L188Flyer

I am currently in the Navy and I was a P3 Guy. I am looking at leaving the Navy at my EOS and am looking for some pro's and cons or simple opinions as which would be the better gig... ANG or AFRES? Thanks in advance!!

L188Flyer

Part time.. I am looking at heading to an airline and I have spoken with both a guard unit that flies KC 135s and an AFRES unit that flies C130s.

Cooperd0g

Why not consider Navy reserve as a 737 pilot? No deployments there.

hjs1971

Kind of a weird question...somebody that really wants to do either should do some research on their own and find out the differences between the two...do you want to know about fundamental differences, i.e. state vs. federal or know about the Guard being around BEFORE the Revolutionary War and fighting against the British or just who pays more...do some research, not flaming but if you really are interested, it pays more dividends to do your own research than to say- "hey everyone, tell me what you think..."

If, after doing your own research, you still want some opinions, feel free to ask and I will gladly give you my input since I have done ALOT of research on the topic...sorry if this sounds sarcastic...

L188Flyer

Well, FYI I have done my own research but I was looking for a pulse from the forum.. I see lots of other questions being asked on here so I don't think what I asked was that outlandish.. Sorry it was not more specific!

Futher I am simply asking for some insight that I will not get by reading a pamphlet or a brochure...

MoosePileit

L188,

Weigh the paths to PIC time- there will probably be a unit and airframe that would require at least one less iteration of going to the schoolhouse. As you do that comparison, get to know the actual folks you'll be working with- unlike active duty, there is less turnover in the Guard and Reserve. Then- as stated- find out about deployment rates, BRAC concerns in the past and future, mission change threats if not directly BRAC (like switching to UAVs)- etc.

Also- if not full time in the Guard or Reserve- Avoid any commutes if possible, or keep it to one doable commute!

L188Flyer

Moose,

Thanks for the words of advice.. the Airforce is a different animal when it come to the reserves so thanks for your input unlike those that cannot offer constructive advice.

I have points of contact with both of the units I am interested and have been in regular contact with them. I know both have plenty of guys with the airlines aswell and I have icked their brians but of course they are biased to what they are doing.. But all is useful info.

Thanks

L188Flyer

Aren't those guys getting tagged with the IA'a or is it simply the guys going FTS that go to these units?

navigatro

There are good and not so good units in both the AFRES and ANG. By that I mean morale, commanders, and people. Also, look at the aircraft and mission of each unit, and determine which one is more appealing to you, and which one fits in better with your lifestyle, in terms of deployments, training requirements, scheduling, etc. Some units have mandatory UTA's and others do not. In general, the KC-135 requires less effort to maintain currency and qualification than the C-130, due to fewer "beans." I second the notion that you do not want a double commute, so the closer to home the better. If you have more than one offer on the table, spend some time around each unit to get a feeling if it is a good fit for you. In years past, the Guard was viewed as more laid back than the Reserves, but each unit is different.
Good Luck, and welcome to the Total Force!

Cooperd0g

The only guys in Navy reserve squadrons getting IA'd are the guys pulling active duty there. That could be a regular active duty JO (really only in the VFC squadrons and only those who are on their way out anyway), FTS, or any Sel-Res on a long active duty recall. If you are just part time, then you are safe. I have a friend flying with VR down in Jax right now. They aren't recalling dudes to active duty specifically to send them on IA though.

I'm not knocking the Air Force guard or reserve. I don't know a lot about them, but I know enough to realize that it is all unit dependent. They have units that never deploy because they are the training ones. The regular Air Force training units have reserve spots and the NG units will have the guard spots obviously. If you are looking at two units that both are deployable then I can't help with the difference between the two.