Another Zoomie here. No regrets and I did a full career...but...

When I was there, if you were (physically) pilot qualified (PQ), you were expected to go to UPT. In fact, if you were PQ and you did NOT want to go to UPT, you had to talk your way up the chain and explain why not.

Now if you're PQ and you want to fly, you "volunteer" for a "rated assignment" (I think that's the term). Here's the kicker, "rated assignments" are UPT, UAVs or air battle managers (AWACS back-enders). You're racked and stacked against every other PQ person in your class and they have an assignment event where you pick what you want from what's left. From what I've heard, UPT slots outweigh the other two by a lot, but there's a real possibility you might end up NOT going to UPT.

My info might be a little off, but that's the gist of it. Far be it from me to dissuade someone from going to the USAFA if you really want it. But you have to want it for more than a pilot slot. I made lifelong friends and had great experiences you don't get in a "real" school. Oh, and a great education. But we missed out on a lot too. You need to decide what your real goals are. If you simply want to fly military and get on with airlines ASAP, more power to you, but you will hate every day at the USAFA. I realized after the first week wanting to be an AF pilot wasn't nearly enough motivation to make me put up with the place.

**EDIT** after re-reading OP's post: good on you for wanting to serve, ANG/AFRES/AD will all give you the opportunity.

One of your comments really got my attention (my first assignment was as a UPT IP), something about gaining seniority at a regional while at UPT. The only way you'll be able to do that is if you're on MIL leave from your regional the entire time you're at UPT. There's no way you'll be able to do anything but UPT while you're there. You might already know this, but I wasn't sure what you meant by that comment.

Get your ratings ASAP. Graduate and get a regional job with a flow through regional airline (currently only with AA regionals). Take a military leave of absence for UPT. Your flow date to the major doesn't change due to your military service.

*THAT's* living the dream.

Lots of AD guys wish they'd known about the ANG before they committed to AD.

Number of ANG guys that say they wish they'd gone AD instead of being in the ANG? That's a very, very, small minority.

Yep!

Double yep!

Wow I wasn't expecting so much input so quickly! Thank you all for your opinion!! I'm definitely getting the consensus of going ANG. If I decide to go this route do you all suggest trying to get all my ratings before I apply for a slot or would that be a waste of money? In addition, is it harder to get a slot to out of state units? I know most people join ANG to be able to remain in their home state, but I want to experience some place new. At my young age I have a strong itch to get out and see what's beyond my home state.

If you don't mind the reserves vs the guard, you can submit an unsponsored package and any unit can hire you.


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If you get your ratings you'll be more competitive as a candidate at an ANG unit. But it's not just your flying experience, it's a total candidate review that gets chosen.

Getting your ratings isn't a waste if you don't get selected!

With your ratings and 1500 hrs you can get a regional job and go to SUPT while keeping your position on the seniority list.

You'll see plenty of places over your career. And if you're willing to commute you can live almost anywhere, to include S. America or Europe. Stateside your options will be only limited by your plan threshold.

Most guard/reserve units require you to at least have your private to apply for a UPT slot.

Some (mine) Do not. We just hired a dude with 14 hrs.

I'd get my PPC, beyond that, depends. If you have the money and time, yes. It's very possible to build some time get a regional job then go to UPT. If you can get to a major before UPT...you'd be King Kong, but that's rare. If you don't have the money, I'd just knock out the PPC and concentrate on getting hired by a Gaurd unit.

Being willing to move to another state is a huge advantage. There are units in less desirable areas of the Country that are much much easier to get hired in. Also, if you don't care what you fly...this helps big time too. If you really want fighters, you'll definitely increase your odds by gunning for every unit that's hiring. Once hired, it is possible to change units.