Air National Guard / Air Force Reserves

Trying to make sure I understand the finer points of ANG/AFRC retirement policies. If this has already been asked/answered, please vector me onto this. I know that someone who has 20+ years of service qualifies for a retirement at age 60 (minus activated time in the ARC in 3-month blocks). My understanding is that if someone completes a total of 20+ years of active service between AD and/or on orders/AGR in the ARC, they qualify to draw retirement pay at the time of their retirement. (I.e., 16 years active component + 4 years on full time orders). Is this correct? I know having 7200+ points isn’t sufficient for an AD retirement without 20 years active service, an…

Looking for any advice/insight on an offer I'm considering. I'm a DSG with full time orders in a program that doesn't have a certain future, but would most likely last at least 2-3 years. I'm still a ways off from retirement, ~14 years to go, O-3 looking to pin on O-4 next year. I've been offered the Wing XP position, but they are switching it from a AGR position to a Technician Position to save on resources. It will be a GS-13 position, not sure of what step. I'll maintain being a DSG with current unit and still drill and fly when able. If anyone has any experience with any of these variable's to help me make a decision, I'd appreciate it. I don't think either scenario …

This topic will be pinned to top of forum to help out future interviewees. Please post any gouge on interview questions and ROE's that you guys have run into lately. I have been getting some questions to this effect and it has been 6 or so years ago since my interview. Any input is welcome. Thanks.

Hey everyone. I just have a question about UPT and AMS dates. My unit currently has 2 upt slots for June 05 and two for July 05. A few of the guys i've talked two in the unit say its possible that i could go to UPT during one of those months. The question I have is, does our AMS date depend on when our UPT date is? or Do we get our AMS date taken care of first than the UPT date? I would appreciate any input. If this doesn't make sense, let me know and I'll try to clarify.

Please DM me if you have any SLC tanker contacts. Prefer patch/DO/plans, but any aircrew to start is better than nothing.

Currently wrapping up F-16 crew chief training, and I want to check the current ANG fighter hiring climate. Age: 28 (turning 29 in January) F-16 ANG Crew Chief: Enlisted 9/24, shipped to BMT 4/25, heading back to home unit in about 3 weeks. Day Job: Legacy Airline 737 FO 5600 hours E145, E175, B777, B737 Type ratings Warbird and formation time (Pilatus P-3, Nanchang CJ6, Yak 52, T-33 Shooting Star (type rating expected Q2 2026) Volunteer SAR pilot, instructor, FEMA Incident Commander qualified (CAP) Bachelor's with a 3.8 GPA Current Scores: P:99 CSO:99 ABM:97 ACAD:89 VERB:94 QUANT:76 PCSM:88 I've p…

In light of personal life changes… Is it possible for an AFRC pilot to take an assignment with an RPA unit for a few years and return to flying later down the road? I understand this would require attending RPA training and mission qual and then further training if I ever want to fly manned aircraft again.

Saw this article pop up on reddit. https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2025/06/new-pay-claims-active-duty-federal-employees-possible-after-supreme-court-decision/406131/ I'm a sucker on AD and definitely not smart enough to understand court speak but seems like it might apply to some of y'all to go get some extra pay. "The court ruled on April 30 in its Feliciano v. Department of Transportation decision that military reservists called up to active duty during a national emergency are entitled to the difference between their military and civilian salaries regardless of whether that service was substantially connected to the emergency in question."

Baseop’rs, We’ve got 2 positions on the west coast (NorCal and Hawaii) available for a Category E IMA position (non flying) with Civil Air Patrol -USAF. We provide congressionally mandated oversight of Civil Air Patrol and serve as liaisons between CAP and the Air Force. Unique job, must be self-motived. All the regular readiness items (CBTs and fitness test…). Great opportunity to make a difference with motivated CAP cadets. Pros Very flexible, low/no threat of deployment MPA is normally available if you want to be more involved. O-5 promotion possible (I’m proof of that) with PME and above average participation. Limited paid Categ…

Howzit going aviators! I just finished sophomore year of college and am about to start my part 61 flight school in a couple weeks. However, I have had a few weeks to myself and it sucks not being able to be productive towards this goal. Ive been talking to our pilots about it and most ask me, "do you have leadership experience outside of the military or in your enlisted shop?" "do you volunteer?" and it made me realize that I don't have much special extracurriculars or stand-out leadership experience. Ive asked my supervisors about leadership and I was pretty much told that as an E2 its impractical which is justifiable. As a result, I was thinking about what I can do for …

Hello to all, I was talking with a friend who brought up a valid point, at least to my untrained civilian brain, of what would happen if you are hired by a unit, specifically if you are hired by a fighter unit and you cannot mentally make the cut. Reasons such as motion sickness, not liking pulling G's, etc, what happens if someone gets into training, was hired by a fighter unit and the candidate says "I cannot do this, I am not for this job?" I saw one current HC-130J pilot who was hired by an A-10 unit had something come up to where this was a decision he made to leave fighter training, but that is my only data point. -RANDOM

I recently retook the AFOQT, and all my scores that could go up did, namely my Quant. However, for unfortunate algorithm reasons, my TBAS went down. Do you think it is worth retaking the TBAS to try and get an ANG Fighter slot? I have enlisted with an F-16 unit as a maintainer, and am shipping to BMT on 4/22, so this would be while at tech school/early next year. I've included scores and background info below. Thank you. Age: 28 Day Job: Legacy Airline 737 FO 5600 hours Bachelors with a 3.8 GPA Warbird and formation time (working in a FAST Card and T-33 type rating, expected Q2 2026) Current Scores: P:99 CSO:99 ABM:97 ACAD:89 VERB:…

