AUJeep

New guy here, been a lurker for a while and finally have a question that I haven't quite found a clear answer to. I've learned a ton just looking around though and reading through threads, very eye opening. Appreciate the info

I've been looking at some different possibilities and one of those has been the ANG. After looking through their website and specifically this page(Careers | Air National Guard), I notice there are several bases across the country that have open positions as pilots. Are these websites "doctored" in order to get people interested? Or are there really all of these open pilot positions available in the ANG? I understand that it's VERY competitive, but it seems like there were at least 10 ANG units with pilot positions listed as "OPEN".

Thanks in advance!

casey135

The best thing you can do if you find a unit that your interested in is call them and ask. Believe it or not some positions are hard to fill. They should list a point of contact. They can answer all your other questions like what kind of follow on training is required after UPT. Expectations from the unit once hired..flying in the guard is not a one weekend a month 2 weeks a year gig. But after 22 years and 12 of them flying it is still the best gig going.

AUJeep

Casey, thanks for the response. Since it sounds like you're in the know, do you mind expanding a little more on the "flying in the guard is not a one weekend a month 2 weeks a year gig."

That was another question of mine... How does being a guard pilot look different than being a AD pilot?

Tweetdrvr

Pilot positions may mean for rated pilots meaning they have gaps/shortages in their authorized manning and are trying to get guys from other units, the active force who may be separating or folks from the other services. Units should specify if they are hiring for UPT boards or if they are talking about positions for rated pilots.

MarineGrunt

Check out baseops.net and click on the jobs tab. Some units list their openings there. wantscheck.com is another good resource.

If you call a guard recruiter, keep in mind that most of them do not deal with pilot hiring. If that is the only number you have, ask if they have a point of contact in Operations for pilot applications. It's usually the Squadron commander or OSF commander.

Good luck.

WARich

I second, check out Baseops.net job page.......every year most units will send one or two dudes to pilot training........the key is to call each unit you're interested in and talk to the chief pilot....don't talk to the recruiters.......they're only good for finishing the app.....talk to the chief pilot.....keep in touch and walk the fine line of being annoying....and try to visit them also.......and all of this is from my own experience being a reserve bum...(aka.....being sent to UPT from a reserve squadron).......keep in mind, they want dudes that they can deploy with and be cool.....so just be yourself......the guard/reserve route is great.......you won't regret it....

AUJeep

Thanks for all of the advice fellas. I appreciate the honesty and taking the time to respond to a total rook in this whole process.

T6 Pilot

The main difference between ANG flying and AD flying:

AD pilots wish they were in the ANG, and not the other way around....

mpilot153

I was exploring the idea of the ANG. There were about 10 units that I tried to get in touch with. I called every number listed, I sent emails, and it all seemed to go into a black hole. Of the 10 that I tried to contact, I think 3 got back with me. Except as mentioned, you will be talking with an enlisted recruiter. Of the 3 I talked with, 2 of the units, I was able to get in touch with the officer responsible for hiring. Once you get in touch with that individual, you can get all of the info you need about sending your package in, applying, interviewing, etc... The only issue is getting in touch with that individual. It took me on average about a month to get a call back from a recruiter - once you get in touch with them, you had better get the Chief Pilots contact info, otherwise it might be another month or two before you hear back.

What I learned while applying:
1. The ANG website is worthless (there are units hiring pilots not listed)
2. The ANG recruiters are worthless - you need to get face to face contact with a flying units chief pilot
3. If you are serious, pick the units you might want to work for. Put your game face on, and drive to the unit.
4. Again, drive to the unit and talk with them. Even if they aren't hiring, they might be next year.

VRpilot

Have you thought about Navy VR? We have several C-130 pilot slots available.