]

I currently am a O-3 and DNIF from an injury I just encountered on a deployment 2 months ago. I had to get surgery last month and I am currently recovering. The doc says I should be able to come off DNIF status in the next 3 months. 
 

I am still on my deployment orders, but they expire in the next 3 weeks. I already submitted a LOD, but now I am debating whether to do MEDCON orders or use my airline pilot disability program instead. The airline pilot disability program pays me more than what I make in the Air Force when on AD orders. 
 

I normally am a TR and my family and I live 800 miles away from my reserve unit. My only issue with MEDCON is that if I come on those orders then I will need to move down to where my unit is and come in full time. Given that I’m still recovering and that my family has no plans of moving anytime soon, I am trying to weigh what makes the most sense here. Does MEDCON benefit my military career in any kind of way or would I be better to just go with my civilian disability plan and be with my family? 

Edited Friday at 01:00 AM by Rated Flyer 4 Life

[brabus]

Are you planning on trying to get an active retirement? If so, that’s the only benefit I could see in taking these orders (given the factors you mentioned). As a side note, if that is your goal, you’d better move close to the unit or else this will be a long, painful road. If you are good with a TR retirement, then take the airline deal and go heal up at home.

[Rated Flyer 4 Life]

Yeah I’ve realized after this injury, that I need to move my Air Force duty closer to home. Not looking for an active retirement at all. 

[brabus]

Do you live in base for the airlines? If you’re commuting to both, especially as an O3 with a long ways to 20, you are going to crash and burn with one of your careers or your family.

[Rated Flyer 4 Life]

No, currently don’t live in base for either. My airline base is MCO and then I can drive to my reserve unit from there. I commute down and then do both. 
 

I’m looking into switching my reserve unit to be back up north and be only a 1-2hr drive from my house. As for the airlines I could switch my airline base to ORD or somewhere a lot closer as well or continue the commute to MCO if it’s easy. 
 

I also am thinking about the reserve UPT IP gig if I could swing that since it sounds pretty flexible. Either way I would like to start spending more time at home with my family and flying for the airline more while still doing my Air Force duty. 

Edited 14 hours ago by Rated Flyer 4 Life

[brabus]

Personally I’d find a unit closer to where you live, and consider changing base to ORD. Get both jobs within the “local” region - your family QOL will be much better. Look at the guard too, don’t just limit it to reserves. 

[Rated Flyer 4 Life]

How is the transfer process from reserve to guard? Also is it wise to talk to my SQ/CC first before talking to other units or what advice do you have when it comes to making the actual switch? 

[brabus]

The transfer is “just paperwork.” Your losing unit/AFRC will have to release you to the new unit/guard, transfer your UPT ADSC over, etc. I would tell your SQ/CC you are starting to look into this plan due to the hardship on the family and its long term unsustainability. Any good human should understand and be supportive. Hopefully he’ll also be willing to help you with the search (e.g. reach out to other CCs in your local region to vouch for you, ask for transfer help, etc.)

[Rated Flyer 4 Life]

Thanks a ton for the advice. 90% sure that when I do transfer to a new unit I will need to TX to a new airframe as well. I know guys transition a decent amount so I don’t think it should be too big of a deal.