Intro
Discover the ultimate guide to serving full-time in the Air National Guard. Learn about the different career paths, benefits, and opportunities available to Air Guardsmen. From officer to enlisted, explore the 5 ways to serve full-time, including Drill Status Guardsmen, Active Guard Reserve, and more. Start your journey today!
The Air National Guard, also known as the Air Guard, is a reserve component of the United States Air Force that offers a unique opportunity to serve part-time and maintain a civilian career. However, some individuals may be interested in serving full-time in the Air Guard. While the Air Guard is typically associated with part-time service, there are several ways to serve full-time in this branch of the military.
Serving full-time in the Air Guard can provide a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and job security, as well as access to military benefits and education assistance. In this article, we will explore five ways to serve full-time in the Air Guard.
1. Become an Air Guard Technician
Air Guard technicians are full-time federal employees who work in a variety of fields, including aircraft maintenance, medical services, and personnel management. As a technician, you will work directly for the Air Guard, supporting the mission and operations of your unit.
Eligibility Requirements
To become an Air Guard technician, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Being between the ages of 17 and 39 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Meeting physical fitness standards
- Passing a background check
2. Join the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Program
The AGR program is a full-time program that allows you to serve in the Air Guard while still receiving full-time pay and benefits. As an AGR member, you will work in a specific career field, such as pilot, navigator, or communications specialist.
Eligibility Requirements
To join the AGR program, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Being between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Meeting physical fitness standards
- Passing a background check
3. Become an Air Guard Officer
As an Air Guard officer, you will lead and manage teams of airmen, making key decisions and directing operations. To become an officer, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete a commissioning program.
Commissioning Programs
There are several commissioning programs available to become an Air Guard officer, including:
- Air National Guard Academy of Military Science (AMS)
- Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)
- Officer Training School (OTS)
4. Serve as an Air Guard Recruiter
As an Air Guard recruiter, you will work to attract and recruit new members to the Air Guard. This is a full-time position that requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Eligibility Requirements
To serve as an Air Guard recruiter, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Being between the ages of 17 and 39 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Meeting physical fitness standards
- Passing a background check
5. Join the Air Guard as a Full-Time Support (FTS) Member
FTS members are full-time federal employees who support the Air Guard in a variety of roles, including administration, logistics, and maintenance. As an FTS member, you will work directly for the Air Guard, supporting the mission and operations of your unit.
Eligibility Requirements
To join the Air Guard as an FTS member, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Being between the ages of 17 and 39 (with some exceptions for older candidates)
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Meeting physical fitness standards
- Passing a background check
Air Guard Service Image Gallery
In conclusion, serving full-time in the Air Guard can be a rewarding and challenging experience. Whether you choose to become an Air Guard technician, join the AGR program, become an officer, serve as a recruiter, or join as an FTS member, there are many opportunities to serve and support the Air Guard mission.