My son has expressed some interest in the local ANG C-130 Unit. He is attending college, etc. A few basic questions. For an enlisted ANG opportunity-

1. How long is basic?
2. what is the approximate monthly income in basic as an E-1 (active for training)?
3. How long is the range of training for a potential MOS? For C-130H's, are loadmaster, flight engineer, or mechanic positions available to intinial (new) enlistees or do you have to work up to crew positions?

Thanks in advance.

 

1.) I think it's up to 8-9 weeks (was 6 when I went).

2.) Google DOD payscale. Also, remember that many Guard units make you an E-3 right after basic.

3.) I think you can become a loadmaster right out of basic. I believe Flight Engineer is something you have you work in Mx for a few years. Mechanics is a right out of basic type job. I was a mechanic on a different airframe and my tech school was ~5 months in Wichita Falls, TX (Sheppard AFB) + a month in Phoenix.

Google all these questions, you will find out lots of info. If your son is seriously considering going to the guard, just call out to the base and ask to talk to one of their recruiters. I enlisted, got my college paid for, and was picked up for a pilot position. Best decision I have ever made....goodluck to your son.

Just be sure he goes to the AIR National Guard, not the Army Guard...

 

AF Basic Training is now 8 & 1/2 weeks, while your son will start at about $1340 a month, after 4 months (on active duty) the pay goes to about $1450 a month. Here's a link that might help. http://www.dfas.mil/militarypay/mili...PayTable34.pdf

It's an honorable profession, and I congratulate you for raising a child who shows concern for his country. And by the way, he might even wrangle a pilot or navigator slot out of his unit, if he's a good worker and gets along with the guys and gals in his unit.

JJ

 

Ditto. I enlisted in the ANG while in college. They paid most of the bill, and after graduating it definitely gave me an advantage when I went for the active duty pilot job. 24 years later, we still talk about what a great move that was...