Hey everyone, Wanted to share something that recently happened and see if anyone here has insight or perspective on whether this kind of experience is common, or if I just caught a bad break. I applied to a squadron and was told I’m permanently disqualified. The reasons given were that I “called too much” and that I had a “bad attitude.” I’ll own the first part—I followed up more than most, but only because communication was practically nonexistent. No updates, no notifications, no visibility on where things stood. I thought I was being persistent and showing genuine interest, but maybe that didn’t land well. The second part—that I had a bad attitude—really…

I find myself in an interesting situation. Love my squadron but we are entering a transition. I won't fly the new aircraft for a few years. In the meantime, I would like to go back to UPT or UCT and instruct. Does anyone know of a path for an ANG pilot to do this? Any ideas? With ADOS, MPA, PFI there has to be a way, right? Filling a need with someone willing and able to fly seems like an easy kill to my smooth brain. Any info or ideas would be really helpful.

When applying to boards, does having a successful IFC1 complete hold any weight or value?

https://www.twz.com/35401/check-out-this-incredibly-rare-image-of-an-f-22-pilot-wearing-a-helmet-mounted-display apparently, scorpion (the company making this helmet) stopped by the shop recently showcasing their new design that they're wanting us to use since we are the only guard f22 base. I must say, this is a sick ass helmet.

Hey everyone, I'm going to enlist in a fighter unit and wanted to know if there was such thing as a "best" job in regards to getting the most face time with the pilots. I've really only heard crew chief or avionics. Would it hurt someone if they enlisted and did the planning and scheduling? Want to make sure I'm getting the best job to increase my chances. Thank you!

Current UPT student set to graduate T-6s in near future. With fighter drops out of T-38 becoming few and far between for AD guys/gals, I was curious what options/if any exist to get picked up by ANG/AFRC unit. I have seen prior postings for units listed as “UPT” and other for “Rated only.” I am curious if any ANG/AFRC units view a soon to be UPT grad as worth investment in speeding up the hiring timeline and could pseudo fill those “rated” slots because of the more aggressive timeline? Does such a thing exist? I still have a 10 year service commitment but not sure if that could be moved to service in the guard or reserves. Thanks in advance for any and all advice! …

I'm 29 years old and want to become an ANG pilot, but my 1st class medical cert app has been under review for over 8 months now and I don'd know when I'll receive my cert. My AME, HIMS case manager, and neuropsychiatrist have all given me positive endorsements to begin flight training and I've been issued my student pilot certificate. Of course without the cert, I cannot solo and get my PPL but I've already begun ground school, simulator lessons, and some flight lessons. My hope is to qualify for my PPL with flight hours and written and have my cert by that point so I can solo. Worst case scenario if the cert isn't issued by that point, would I still be competitive for AN…

I'm currently Active Duty and in talks with an ANG unit, but have a question I keep getting different answer to: What length of a commitment do I incur if I transition to the ANG via Palace Front as an officer? The ANG recruiter is telling me 4 years, but that sounds high considering the payback for Palace Chase is 3x your remaining ADSC and Palace Fronting (from my understanding) is just a transition to the ANG with no commitment since I've served out my ADSC contract. For some context, I'm in a flying position and would be filling a flying position in the same aircraft/crew position that I currently fly with no additional training required. Thanks in advance…

Good evening gentlemen, I hope y'all had a good thanksgiving! 🙂 I have a question I was hoping to shoot y'all. I got back from BMT and tech school a month ago and have been loving AFE. ive met a couple of the pilots in the crossing and have started to get my face around and politely let them know that I would love to fly fighters for the squadron. I recently went up to the pilot room and met one of the hiring board pilots and he gave me some great advice of how I can make a good impression. he suggested I come up every drill after work and just talk to them, and if possible stay behind late to help clean up. I thought this was great advice and id love to hear more fr…

Howdy everyone, Just seeing if anyone had advice for contacting the 345th BS in Dyess. I would very much like to apply to their 2024/2025 UPT board, but I am having some trouble getting in touch with them to arrange a visit during their November rush weekend. I have sent several emails to no avail and having trouble with the number listed on milrecruiter. Curious if anyone else is having this issue. Apologies if this isnt the right place to post this, but I am at a bit of a loss. Thanks

Thinking about transitioning to the Reserves as an IP for the T6. In the application it states that if selected, instead of the traditional “1 weekend a month/ 2 weeks a year” as an AETC IP I would be required to work 6 days a month. Anyone currently an IP at a UPT base got any info on this? Also trying to work as an airline pilot as my full time but worried about the commute. For those of you in the airline industry how do you manage the commute? Thanks!

I've seen some similar topics, but want to run by specific situation but all of you. I've been trying to get hired by an ANG fighter unit for going on 5 years. ~18 rushes and ~50 apps later, I've come up with nothing. I'm of the mindset of fighters or bust (I know, I know), and as such, have started the process to enlist in one of my dream units. Now, the paperwork has already started, so the die is cast on some level, but I guess I want to know if I just shot myself in the foot? Background: Legacy FO 5k+ hours (not that it matters) Bachelors with a 3.8 GPA AFOQT: P99 CSO99 ABM96 ACAD70 VERB79 QUANT56 PCSM: 94

Looking to see if any of the ARTs have tried to upgrade the previous $18K retention bonus with the new $30k bonus. The previous bonus was time was indef with no stipulations on time ie could be a 1 year bonus or a 5 year bonus with an option to stop/cancel the bonus at anytime.