Everyone's giving you some pretty good info. My take: I'm very familiar with both. Generally speaking I would agree that the guard is more laid back than the reserves, but that can be very unit dependent. If you aren't prior service or an "old head", the laid back factor won't be all that apparent since your only experience would be with AETC(Air Eduation & Training Command), which is not laid back. After going through pilot training, almost any unit in the reserves or guard will be a breath of fresh air. Most times AFRC(Air Force Reserve Command) has more money than the guard, but again, that can change. With Iraq winding down, Afghanistan in it's current state, and our country in massive debt, it's anyone's best guess as to where things are headed. In regards to portability(moving around), it is more common and easier in AFRC. I doubt anyone on this post would dispute that. You can jump from unit to unit in the guard, but in my experience it is more prevalent and generally easier in the reserves. My suggestion; pick some units in both commands that you are interested in(if any are close to where you live or want to live) and try to visit the squadron's. Try and meet as many guys that you can and see if you like who you meet. That will do two things for you: 1. Give you a feel for a unit and 2. Help your chances of getting hired by showing an interest in that unit. I probably wouldn't broadcast that you are visiting multiple units, but again, this is all just my opinion. Good luck with whatever you decide. It's a long and challenging road to becoming a rated military pilot, but it's absolutely worth it.