LOBO is correct...PS and 401k contributions will be based off average line value.

To the OP, I know of 1 or 2 other guys that went to the Guard after getting a job at a legacy. If you have a strong desire to serve your country by flying I would jump at an opportunity. I would only recommend applying to Guard squadrons, more specifically ones that won't require you to commute. Being a part timer in the Guard is by far the best job I could ever imagine. In general, your only job is to fly. No bs additional duties, no spending more time behind a desk than in the cockpit. As with everything else there is some bs like SAPR, CBTs, etc... But as a part timer, 90% of the time, I show up, brief, fly, debrief and go home. I have gotten to do more than I could have ever imagined and wouldn't trade my flying in the military for anything. Financially you'll take a hit (however, you won't be in the poor house), but if you go fighters, I guarantee you it will be worth every penny. It sounds like you'll have 35+ years to fly straight and level...you'll kick yourself if you don't at least try! Do it...you'll thank me later!

Some things to consider. You job is protected thanks to USERRA. You will continue to collect your PS checks. You also will get your 401k when you get back from mil leave. You will continue to accrue senioirity. As a part timer you can make a decent paycheck and if you do stay for 20 years, you'll draw another decent retirement check (when you're 60). If things turn south at the airlines, the Guard is a great backup as there are generally opportunities to make money. This year alone I could have gotten a full years worth of pay without trying all that hard. Training isn't easy, but by far the most fun I've ever had, even with Lobo as a UPT IP... Life as a 24 year old, single LT, learning to fly the F-16, while living in a ridiculous bachelor pad in Phoenix definitely didn't suck!

DO NOT go active duty!

Agree with the above.

I know an AA pilot who did what you are considering. He was a MD F/O and heard so many good things about NG/Res flying, he wanted to do it. He completed UPT and flew A-10s back in the late 1980s/early 1990s. He didn't regret a moment of it.

I don't know if he stayed in for 20 or not.

It all depends on for who, and where. I'm an 8 year Eagle guy who went on MIL leave 18 months ago and joined my local C-5 AFRC unit. My goal is to get on with a major, and fly FRED on the weekends. My deciding factors may be different than yours. I started UPT about 6 months before I turned 30. During my interview/rushing, I was turned away by ALL guard units because I was over 28 at the time. If you're still 27 or below, you may still have a chance. All I know is that the RSV's have a lot more flexibility and ability to get your training slot quicker.

It's not all about $$, I don't deploy, but still fly around the world, and I'm only 90 minutes from my unit and don't have to move or fly there.

Good luck

For a ANG fighter unit at DL crew base (ie no commuting to either job)? I'd seriously consider joining the ANG.

AD? Never

USAFR? Maybe.

What ANG/AFRC units, let alone fighter units, are co-located with any airline crew base?

C-130s in MSP. C-5s (C-17s?) in Memphis. I'm sure there are a handful of others, but not many, and certainly not many fighters. Only ones I can think of are F-16s at Andrews (sorta close to DCA/IAD). Homestead F-16s and MIA, but that's a bit of a hike. Not exactly co-located.

Being able to do both mil and civ jobs without commuting would be amazing. And we can all agree- stay as far away from active duty as possible.

DTW (Delta hub) and Toledo F-16s are only about 45 mins apart depending on where you live. There are also A-10s at Selfridge also about 30 mins from DTW. I realize not many people would choose to live in Detroit but thats home for me.

There are fight units within driving distance of NYC, PHL, DCA, SEA, SJC, MIA, etc. Add in C-17's, -135's, C-5's, and the list gets longer.

Not co-located but close enough that you can drive to both jobs.

I made a post a while back of all major airline bases and what bases we're drivable. If you only consider co-located being physc on the same airport then not many. However, Homestead and MIA are within 50 miles of each other, that's about as co-located as you can get!

Atlantic City (F-16s)...PHL/NYC/EWR
*Navy Ft Worth (F-16s)...DFW
*Toledo (F-16)...DTW/CLE
*Selfridge (A-10s)...DTW
Barnes (F-15)...BOS
*Luke Reserves (F-16)...PHX
*Hill Reserves (F-16)...SLC
*Portland (F-15)...PDX
*Buckley (F-16)...DEN
*Baltimore (A-10)...BWI/DCA/IAD
*Andrews (F-16)...BWI/DCA/IAD
Madison (F-16)...ORD/MDW
Montgomery (F-16)...ATL
Duluth (F-16)...MSP

*Denote ones I consider truly living in base for both job. The others, I wouldn't want to drive the distance that some of these bases require, but many are willing. If you open it up to heavies, there are a ridiculous amount of bases that would be drivable.

Flew C-17's in the Reserves at McGuire AFB, lived 50 min from EWR, 80 min from PHL. Like others have said its workable and if you add heavies your opportunities expand greatly.

If ATL based you can live in Auburn, Columbus, LaGrange and have a reasonable drive to Montgomery. Not a 10 minute commute, but reasonable, especially if you aren't drilling daily. COLA is reasonable and the people are great.