Any Air National Guard around?

[Urchin]

I'm thinking about trying to join the National Guard, my wife would prefer the Air Guard over the Army, because it is safer and the Air Guard doesn't deploy as much. 

I'm no prior service, 32 y/o with a degree.  I understand that I could join the Army National Guard, go to basic, come home and do OCS, then I imagine there is more training depending on how you get branched, but that is so far in the future I haven't even really given it any thought. 

How does the Air National Guard work?  Do you go to the Air Force equivilant of BCT, then their OCS?  I'm a civilian with the Army, I love my job which is why I'm only interested in part time service.  Any info y'all can give me did is appreciated.

[Maverick]

Just an FYI. If you decide to go commissioned with the Guard the Air Force has the best integration policy compared to the Army. They really work to integrate the Guard into active units and give a lot more flexibility for drilling. You are not subject to the same degree of bias as the Regular Army has towards the Reserves and especially the Guard (sometimes rather deservedly).

On the negative side, be aware there is a LOT of politicking on the Officers side of the equation. The higher you go the more common it becomes. Slots for senior Officers are also scarce and some will be held by an individual for a long long time. If you get on the wrong side of the political situation your career could become rather unpleasant. I'm speaking in generalities here as there are great, good and not so good units (not just AF) in the Guard. You might get lucky and find one of the great ones.

Do not think Air Guard does not equate to being sent overseas. There are folks who are doing ground and route patrols who are in services other than the Army and Marines in the sand box. That means AF and Navy folks are doing something they were never taught by their parent service.

If I were you, I'd be looking up every AF Guard unit in your area and talking to folks other than the recruiters. Find out what the turnover in the unit is and how morale is among the troops. Then if you do decide to get a contract (enlist) do everything you can to see that there is a window to being commissioned. If the unit is heavy on Officers already be aware that the door may not really be open.

[Urchin]

Mav,

Do you know the process for the Air NG?  I know with the Army NG if you enlist as an 09S (officer candidate) and wash out of OCS you have the option of just walking away free and clear, you don't have to serve out your term as an enlisted man. 

It was pretty easy to find the process for the Army NG, but all I can find on the Air NG so far is that you go to the Academy of Military Science at Maxwell AFB.  No mention anywhere of attending Basic Military Training first. 

There aren't very Air NG units around me.. there is an A-10 unit that is based out of Baltimore but that is about it.  Funny thing is a guy that I work with has a room mate that is a pilot with them, so I guess I'd be able to ask him for some information anyway.

[AAJagerX]

You'll go to the same BCT as regular AF.

[Maverick]

Urchin, the only contact I had with the air guard was post commissioning circumstances so I don't have any info that you need there. I had considered transferring to the AF when I was a senior Captain as there was an Air Force base in town and really no Army Reserve option for me close by. I ended up staying Army but had I tried as a 2LT there was a good chance that would have worked out.

I did put in a note to Toad since he was in the Air Guard IIRC and he may drop by later to help out with info.

[BlueJ1]

Do not think Air Guard does not equate to being sent overseas. There are folks who are doing ground and route patrols who are in services other than the Army and Marines in the sand box. That means AF and Navy folks are doing something they were never taught by their parent service.

Im a prime example. U.S. Navy Aviation Electrician on MH-60S. Spent a year in afghan not doing that job.

[Urchin]

Yea, but did you volunteer for that or get volunteered?

[BlueJ1]

Yea, but did you volunteer for that or get volunteered?

voluntold, but mostly volunteered.

[68Mason]

Each branch has their pros and cons. I spent 20 in the AF and went overseas many times. There were many Guard and Reserve units mixed in with us doing their part. I work with the Army now and one of my co-workers was just notified he has been activated and going over to Afghanistan for a year.  Also, active duty guys get sent over and do other things that are outside their AFSC/MOS.

There is politics wherever you go, it seems like in the Guard there is more of the "good old boy club" since there is a lot of family and community folks working there.

As I said earlier, pros and cons for each branch. I  you for thinking about joining and good luck with you.

[Russian]

If that unit selects you, you will either go to AMS or OTS.

[vonKrimm]

Welcome to Alabama!  You will do 6 weeks BOTS at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery.