1. search function
2. baseops.net
2a. search function
Not too much of a difference, except that the ANG has an additional state mission. I've heard that the ANG is more resistant to the bullcrap AD policy things than the Reserves are, but I'll have to let others weigh in on that.
AFRC will get you to UPT faster than the ANG will. Many Reservists start UPT within a year of their selection. I know an ANG guy that's been selected for 15 months and he still hasn't made it down to Brooks for all the pyschological testing they do down there. I think his FC1 is already certified though.
Here's a pro of the ANG vs the Reserves: the length of commissioning training. For the ANG, you go to AMS for I believe 6 weeks. In the Reserves, you go through OTS like any other AD guy would. That's 12 or 13 weeks of suck.
Short answer: apply everywhere, take what you're given.
Good luck.
1. I HAVE been searching (baseops, wantscheck, apc, my recruiter etc..)
2. Not sure why I haven't found exactly what I'm looking for until...
3. NOW! Thank You. That was the kind of response I have been looking for. On other forums, I just can't seem to get the answers I have been in search of.
I actually pasted the same post on airlinepilotcentral.com, so I will just respond with one of the responses I gave over there, rather than typing it all again:
"That was actually my initial plan, and the recommendation of my recruiter (even though he said that "technically" you are not supposed to do so). I am aware of how competitive it is, and am doing everything in my power to make myself as competitive as possible. I was really just trying to hear what differences there are between AF RES or the ANG.
I understand that the ANG is controlled by the US GOV as well as the STATE GOV. And from what I understand you can apply to a specific unit, and if selected for a pilot slot, will be guaranteed that units A/C (upon successful completion of UPT). This differs from Active Duty in that the aircraft and location you end up in depends on 1) the needs of the military, and 2) the rank you finish in UPT.
Really, I am just looking for someones first hand experience with either. Again, thanks in advance for the help.
Does anything stand out as a PRO or a CON over the other???"
One is state run. One is Fed run. Other than a few other minor differences that won't necessarily make you permanently unhappy, that's about it. Visit the places that interest you the most. Pick the ones that you think have some great people to work with and then pick the ones with the aircraft you like, in that order. If you can't stomach a decision like that, go AD and don't eat anything heavy on drop night.
If you're interested in learning more about the 128 ARW, PM me and I'll answer your questions. Good luck!
Thank you as well. So I guess I am coming to the conclusion that there aren't many differences of significance. Believe it or not, I am actually leaning towards AD. I am ready to make that commitment.
What prompted me to make the original post was a conversation that I had with another recruit at the AFOQT. I did not know that you could apply directly to a unit for a Reserve Slot as well. I do have a pretty good idea on what the ANG is all about (I have met with multiple recruiters over the last few years). However, it made me wonder what else I did not know about the Reserves.
In the meantime, I am definitely interested in learning more about the 128 ARW, and will be PMing you shortly. Thanks again for you help.
Dan