Originally Posted by
scrappy633
Do you have to "join" star alliance or does it just happen?
... I should hit Gold by the end of the year.
Once I hit status on US air should I start using my CO FF and then work to get status with them?
You don't join Star Alliance. The AIRLINE joins Star - and US has already done that. When you reach Gold on US, you will be a Star Gold.
Silver status really means little. You need * Gold before you start realizing much benefit. Stay with one program at least until you reach Gold status.