Hey all,

5th year senior college student looking for a little bit of advice here. I currently have an application working for the USAF 13OT02 Rated Board that will release its results in February, 2013. However recently I have considered throwing together an application for a local ANG unit (201st AS) that will be having a board in November.

This unit really caught my interest because it is near where I currently attend school, and has a pretty interesting mission (VIP) flying some solid aircraft (C-40, and C-38). However I am having a debate with myself as to whether I would prefer to do the Active Duty route or the part time ANG route. Up until now I had looked at Guard units as an option to consider if I ended up a non-select for 13OT02.

The Guard is enticing because it seems to be free of some of the BS of Active Duty, and is a way to stay in the cockpit for almost an entire career. It also seems to afford the opportunity to not only serve as a military officer but also get an early start on an airline career. However in this day and age, how feasible is this? Especially as a low hour guy who would have just come out from UPT?

All in all, just looking for some advice from guys who have gone through both sides on what they would do if they were in my shoes. Not looking for anyone to answer this for me, but just want to have some more data to make my decision with.

Thanks

 

Fill out the ANG app. I never regretted doing it. You will fly more in the ANG

GF

 

Go guard....

 

I always envied the guard/reserve guys in UPT. (pilot training). But only those going to fighter units. They had guaranteed fighter slots. Well, as long as they could get the FAR qualification. Some of The others (not all by any means) who were locked into a heavy due to their guard/reserve slot came to regret it; Especially once they began training in the white rocket, the T38. the best advise I ever got was from a crusty old Colonel who said I could always fly a heavy at some put in my life, but I wouldn't always be able to fly a fighter--especially if I started out in a heavy. I am so grateful to have that fighter and military experience. Personally, I don't know how people say sane being in this business for 30-40 years. Take it for what it's worth and good luck.

 

Especially with current drawdowns, I would think you would be wise to apply for both AD and Guard slots. The USAF/ANG may decide which you do for you.

 

Thanks for the responses.

Would any of you care to expand on why the Guard would be the better option?

Thanks

 

Go over to the baseops.net forum and read around a little and you'll get most of your questions answered. More or less there is A LOT less BS and a lot more flying. More control over what you fly/where you live. Also, on AD you could possible be sent to UAVs or have your next assignment be a non-flying job (not always a bad thing, but I'm guessing you just want to fly). The downside is there are budget cuts coming soon and who knows if your chosen unit will still be there, but you can move from unit to unit, of your choosing (as long as they like you and will hire you). Also, the Guard can't guarantee you paycheck for the next 10-12 years. Having said all that, go Guard and never look back. Goodluck!

Just remember, you're and officer first and pilot second.

 

The guard vs. AD debate is a pretty tough one right now. With sequestration looming, who knows which one will be hit harder. Not to rain on your parade or anything, and I may be completely wrong, but I seriously doubt a guard OSA/VIPSAM unit will hire a 2Lt.. Most of those units, even AD side, require you to have 2,500 military hours to even apply.

Again, I may be wrong, but I wouldn't put all your eggs in that basket.

 

Go visit your local guard unit and see what they have to say. I doubt any of them regret the path they've taken. I don't think you'd find the same level of satisfaction at ANY active duty unit you might visit.

 

Don't be discouraged, most units don't require 2,500 hours to apply. Many units will still hire folks off the street and send them to pilot training. It all depends on the current manning of the unit including age, experience, etc.

I would do both and keep options open. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Talk with some of the pilots in the guard unit and find out what the culture is of that unit. That determines the lifestyle in most guard units.

Good luck!