The Air National Guard

Air National Guardsmen hold membership in both the Air National Guard of their state and the Air National Guard of the United States. Under its federal mission, it is the Guard's responsibility to maintain well-trained, well-equipped units available for prompt mobilization during war, and provide assistance during national emergencies. Emergencies include natural disasters like flooding, as well as civil disturbances, like rioting. The Air National Guard also has total responsibility for air defense of the entire United States. In addition, it serves as a reserve component of the U.S. regular Air Force. During peacetime, combat-ready and support units are assigned to Air Force major commands to carry out missions compatible with training, mobilization readiness, and contingency operations. Almost half of the Air Force's tactical airlift support, combat communications functions, aeromedical evacuations and aerial refueling are provided by the Air National Guard.

When not mobilized by the federal government, Air National Guard units are under the direction of the governor of their respective state or territory. The Air National Guard is commanded by state law to provide protection of life and property, and preserve peace, order and public safety. Air National Guardsmen provide emergency relief support during natural disasters, search and rescue operations, support to civil defense authorities, maintenance of vital public services, and counterdrug operations. In short, it performs the same services it provides at the federal level, focused to help the state and community.

Careers and Benefits
If you're interested in a career with the Air National Guard, the exact positions open to new recruits vary by individual base. Most are technical, hands-on fields; you do a range of almost anything, from information management to vehicle maintenance.

Air National Guard recruits choose their career field and have a position reserved for them while they train. In addition to being paid while they gain job skills, there are several other benefits offered to recruits. Full time students can receive up to $263 a month for their tuition through the Montgomery G.I. Bill. Those who have Federally Insured Student Loans may be eligible for a credit of up to $20,000 toward the loan. Many states offer tuition waivers to Guardsmen who attend school in state.

Non-educational benefits include shopping privileges at military commissaries (grocery stores) and base exchanges (stores where you can buy everything from clothes to electronics tax-free), both of which offer substantial savings over civilian stores. Guard members also receive up to $250,000 in life insurance coverage for a reduced cost and free space available travel on military aircraft to anywhere in the continental U.S. or U.S. Territories. Guardsmen can retire after only 20 years of service, starting at age 60. They receive a guaranteed income for life from their part-time service with the Guard.

Service Obligations
Though most careers in the Air National Guard only carry a service obligation of one weekend a month and two weeks a summer, they do require that recruits commit to serve for an extended period of time, usually three years. In addition to their part-time service requirement, recruits are also obligated to complete Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) within one year of their enlistment. BMT is six weeks long and teaches basic Air Force and military knowledge. In addition to BMT, recruits must complete technical school to educate them for the particular job they've chosen in the Guard. (The actual choosing process involves matching your skills, interests and capabilities with available positions.) Technical school varies in length depending on your future position. It can last from 4 to 43 weeks, and some specialties require full-time training.

The Details...
Applicants must meet certain academic and non-academic requirements to serve with the Air National Guard. They must be between the ages of 17 and 34; be a high school senior, have a high school diploma or GED; have no or only minor law violations; have no illegal drug usage; be able to pass a military physical; and be able to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test (ASVAB). Age requirements vary for those with prior military service, but all must be able to complete 20 years of service before age 60.

For additional information, contact the Air National Guard Recruiter nearest you.