The differences are probably not enough to worry about, but the general consensus is the guard is more laid back. If you have offers from both, I would say go guard. But until you get an offer, pursue every option.
Functionally the guard is under control of the state governor, unless the unit is activated by the feds under title ten (which is happening a lot since 9/11. The guard can also be activated by the governor for state emergencies, but that depends on what kind of aircraft you fly...if the state needs F-16s, that would be a very serious emergency indeed.
USAFR is funded totally by the fed. ANG is funded partly by the state. I think the largest impact this has is on manpower...the ANG may have different manpower rules that the federal military services, especially with regards to retirement. This is not a big deal for someone who is just starting out.
Generally, AFRC has more money. Better for those who want to give more than a true traditional reservist participation. Hopes for full time positions et al. However, in the Guard there's a higher pool of stand alone units, as opposed to the cancer of TFI/TFE that's overtaken the AFRC. In 10 years we will all be active duty anyways, or not in the military at all.......
I still need to finish my education first, so I haven't applied to either yet. I'm definitely interested in pursuing one of them after graduation though and I want to make a good decision.
The guard seems like a great choice. The only thing I don't like is that if you secure a flying contract it seems like you need to be committed to it for a decent amount of time. I can be commited to serving for 6 years, 8 years, or whatever it is. However, I don't know if I can be committed to living in one state for that long... Do the reserves provide more flexibility with where you can live? Or do you have to live where they tell you?
The ANG has better education benefits overall than the AFRES. If you are out of high school and looking for a way to finish college without a ton of debt, then the ANG is for you. Most states offer some sort of tuition and book program that is nearly free if not completely free for its in state schools for enlisted members of their National Guard. There is a guy where I work who just enlisted for a loadmaster spot in 130s on that very program. He has at least a private civilian ticket and hopes to eventually get picked up for a UPT slot. BTW, those tuition benefits are on top of whatever G.I. Bill benefits everyone else on active duty or in the reserve components receive.
You can live where ever you wish, but getting to the unit for your required training events and whatever it takes to remain current is going to be up to you. Very few units in either the ANG or AFRES pay travel for their members to come in to work. If you are fortunate enough to find a unit who wants to hire you, it would be in your best interests to live as close as possible. The only guys who live out of town are usually the ones who already have airline jobs and use their jumpseat/travel benefits to commute to the unit.
The current commitment for flight training in the USAF to include the ANG/AFRES is ten years. That commitment is not to the unit itself, but to the DOD. You can change units after flight school, but that is a whole new thread and discussion. Let us just say, that is usually pretty difficult to accomplish. The unit you wish to join either will have to pay to train you on their airframe, or fly the airframe you currently operate.
Good luck with your research and thank you for giving consideration to joining the military to serve your country.
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.
It's a long and challenging road to becoming a rated military pilot, but it's absolutely worth it.
Thank You for the ecouraging words.
Everything you guys have said has helped me alot. After reading it I think it would definitely be worth talking to representatives from both agenecies and ultimately going with whoever throws the best deal on the table.
I am currently in the Army Reserve looking to transfer to the Air Force Reserve or ANG. I will be talking to a reserve recruiter on Tuesday to see what I can do. I would like to go Predator operator but not sure if that option is available to me. Also I think at WPAFB there are transforming from F-15's to MQ-1's (Predators).
I'll let you know more info after my talk with a recruiter.
Many ANG require that you live within a set distance from the unit, thus allowing max participation and minimum family interference. Transferring between Guard units on the fighter side is not so easy as many units frown on the practice. If you are selected by one of them prepare to spend some time at that location.
The ANG is a great place to fly and I would guess the AF Reserves would be the same.
A word of free advice from a guy once on the selection board, stay away from the line who ever throws you the best deal will get you. Most units have enough applicants to take the position that it is YOU that has to offer THEM the best deal.
I am currently in the Army Reserve looking to transfer to the Air Force Reserve or ANG. I will be talking to a reserve recruiter on Tuesday to see what I can do. I would like to go Predator operator but not sure if that option is available to me. Also I think at WPAFB there are transforming from F-15's to MQ-1's (Predators).
I'll let you know more info after my talk with a recruiter.
Thank you. What is making you want to switch?
And airbum- Thank you for the advice, I understand competition is stiff
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