Thanks for all your great comments. I'll be meeting with a guard recruiter who also recruits active duty next week, and getting the ball rolling! It shows a lot about this career path to hear from guys in their 33rd or 17th year. Flyarmy, Greggo, and Rmepilot, thanks again for your comments. I'll be sure to pick your brains over the next few weeks.

P.S. "Whirlybirds" as a regiment nickname? No?