Since everyone is throwing their two cents in, here I go...

I am a slightly bitter and disgrunteled AF dude who has had the unfortunate pleasure of flying for two crappy commanders. That aside, I love AD flying. Everyone is right when they say "do it for the right reasons." I was a product of the "Top Gun" generation, wanted to fly Navy since I was 7, but it didn't work out. Went through AFROTC and got my pilot slot, and have flown the C-21 (Lear 35) and the C-5 since pilot training.

Despite how much I love AD flying, I HATE the politics that goes into active duty. I would say that in my circle of friends 90% cant stand the politics and want to get out. On the other hand, my friends in the reserves LOVE the reserves!

The AD money is a big factor. If I took my pay (per diem, tdy pay, housing, etc) and jumped to the reserves or guard, I'd take somewhere around a $70k pay cut, per year!

If you want to work commercial, then I would say that guard/reserve is a good choice. If you want to hang for 10 years and see where it takes you, make tons of great friends, put up with some BS, and fly a ton (heavies vs fighters), then AD is for you.

If fighters is your dream, shoot the moon, dude! Don't let ANYTHING stop you from your dream. I wanted fighters, didn't get them, and love my job flying FRED.

Good luck with your choice