Forum: Air Force Life

Is it possible to never be in the Active or Reserve Air Force and become a pilot just in the ANG?

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Yeah, each Guard Squadron gets to send one guy to UPT a year. THey have an application and interview process, you also have to take a series of tests and all. My old man went from ROTC at Cornell right to the Guard.

Thanks for the information Swanee. I was set on the military my whole life but am now considering other career options but I will not give up the military and especially flying. Thanks for the good news.

allenperos wrote:

There is a program on AD where if upon, a GU is within a 50 NM radius of your home, and you have at least 6 months on AD, you may apply through what was known once as CBPO, and the GU recruiter, this thing called "Palace Chase". For the Reserves, it's known as "Palace Front".

If you live beyond the 50 NM radius, you can get a waiver from the Unit Commander to join part-time. Full timers, usually must always go enlisted prior to becoming an officer, and if you were once an officer on AD but separated and wanted to come back into the guard.

Close, but not quite. Palace Chase is a program to transfer into the guard when you still owe the active duty time. Palace Front is going guard after completing an AD commitment without having a break in service.

I am in in the SC ANG and with my job... its IMPOSSIBLE to do one weekend a mth and stay proficient. Just like the pilots. We are given Special Training days on top of our one weekend a mth. It isnt mandatory but it's highly recomended. With a Blk 50 squadron you absolutely need it with all the HARM shiot.
"One weekend a month... yeah my assss."

Have you guys heard that Jimmy Buffet remake of Margaritaville that some Army Guard dudes made? Its awesome... Thats where that line comes from. We have an Apache unit at my base and they have been gone for 2.5 years now CONTINUOUSLY! One weekend a month... mmm.

Forum: Air Force Life

USAF active duty compared to ANG pilots