First question is what do you envision yourself doing in 20 years? Do want to be flying airplanes, maybe airlines or do you think you might like to move on to other things?

AD BS factor is higher but there are leadership and other opportunities which can only be found in the AD. I personally had a couple of rare opportunities to do some very fulfilling AD jobs while in the Navy reserve, but I never saw any ANG people in those roles.

Personally I would go guard if I had to do it all over but I hesitate to dictate to a young person who hasn't had all of the experiences I have. You need to make up your own mind.

If you just want to fly, ANG for sure.

Regrading sequestration...you'd need a crystal ball to know how that's going to play out. Will it even happen? Will AD, reserve, or guard bear a lopsided proportion of the pain? Who knows. The navy has pretty much already said that our reserves will not be cut, but will rather be used as a less-costly means to pick up the slack from the AD cuts.

Another advantage to ANG is you can pick a unit that's not going UAVs in the immediate future. I'm not sure if AD will guarantee you manned aircraft at this point (I think they are going to split the pipeline souring eventually).

Apply to everything, if you get two offers at once, then choose.

 

I've never heard of any Reserve guy in UPT (I work here) saying "I wish I'd known about this active duty thing". On the other hand.......The maximum amount of flexibility in your career(no AD commitment), the most flying(if you want), and less BS generally sums up the reserves. AD is for suckers.

 

Thank you for all of the responses. Much appreciated.

The 201st is having a UPT board, so it is possible for a non-prior service, low time PPL applicant like myself to get picked up. I'm hoping that my presence in the DC area as a student and desire to stay in the area, plus other whole person items like test scores, leadership, athletics, and community involvement will help make up for any lack of flight time and ratings.

I believe I am going to push forward with the application. What I have heard here only reinforces what others have told me about Guard vs Active Duty. I have yet to speak to a single individual who has had anything bad to say about the Guard. And when looking at long term goals, I think the ANG route fits well with what I want to do (airline career).

I will of course continue with my AD package as well because I know the competitiveness of the Guard and that my acceptance is no where near a guarantee.

Thank you again for the advice, and I'll be sure to check back in if I have any more questions.

 

Hey guys,

I know theres a lot of people trying to get into the airlines through the Military, however I am the opposite. I've been with the airlines 6 years, and have always wanted to fly for the ANG. I don't even know where to start. Theres an ARW located in NH close by, but to my knowledge there are no openings. The clocks ticking, as I am turning 28 in December. How long is the process typically? What is pay like, and do you have to commit a certain amount of time to AD before reserves? Aside from keeping you in the air, does 20+ years in the guard have any perks benefit wise? Medical for life, retirement, etc?

I have a million other questions, but I won't bog down the thread.

Thanks!

 

It's no country club anymore, but let me say it again..... go guard

 

Start a new thread. Lots of advice out there.

 

Alright, so figured I would update this thread. Especially since I have a new question to ask, though it's sort of along the same lines.

I was not picked up for the ANG board. They had 80 applicants so it was very competitive. Certainly was a great learning experience going through the process though. Seems like an awesome unit with a great mission.

Anyway, I kept my package in for the Active Duty board, and as a matter of fact the board met this week and the results will be posted on February 27th. However I also recently found out that I was selected to interview for a Reserve KC-135 unit. So my question now is, what are some of your thoughts on going the Reserves route vs going active duty? Is it similar to the Guard?

One thing to keep in mind is I will probably hear about Active Duty before I get an answer from the Reserve unit. Would it be wise to turn down a pilot slot from active duty (assuming AD selects me of course) in order to pursue a potential reserve slot? Or should I just take the first thing to offer me? For what its worth I love flying, want to fly as long as possible, and would want to work for the airlines at some point in the future.

On another note, for those of you with knowledge, how rewarding is the KC-135 mission? Especially on the Reserve side?

Thank you in advance. This whole thread has already been a big help.

 

I agree, apply everywhere, then decide when you have options!

Definitely things to consider, WHEN faced with the choice. Until you have the choice............

Best advice here...........visiting shows your interest and you get all your questions answered by the group who will decide to hire you. Maximize your time by visiting on drill weekends.

Again, go visit!

Good advice from Rickair, do you have your 5, 10, and 20 year plan? Sure it may not happen as you think, but build short term AND long term goals.

Don't get discouraged, trying to get into VIP airlift units on the active duty side is also very competitive, the fact they allowed you to interview is good feedback in itself.

You know what they say about a bird in the hand......

I have friends in almost every type of airframe, to include KC135, I have yet to hear any of them say negative things, military aviation has plenty to offer no matter what your role is!

If you need more specific help, feel free to PM me...........good luck!

 

I sent you a rather long, but detailed, private message, look to the top right of this page and click on the message link.

 

Yes. it will be a very similar experience to the Guard, especially if the KC-135 unit is Unit-equipped (Owns their airplanes separate from AD). People don't usually talk specifically about the Reserves because we usually get lumped-in with the "Guard" talk. At this point you should be casting your net to Guard AND Reserve units far and wide. A unit that shares airplanes with AD will look and act more like an AD unit, but still far better than going AD, where you will have very little control over where you end up in 10 years.