This is an article our newest Featured Flight Doc, Lt Col Robert SOJU Ryu, authored when he was just a lowly Major and a resident back in 2019. In this piece, SOJU detailed his experience flying fast jets with the Ohio ANG all while enduring the grueling training of an Orthopedic Surgery resident. Published originally for the SoUSAFS FlightLines Vol 32, Winter/Spring 2019. Enjoy!
So there I was.....at Shaw Air Force Base (AFB), getting ready to take terminal leave with my last day of active duty quickly approaching. I had just completed my fini-flight with "The World's Greatest Fighter Squadron," the 77th Fighter Squadron. It was a bittersweet moment, realizing it was likely the last time I would ever fly in the F-16 viper fighter jet. Yet, I was excited to move on with my medical career and start my orthopaedic surgery residency at The Ohio State University (OSU).
Through various contacts, I reached out to leadership at the medical group of the 180th Fighter Wing, with the Ohio Air National Guard (ANG), inquiring about a need for an additional flight surgeon. I had heard that one of their former flight surgeons served as a traditional guardsman, while in his emergency medicine residency. I asked if I could do the same during my residency. I was met with enthusiasm.
At the time, I signed a 3-year, $75,000 bonus, paid out $25,000 per year for 3 years (current bonus is up to $90k). To ensure there was no break in service, my start date in the ANG was set for the day following my active duty separation date.
Of course, I had to have the approval of my residency program. Fortunately, OSU is a very military friendly institution. When I started, 6 of our 30 residents were former or current military members. Over the subsequent 4 years, I attended more than 90% of my drills.
On a typical drill weekend, I spend Saturday completing Periodic Health Assessments (PHAs), occupational health exams, and shop visits. Sunday is normally reserved for training and meetings. Maintaining these currencies has allowed me to fly on a routine basis—on average once or twice every few months. I have accomplished roughly 25 flying hours over the past 4 years, adding up to 160 hours total flown in the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
I believe the biggest difference between the ANG and active duty is time—everything seems to happen faster and more efficiently than it does active duty. One drill weekend often feels like the equivalent of 1 month of active duty.
Would I do it all over again? Absolutely, I would do it all over again! I loved my time in the active duty Air Force, and I have loved my time in the ANG. The ANG has allowed me to continue to meet amazing people, travel to faraway lands, have incredible adventures, and fulfill my passion for aviation and aerospace medicine, all while progressing with my civilian medical career. I plan to continue serving for the foreseeable future.
