I've been jumping around from forum to forum trying to learn a little more about each "branch" of Military flying. There's a ton of good info out there (baseops, wantscheck) but it's still all a little over my head. It gets confusing and I have a tough time distinguishing the differenced in each; ANG, AFRES, AF Active, ROTC, Enlisted, OTS, etc, etc.

Anyone want to spell it out for me? keep in mind I'm a blank slate when it comes to this so just a general overview would be fine; acceptance process, full-time/part-time, QOL, "If I could start over in your shoes I would _____." Links to info are better, for both of us...

I'm just looking to build a good foundation of knowledge before I visit a recruiter, because as far as I'm concerned that's the only real way to get this thing rolling. I know it gets old posting the same information when people bomb the forum with lengthy threads about themselves and want to know "what are my chances." Each person is at a different point in life and have different things under their belt. I thought I would add a quick overview of myself in case anyone wants to make any recommendations.

24 yrs, BS Degree (3.4), PPL (50TT), A&P Mechanic, Civil Air Patrol

Probably not the correct forum, but any information on what an A&P license could do for me in the military would be greatly appreciated also. Would I be able to get in earlier working as an A&P while awaiting/working toward a flight slot? How about ANG mechanic? Working 2 days a month on one airframe, while working ~16 at my civilian job seems like retention of knowledge might be an issue? I don't know, I'm all ears...

EDIT: Not sure how I missed the entire drop-down "Pilot Slot Resources" on wantscheck. Answers just about everything. Still open to suggestion however.