Like everyone says, there are many ways to get your wings.

For me: Joined the Guard as a Crew Chief while I attended college, after I got my degree I applied for a Pilot slot. Being prior enlisted in the same unit I got hired to fly at deffinetly helped! Although I know numerous guys that have been hired off of the street as well.

By being enlisted first like others have mentioned, means most of your school can be paid for by the military. Once you graduate you can go out and apply at every Guard unit in the coutry if you wish. At least by being an enlisted member you will have some more knowledge as to what you might want to fly when you start applying and you have the tuition help while in school.

As far as the Guard goes, they care more about the person and personality than "credentials."

I ended up being enlisted right at six years before I went to officer school, now I fly the Herk and freakin' love it! I have been in for 8yrs this month.