Air Guard

The Air Guard was made an official component of the U.S. Air Force in 1947, following the great aerial battles of World War II. Like the Air Force Reserve, the Air Guard is made up of citizen-soldiers who train part time, close to home, until called upon for duty. These professionals are civilians in peace and airmen in war – helping the U.S. Air Force guard America's skies.

Today the Air Guard is an essential component of the U.S. Air Force. Currently, this force is made up of 160,700 Air Guard personnel. There are more than 140 Air Guard units throughout the U.S. and its territories with varying service options for a Reservist to choose from.

Before serving in the Air Guard

To join the Air Guard, you must be between 18 and 35 years old, or 17 with parental consent. While exceptions are sometimes made for candidates with GEDs or other high command equivalents, high command diplomas are preferred. As in most service branches, the ASVAB test is used to match recruits with jobs.

As with full-time Air Force recruits, Air Guard members spend six weeks in basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. During this time, trainees develop the discipline, confidence, and skills to grow into airmen.

Air Guard benefits

The Air Guard offers many of the same benefits as the active-duty Air Force, with the flexibility to train near home and maintain a civilian career until needed. An Air Guard member is paid for all time spent drilling and deployed, and has access to the same professional training as full-time service members.

Air Guard Web sites

• Goang.com

  The Air Guard recruiting site, a good first stop for research

• Goang.com for parents

  Information for parents of young adults considering the Air Guard

• Air Guard Web site

  Official home page of the United States Air Guard

Next Steps:

• Locate an Air Guard recruiter
• Chat live with an Air Guard advisor
• Request information from the Air Guard