Good words from Adlerdriver.
Originally Posted by
Adlerdriver
Flying fighters in the Guard presents a similar problem as far as getting your hours. You may be available to an airline sooner if you become a part time traditional guardsman (after spending a few years as a full time pilot for training and your "seasoning" years). The problem is at ~250 hours per year, you won't meet the mins for an airline and as a part timer, you'll be logging them even slower. Staying on as a full timer may be an option depending on your Guard unit but you'll still be years away from meeting the mins.
That number is closer to 175-200/yr (maybe 250 if you deploy), and I don't see that getting any better anytime soon. You won't be setting any speed records to airline mins. If you truly want to fly fighters, I would purse that. While pursuing that, continue to build time and try to get a regional gig before going to pilot training...the guys that did this have the best deal going. Most of them come back to Captain seats and the pay that goes with it.
Having said that, you have your whole life to fly airliners. Go fly fighters and enjoy some of the most challenging/rewarding/fun flying you can ever imagine. Also, your pay will greatly outpace the regionals.
Go Air Guard and don't look back.
Goodluck!