What are the ANG entrance requirements
If you are interested in joining the Air Guard having never served before, you must be between the ages of 17 and 39. You will be required to pass a written examination called the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) as well as an Entrance Physical Examination. Additionally, you can only have limited law violations and must pass a background check. All of this is performed as part of the screening process before you can actually join the Air Guard. Once you complete the screening process and are determined eligible to join, you begin the job selection process, in which you and your recruiter will begin to discuss your areas of interest. Using the results from the ASVAB test and physical, the local recruiter reviews positions available within the local unit to match your areas of interested with what is currently available at the unit you're looking to join. Once a job is selected, you will be scheduled to enlist. This is the point where your membership in the Air Guard begins; everything prior to swearing in is just preliminary processing and does not obligate you to join.
What commitment is expected from Air Guard members?
For new Air Guard members, the commitment involves working one weekend a month and a few weeks a year at a minimum for a period of either 3 or 6 years. You must attend Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB in Texas for 8 1/2 weeks, followed by Technical School for the career field they have chosen. Tech schools range in length from 6 to over 50 weeks, depending on the job.
Where will I work?
One of the primary benefits of joining the Air Guard is being part of your Hometown Air Force. Ordinarily, you would join the unit closest to where you live, and after the initial training you would return to begin working one weekend a month and a few weeks a year from that location. On occasion - typically during the annual training periods (two to three weeks a year) - units try to travel to varied locations to complete a more comprehensive training program. When this occurs, all of our members are provided transportation to and from that location as well as room and board.
Will I be deployed?
There is always the possibility of being tasked for deployment. The current posture for the Air Guard is to support the needs of the Air Force on an as-needed basis. It is almost impossible to predict or determine whether, when or for how long you could be deployed. Every effort is made to use volunteers first, and in some cases you may be tasked to deploy when volunteers are not available to meet the mission's requirements.
What is the Air Guard?
The Air Guard is a Reserve branch of the United States Air Force, and serves alongside active duty Air Force members in times of national crisis. In addition, the Air Guard serves the state and local community in a wide range of capacities i.e.; hurricane disaster relief and support.
How many years do you enlist for?
If you are Non-Prior Service, enlistment is for 6 years with 2 years in the Inactive Ready Reserve (non-drill status, but subject to call up). If you are Prior Service, enlistment options vary from a 1-year for some (known as a "try-1") to a 6 year enlistment, depending on your particular circumstances.
What is basic training like?
Basic training is 8 1/2 weeks of rigorous training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. While there, you will make the transition from civilian life to military life. In addition to various types of military training, you will also learn Air Force history, customs and courtesies, as well as proper wear of the uniform. Visit this Lackland Air Force Base link for more details.
Can I come home between basic training and technical training?
No; unless you are required to do so due to circumstances beyond your control.
What are the basic qualifications to join?
For Non-prior Service:
- Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. Minimum Score is 31
- Pass a military physical
- Have no alcohol or excessive law violations
- Have a high school diploma or GED, or be within one year of graduating from high school
- Be 18 years old (17 with parental consent), and less than 40 years old
For Prior Service:
- Received an Honorable discharge from your branch of service
- Be able to complete 20 creditable years of service by age 60. Your prior service time counts towards the 20 years of service.
How much money can I make? (Weekend, Annual Training [AFT])
Your base pay is determined by your rank and years of service. This link will bring up a page with an Air National Guard Pay Calculator mid-way down the page on the right. Air National Guard Pay Calculator.
What about a military retirement?
Members who accumulate a minimum of 20 years creditable service are entitled to receive a military retirement at age 60. Your retirement pay is based on your rank, years of service, and total retirement points accumulated.
What about education benefits?
Several education benefits are available to unit members. For example:
- Up to 100% state tuition assistance.
- Community College of the Air Force credits that can be applied toward an associate degree in your military career field. The credits earned may also be applied toward a college degree at a civilian college.
- Full-time students can receive up to $667.00 per month for college through the Reserve Montgomery G.I. Bill and KICKER programs.
- We offer unit members free Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) testing that allows members to earn college credits through specialized tests.
Do I have to buy my own uniforms and shoes?
No, enlisted members are provided uniforms free of charge.
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