For the guard I will go to AMS, IFS then UPT. The unit I was hired at was telling me they could possibly get IFS waived but I think I would like to go just so when I get to upt I will have some idea how the military does things. I have no illusions about how different things are going to be in the military so hopefully I'll be able to get acclimated pretty quick and not be one of those guys who can't break old habits.
You really don't need IFS, you can go to UPT just fine without it. I did. Why deal with one more bit of ass pain for no reason? Plus, being Guard/Reserve, they're the ones paying for it, so they might not want to put out the money if they don't have to.
Don't sweat the small stuff. You have all the answers you need in the replies here.
Which unit did you get hired on with?