Nate,
Sorry about your luck, but your experience is not mine... Have been an commissioned Army Aviator for almost thirteen years, and except for the past year (in school), they have all been in operational flying positions. Don't know your assignment history, but I have always been able to get on the schedule as a staff guy. It isn't easy because it means usually means double the time and effort (inbox is still waiting for you after landing), but your reward is to stay relevant, build time, and remain connected to the line aviators. The flight time is usually there, but you have go looking for it. As a staff aviator, are you making an effort to stay in the books, in the simulator, volunteering for the less-glamorous flights (weekend static displays, test flights, ferry flights, etc.), asking for a check ride when DES comes around? If not, you're missing opportunities. If you've been a PIC before, then chances are you are a potentially valuable
asset to the unit who supports you - you just have to spin it right... Volunteer to help track and keep the other FAC 2 aviators current - help the CDR, PLs, and IPs manage the schedule for the FAC 2 guys by being proactive. It can be done and if you stick it out, a subsequent assignment may allow you more flight time/enjoyment. Besides, now more than ever, your service and branch need you - glamorous job or not...
Or you can try to switch branches into a community with very few RW assets, potentially putting yourself behind the career curve in the process. Be advised it is also one where the RW pilot is a second class citizen. Think I'm bullshitting? Less than two years ago, I was at an Air Force school that had a joint mix of all types of pilots and navigators - When we were introducing ourselves/services/and airframes, the AF helo guy stood up and said his piece. Afterward, I observed 4-5 AF jet jockeys laughing about how they didn't even know they had helos! How's that for a close knit community?
Whatever you do, before you make a decision, do your homework on everything involved in switching services. Will branch even let you go right now? What is your ADSO? FWIW, talking to an Air Force recruiter is not going to be helpful. You need to talk with an AF helo pilot to see how much greener the grass on the other side is...
hug.gifRLTW,
Copperhead