Does anyone have insight on what it's like to be a pilot in the National Guard and/or a pilot in the Reserves? Which is better and why?

2020-08-26T17:16:18-04:00

Currently, a soldier in the Army reserves approaching the end of my first enlistment. Hoping to drop a packet for aviation to become a pilot. Considering switching to PA national guard because I've heard good things about their aviation units. Does anyone have insight on what it's like to be a pilot in the national guard and/or a pilot in the reserves? Which is better and why? Thank you in advance.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2020 5:24 PM

2020-08-26T17:24:14-04:00

This all depends on what time of aviation unit you are in. If you are in a SAR unit you’ll be doing a lot of medical evacuations and searches during emergencies as well as training. PA has a massive national guard SAR aviation unit at the GAP. If you need help with getting in contact with someone there let me know as they are currently deployed.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2020 12:49 AM

2020-08-27T00:49:12-04:00

It is really airframe dependent. You can get a lot of flight time as a utility air frame pilot and little less as an attack airframe. Also, if you are a warrant or commission officer pilot determines flight time and availability. PA has some really good units- it’s a good choice. Good luck.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2020 8:19 AM

2020-08-27T08:19:34-04:00

Not sure where you live, I assume PA, you can check with the 11th Aviation command, if it flies in the Reserves they control it and see where they have a unit close to you. I know when I was in they had a unit in Virginia, North Carolina, Texas and the command and two flight groups one was combat one was medical not sure if that one is still apache, I thought they took apaches out of the reserves and switched them all to Black Hawks etc. But the command and some flight units are at Ft. Knox next to the air field/

Response by CW4 Keith Dolliver made Aug 27 at 2020 10:46 PM

2020-08-27T22:46:42-04:00

If you want to be FW, then USAR is definitely a better choice than ARNG. If you want to be RW, I'm not too sure... I would imagine they are similar, but I would defer to someone that knows more.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2020 2:09 AM

2020-08-28T02:09:04-04:00

Not aviation but in the PA ARNG. As an infantry grunt I've worked with them on a few occasions and they are great soldiers and aviators. They also have great training facilities and the facilities at Ft Indiantown Gap outside Harrisburg is one of, if not, the business heliports in the NE. I have a buddy in the IL ARNG guard UH-60 pilot and he likes it alot too. Guard is a pretty solid way to go