I have been looking at an going into the ANG as an officer.  I would love to fly, but am getting close to the age limit.  I have also started trying to get more information on the AFRES.  I am looking to go part-time, but would consider full-time for the right opportunity. Can anyone tell me some of the differences?

- More job options?

- Better family life?

- Deployment differences?

- FT vs. PT positions

- Access to pilot slots.

How old are you?

I have been in the Air Guard for almost ten years now. From my experience I would say that the Air Guard is better, but I have never been in the Reserves. I think the downside to the Reserves are that they are always trying to impress their AD counterparts. The downside to the Air Guard is that it is very political.

- More job options?
Probably the Reserves

- Better family life?
Guard

- Deployment differences?
The Air Guard goes to better places and deploys less than the Reserves.

- FT vs. PT positions
Most FT Pilots were either PT Pilots in the Guard or Reserves first, or they are prior AD. Most FT Pilots are Mission Commanders, which means they fly in the left seat and have about 1000 hours of military flying. It will take you about three years after training to get to this point. Which one would get you there faster, Guard or Reserves? I don't think there is a difference.

- Access to pilot slots.
I have no idea. In my unit they typically hire two part timers to go to UPT per year. Some years they did not do a pilot board. I think the reason was financial.

Bottom line the Guard and Reserves are both a good deal. I would base my decision on who would hire me first and the location of the base.

I hope this helps.