I enlisted out of high school as an aircraft mechanic, and now I'm competitive for major airlines with heavy aircraft mechanical experience, a fully funded bachelor's and MBA, instructor pilot time, and in a couple years, a vested 20-year ANG retirement. I have seen the world flying a military cargo plane and didn't have to go more than 100 miles from my hometown for college (fully paid by ANG, on top of a scholarship). It's a short drive for the non-flying portion of my military career and the local training flights. It's a great gig, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to serve.

As others have said, the guard units are like a family, and they love to hire their own. If you find a place you'd like to spend a few years, and they (or another unit in that state) have a plane you think you would like to fly when you graduate, go talk to a recruiter and meet some folks from the unit.

Another advantage is that you can continue to serve as you learn in the civilian sector as a student, regional pilot, fireman, or whatever you want to do. The USAFA package is an attractive one, and I'd be pleased to see any of my children follow that path. For me, the guard has given me the fullest life.