Which is better, ANG or USAF, in terms of getting more flying hours as pilot-in-command? I already have a privte pilot's license and an as*s-whooping PCSM score of 97 and would have no problem getting a pilot's slot were it not for my eyesight, which is about 20/200 in both eyes (though I am considering PK eye surgery which supposedly is approved by the Air Force). Supposedly the ANG has less stringent vision standards so I might not need eye surgery if I went Guard. Also, if I joined ANG could I be sent to Iraq or Afghanistan? (I'd be happy to go to either country as long as it meant getting lots of flight time) Normally I would pose these questions to an ANG recruiter, though folks are always telling me to beware of what a recruiter tells you (my apologies to any ANG recruiters who are reading this, no offense intended).
2006-10-04 03:07:44 · 6 answers · asked by Student 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
It depends more on your duty station and command than branch of service. Some ANG units get lots of hours, while others get very little. Of course, the same thing is true for AF units.
If you are truly hot to fly, and want to go AF, I would suggest picking a duty area that will likely result in an active flying unit. A choice of first duty area is a common signup option. Understand this is not a specific duty location, just a general area (Europe, Asia, etc). Most units overseas are very active in the air, so any overseas location may be a good choice.
Of course, with ANG, is is a bit more pot luck. However, you will likely soon see action in either Iraq or Afghanistan since many ANG personnel from all over the country are serving there at the moment (not a guarantee, but at least likely). Indeed, you may be able to specifically request this once you reach your final unit (they'll send you instead of someone less willing to go). Again, no guarantees, but a possibility.
However, do understand there is a lot of work and committment that goes into all this before you can even hope to set foot behind the controls. The training is tough and the washout rate is high. Without a strong committment, you may end up pushing a pencil instead of a joystick (absolutely nothing wrong with that, but obviously not what you're looking for). The demands of military life are equally tough. Think about all this carefully before going any further. If you think you have the committment to cut it, then by all means give it a try.
Take care.
2006-10-04 03:41:52 · answer #1 · answered by Dwight S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The question you need to ask yourself is which type of lifestyle do you want? In the Air Force you could be sent to live anywhere in the world for several years (would you mind being stationed in Japan or Korea for 3 years?) which is not going to happen in the Guard. Also, are you just looking for hours? This really isn't the purpose of either service, and you should know that both require a committment to a certain lifestyle as well as the (strong) possibility to fight and even die for your country. There are plenty of people who are, or who can be great pilots--what's harder to find is great officers. Finally, if you really want a challenge, try landing on a boat!
Me: 18 years as an aviator in the Navy.
2006-10-04 03:24:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anthony S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hello!
My husband is currently active-duty in the California Air National Guard, and in his 23rd year of service. He is a pilot .... flew F-16s for almost 10 years before switching to a different aircraft. He is currently an 04, waiting for an open slot to promote to 05.
I have heard him tell people over and over and over againt to go Air National Guard over the Air Force, especially if you care what kind of plane(s) you will be flying. And, of course, there is something nice to be said about being able to buy a house and not get shipped somewhere new every 3 years!
Feel free to email me if you want to ask him questions .... we can even give you our phone number, if you want. No, I am not a recruiter ... nor is my husband ... he just loves what he does... FLYING and SERVING!!!
Good question, by the way.
2006-10-04 11:56:26 · answer #3 · answered by Harvie Ruth 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, do you have any idea of how many hours it takes to become a command pilot?
When I was there, if memory serves me was about 2500 and could have been more.
Regardless which branch you go into, "they" will tell you when to fly and what to fly and where to fly.
Just because you have a lot of hours in a Private aircraft, does no mean you will be a part of the "Thunderbirds" the Air Force will decide when your ready to fly not you.
2006-10-04 04:59:51 · answer #4 · answered by tom_casper_2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
air force don't get your hopes to high for pilot in command takes years to get there and you fly when they want you to missions no joy riding on second though maybe you need to ask you Dad you sound kinda young and to many movies what college have you graduated from /????.
25 yrs US marines aviator
2006-10-04 03:24:19 · answer #5 · answered by aldo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good luck, you have a lot to learn.
2006-10-04 06:50:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