What is the Air National Guard?
The Air National Guard is a component of the United States Air Force. We work part-time, one weekend a month and two weeks a year, at a minimum. The Air Guard has a unique dual role of supporting the states in times of need under the direction of the state Governor as well as the federal mission under the direction of the President of the United States. As a result, the Air Guard gets additional benefits offered by the state and affords its members both federal and state benefits.
How much money will I earn working on weekend per month?
Your pay is determined by your rank and the amount of years you have served. Air Guard members are paid for four active duty days for working two actual days each month. Pay can vary between $110-$650+ per day depending on rank and time in service. You can earn additional money during basic military training, tech school, deployments, and by volunteering for different missions throughout the year.
Can the Air National Guard help me pay for college?
Yes! The California Air National Guard members receive up to 100% tuition assistance for qualifying universities. Air Guard members can also take advantage of the Montgomery GI Bill, which pays an additional monthly stipend of up to $362 per month toward college expenses. There are several military scholarships and certificate programs also available for Air Guard members.
What are the basic requirements to join the Air National Guard?
You must be between the ages of 17 and 39, be a legal resident, and have a high school diploma or equivalency unless you are still in school, then you must be a high school senior. You must pass an entrance exam called the ASVAB, a medical screening, and a background check. The age limitation varies if you have prior military experience, are a medical professional, or chaplain. Please speak with your recruiter and they can provide you with more information.
Can I choose where I'm stationed or is that assigned to me?
Unlike Active Duty, in the Air National Guard you can apply, enlist, and serve at the Air Guard location closest to your home. You may choose a location farther away from you as long as you live within that location's reasonable commuting distance.
What jobs are available in the Air Guard?
There are over 80 different career opportunities in the Air Guard. After meeting eligibility requirements, your recruiter will help you determine which jobs you qualify for so you can decide on what appeals to you. Contact a recruiter to find out what jobs are available in your area and learn how to qualify for them.
What is the difference between the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve?
While both are reserve components of the U.S. Air Force, the Air National Guard is primarily state-controlled and can be activated by the governor for state emergencies, whereas the Air Force Reserve is federally controlled and supports active-duty Air Force missions.
Can I join the Air National Guard part-time while maintaining my civilian career?
Yes, one of the major advantages of the Air National Guard is the ability to serve part-time. Most members serve one weekend a month and two weeks a year, allowing them to continue their civilian careers.
What can I expect during Basic Military Training (BMT)?
Basic Military Training (sometimes referred to as boot camp) is a 7.5 week training program located in San Antonio, Texas designed to instill discipline, teamwork, and foundational military skills. It includes physical fitness training, classroom instruction, weapons training, and drills to prepare airmen for their future roles in the Air National Guard.
Can prior service members join the Air National Guard?
Absolutely! Prior service members from any military branch, including the active-duty Air Force, are eligible to join the Air National Guard. Your valuable skills and experience can seamlessly transfer, allowing you to contribute to the Air Guard's mission. Whether you served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Air Force, the Air National Guard welcomes you to continue your service and make a difference in our versatile and respected force. In some cases, a direct transfer from another military branch is possible.
What is Palace Chase or Palace Front and how does it relate to the Air National Guard?
Palace Chase is a program that allows active-duty airmen to transfer to the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve to complete their service commitment. Palace Front, on the other hand, enables active-duty airmen to transition to the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve upon completion of their active-duty contract.