Posted on Jan 28, 2017

Has anyone went from Active Army into the Air National Guard?

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ETSing from the Army and there are always open vacancies for Air National Guard technical program not far from my home town.

Posted 8 y ago

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Responses: 2

SSgt (Join to see)

Posted 8 y ago

Since you haven't gotten much of an answer so far, I'll throw my thoughts in. I moved from Army National Guard to Air National Guard, and had a bit of culture shock. I'm sure you'll have even more coming from active duty. If you can get over that and realize that these guys are still professionals even if they display it in different ways, you'll be fine. Also, you'll be on the hook for you own PT. It might not be a challenge for you, but unfortunately, I've seen a number of guys come off active duty, and fail the APFT within 6 months to a year. PRT might be doing more for you that you think! Not saying you'll have any problems, just something to keep in mind.

Also, are you familiar with the difference between AGR, FTNG, and fed technician programs? Technician has it's own benefits and retirement, but you won't be eligible for Tricare, and you may have a hard time staying in the Guard long enough to retire from the technician job.

Also even if the Air Guard allows you to keep you rank, your NCOES won't count, so you'll have to do theirs, as well as whatever tech school they require for your chosen career field which may set you back a while career wise.

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SGT (Join to see)

8 y

No, I don't know much differences from those three programs other then the title. But I do appreciate the advise. I'll be talking more to a recruiter when I get back but is it as easy as just switching over or do I go throw Air Force basic or anything?

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SSgt (Join to see)

8 y

SGT (Join to see) - They recognize Army Basic. Unless you have interviewed and been accepted for an AGR or technician position I wouldn't count that as a job when you get out. They are always hiring, but there are also often a lot of people in line for the jobs. Don't mean at all to discourage you from applying for, or pursuing it, just don't want to see you get left high and dry.

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SGT (Join to see)

8 y

I'd really like to get into technical program since I'm used to the way military operates and how to fix the equipment. But I'm definitely not expecting to get the job right away or at all. Definitely going National Guard to help with health care. Just want to get some info about Air Guard before jumping into it. Again thanks for the advice! Every bit helps.

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MSgt Neil Greenfield

7 y

I did it. Enlisted in the ANG right after I ETS’d. The ANG sent me to tech school in Biloxi, MS, and I was an Air Technician (WG-11) for a few years. Keep in mind that as a Federal employee as an Air Technician, you’re considered “excepted”, meaning you can’t compete for competitive Civil Service jobs. Only other jobs within the Air Guard. And if you get hired, it’s very hard to move up. There’s a lot of competition for those jobs. That’s a downside.

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