Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the enlistment requirements needed to join the Air National Guard?
A. To join the Air National Guard you must meet the following minimum qualifications: -Between the ages of 17-34 years old -Be a senior in high school, have a high school diploma or GED -Be a US Citizen or possess an Alien Registration Card (I551). A recruiter can discuss further enlistment requirements with you.
Q. Will I have to go to Basic Training/Boot Camp? If so, where and how long is it?
A. Yes only if you have never attended Basic Training with any other branch of service. Basic training is 6 1/2 weeks long and is held at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX.
Q. What about training for the job that I'm going to do in the Air National Guard?
A. You will attend a military technical school where you will learn how to do the job that you enlisted into. The training school will last between 6 and 52 weeks, depending on the job that you will be doing.
Q. How will I know what jobs I am qualified for?
A. You will take the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. This written test will inform both the recruiter and yourself as to what jobs you are eligible for in the Air National Guard.
Q. How can I ensure that I get the job that I want?
A. Each recruiting office is responsible for the manning only at their unit. Because of this fact, your job will be guaranteed and written into your enlistment contract.
Q. Do I have to cut my hair?
A. Males will get their heads shaved at Basic Training. Females will not have to cut their hair. However, they will be required to pin up their hair if it is below the collar of their shirt.
Q. Do I get paid while attending Basic Training and technical school?
A. Yes. You will be paid active duty pay during basic training and technical school. The pay that you receive will be determined by the rank that you enlist as.
Q. How long must I enlist for?
A. You will enlist for a period of not less than three years.
Q. What rank will I enlist at?
A. You will enlist as an E-1 through E-3. Your rank will be determined by a number of factors: 1. How long you enlist for (3 or 6 years) 2. College credits that you may have 3. ROTC, Gold Palm/Eagle Scout awards
Q. Can my spouse and/or children accompany me to training?
A. No. Unfortunately, there are no accommodations for your family at either Basic Training or technical school. You will be living in a dormitory style environment while attending all training courses.
Q. How do I make rank/promotions?
A. Your promotions will be determined by time in grade (how long have you been at your current rank), time in service (how long have you been in the military) and any Professional Military Education (PME) requirements. There is no formal military testing program required for promotions in the Air National Guard.
Q. What are the fitness requirements?A. Men must complete a two-mile run in 18 minutes or less, 45 sit-ups in two minutes and 30 push-ups in two minutes.
Women must complete a two-mile run in 21 minutes or less, 38 sit-ups in two minutes and 14 push-ups in two minutes.
Q. Are there any college programs available to me through the Air National Guard?
A. Yes! You can earn a 2 year Associate Degree in your occupation through the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). Also you will earn college credits for both Basic Training and Technical school, which can be applied toward your CCAF degree or the college that you are attending.
Q. Will my student loans be repaid?
A. We offer up to a $20,000 student loan repayment payment program in certain eligible career fields. You must enlist for 6 years to be eligible for this program.
Q. Are there any enlistment bonuses available and if so how much?
A. There is a $7,500 enlistment bonus if you sign up for 3 years and a $15,000 enlistment bonus if you sign up for 6 years this incentive is for critical career fields only. See the vacancy listing for a listing of incentive eligible AFSCs.
Q. Can I use Air Force or other military base facilities?
A. Commissary (grocery store) and Exchange (department stores) may be used anytime throughout the year.
Q. Can I fly free on military aircraft (Space A travel)?
A. Yes. Free travel is permitted for active Guardsmen, when seats are available, to locations throughout the country.
Q. Do you offer any life insurance?
A. Yes, up to $250,000 of low cost life insurance can be purchased.
Q. How long do I have to serve in the Air National Guard before I am eligible for retirement?
A. You must complete 20 years of total military service (active duty and/or Guard) to be eligible for retirement.
Q. Will I lose my full time job while serving in the Air National Guard?
A. No. The law protects Air Guard members from discriminatory employer practices.
Q. What if a war or national emergency is declared, will I be activated?
A. While in most cases activation is voluntary; there is always the chance that you will have to participate in a war or national emergency/crisis.
Q. What will my pay be for working one weekend each month?
A. You will be paid 4 active duty days for working 2 days each month. Your pay will be determined by your rank and time in service.
Q. If I am retired from active duty, can I join the Air National Guard?
A. Yes, provided you are retired Active Duty Air Force. You may join the Air National Guard provided: you are not retired from active duty Air Force service for more than 5 years, must be fully qualified in the AFSC/MOS position to be filled and you can complete at least 3 years of service before your 60th birthday. Cross training after enlistment in the Air National Guard will not be authorized for prior retirees.
Q. Do I have to go back to Basic Training/Boot Camp?
A. No! Once is enough!! Q. Can I cross train or do I have to stay in my same career field?
A. You may cross train if you so desire or stay in the same career field. The choice is yours.
Q. If I cross train, do I have to attend technical school?
A. Yes. All jobs in the Air National Guard require attendance of technical schools. However, you may receive constructive credit for your civilian occupation that might preclude attendance of additional technical training. Your local recruiter can discuss this option with you further.
Q. Does my time that I served on active duty count toward my Air Guard retirement?
A. Yes. All time served on active duty counts towards your Air Guard retirement.
Q. What is my yearly commitment to the Air Guard and how long must I enlist for?
A. You have an option of enlisting for either 3 or 6 years. Your commitment to the Air Guard is typically working one weekend each month and 15 annual training days every year.
Q. What rank will I enlist as?
A. You will enlist at the rank you held at time of discharge from active duty up to E-5. However, for PS Air Force personnel there are exceptions to this rule. Your Air Guard recruiter can discuss these exceptions with you.
Q. What if I move to another state? Can I transfer to a different unit?
A. Yes, you can transfer to a different unit. Again your local recruiting office can put you in contact with a recruiter in another state/unit.
Q. How do I make rank/promotions?
A. Your promotions will be determined by time in grade, time in service and any Professional Military Education (PME) requirements. There is no formal military testing program required for promotions in the Air National Guard.