i may be totally wrong, but being the guard or reserve CAN NOT be a reason a company turns you down...therefore you do not have to tell them you are still in the guard. In fact, my reserve component commander told me its illegal for them to ask you. But I am not sold on that.

Jetcaptain has a well outlined plan. I am however glad I went the Guard route and not Active Duty. This is based on my interactions with Active Duty folks on four deployments and some training temporary duties (TDYs).

I personally would not recommend Active Duty in most cases. I'm not trying to start a battle on the forum here, but my honest opinion is not to go AD. Feel free to contact me personally if anyone would like to talk about enlisting in the military, I will try to provide what guidance I can.

I do believe that an employer cannot ask if a person in currently serving in the Guard. However, in an interview a lot can "fly" because what are you gonna do? Complain and **** them off and surely not get hired? :) For me a lot of my experience has come from my Guard membership and so shows up on my resume. Of course it's written in past tense, but the employer may infer I am still in.

The crazed look in my eye might also be another give away!

Do you have to stay in the Reserves for 6 years to get the GI Bill benefits? Just wondering.

Yes but as a Pilot, you're in for 10 to start with anyways so the point is moot.