Hi Robspenc,
I did the ANG after traditional college, and good call on going to college first! College was a great experience, and if you don't have to, don't miss out on that.

What is your overall goal? Do you really want to fly for the military, or is your eventual goal to be an airline pilot? If airlines are your goal, keep in mind that times have changed, and if you go the civilian route, you can be flying for an airline not long after college; the airlines are hurting for people.

If you are thinking you really want to fly military, I would recommend ANG over AFRC, and I wouldn't recommend active duty at all, unless you really like being in a crappy place for 200 days a year.

Since you are a junior in HS, you have a lot of time to think about this, which is good, because it is a huge decision. Keep in mind that we have been in multiple wars for over 16 years, and it will probably be going on for many years. Even in the ANG, you can expect multiple deployments (we go every year... and it really is like Groundhog Day.) We also participate in wars no one talks about, like in Yemen (it's no small moral matter to help the Saudis, when they have killed thousands of civilians in that country.) If you are okay with all of this, then the military can be a good move for you. Just have an idea what you are actually signing up for.

No matter what, focus primarily on school right now. Go to college, major in something that you can do well in. It matters far more to get good grades than WHAT you are studying. (i.e. Don't study Engineering and get Cs, when you could enjoy and score better grades in a Liberal Art.) I know flying is expensive, but try to get your Private at least. Working at an FBO could be good (I did that, too...) because it exposes you to aviation, and may even get you a discount on flight time. Basically, make yourself the best possible candidate you can, so when it comes time to apply to units (or airlines!) you can show that you are a hard worker, and have really wanted to do this. And stay out of trouble; a DUI can easily end a career before it starts, military or civilian.

As for your question about where to apply... you can apply wherever you want. Some units like to hire local people, since they assume they are already invested in the local area, and are more likely to stay for their whole career, but I have seen people hired from all over. I would not recommend enlisting first, unless you REALLY want to. (I have seen more than a few people enlist first, then get selected for a pilot slot, only to be disqualified on their flight physical. It is heartbreaking.)

The military worked for me, because the airline industry was in the toilet when I was applying (I already had my ratings...) but honestly, I would do things differently if I were starting out now.

Everyone is different... just have a realistic idea and expectation of what it means to fly for the military (or the airlines, for that matter.) Try to talk to as many people, both military and civilian, about their experiences. Take your time, enjoy college, be safe. Good luck, and feel free to PM me if you have any questions!