01. What is the Air National Guard?
The Air National Guard is a Reserve branch of the United States Air Force, and serves alongside active-duty Air Force members in times of a national crisis. In addition, the Air Guard serves the state and local community in a wide range of capacities. Working just one weekend a month and two weeks (15 days) a year.
02. What’s the difference between the USAFR and the ANG?
The USAFR has a federal mission whereas the ANG has both a state and a federal mission. We, the DCANG, fall under the direction of the Commanding General of the DCANG except for times in which the President calls upon us. We've been able to do some really cool things, for example, Hurricane Katrina, 911, flood relief, riot control, parades, etc...
03. Why do people join the Air National Guard?
The reasons are as diverse as our members and include such reasons as a deep desire to serve their country, money for college, travel, new job skills and the pride that goes with belonging to the greatest military organization in the world.
04. How many years do you enlist for?
If you are Non-Prior Service, the typical enlistment is for six years with two years in the inactive reserves (non-drill status, but subject to call up). Other options are available, including a four-year enlistment with four years inactive reserve. If you are Prior Service, enlistment options vary from a one- to six-year enlistment, depending on your qualifications.
05. What is basic training like?
Basic training is six weeks of intense training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. While there, you will make the transition from civilian life to military life. In addition to various types of military training conducted, you will learn Air Force history, customs and courtesies, and proper wear of the uniform.
06. Can I come home between basic training and technical training?
Normally no, unless you are required to do so under the Split Training Option.
07. What are the basic qualifications to join?
For Non-prior Service:
- Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) tests. Minimum Score is 31.
- Pass a military physical
- Have no alcohol or excessive law violations
- Have a high school diploma or GED, or be within one year of graduating from high school
- Be 18 years old (17 with parental consent), and less than 35 years old
For Prior Service:
- Received an honorable discharge from your branch of service
- Be able to complete 20 creditable years of service by age 60. Your prior service time counts towards the 20 years of service.
08. What is the process to enlist?
Contact the District of Columbia Air National Guard Recruiting Office to schedule the ASVAB test and enlistment physical. Once you meet the basic qualifications, you'll need to select a job and visit that work center for specific job information
09. How much money can I actually make as a member of the ANG?
There are several ways in which you can receive money from being a member of the ANG. Let's talk about money.
Everyone gets the following:
Unit Training Assembly (UTA) pays Approx. $200 per month
Your base pay is determined by your rank and years of service. For example:
Rank |
Weekend Pay |
AFT Pay |
E-3 |
$180.92 |
$1,356.90 |
E-2 |
$172.00 |
$1,290.00 |
E-1 |
$153.44 |
$1,150.80 |
Plus...extra income that could be earned, if you qualify:
Montgomery G.I Bill $309 per month
Kicker Program $350 per month
Student Loan Repayment Program $20,000 maximum
Cash Bonus $15,000 maximum
10. What Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC’s) are considered “critical career fields”?
A particular career field is put on the critical list for one of two reasons. One is because it might be considered a less desirable job to some people and two, is because several people have a hard time qualifying to go into that career field. We have about 50 jobs to choose from.
11. What types of careers are available?
There are more than 140 enlisted career opportunities here at Andrews Air Force Base, among them are:
- Administration
- Jet Engine Mechanic
- Aircraft Avionics Systems
- Building Trades
- Aircraft Maintenance
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Supply
- Transportation and Vehicle Maintenance
- Aircraft Munitions and Armament
- Medical
- Security Forces
- Structural Repair
- Computer and Communication Technologies
- Weather
12. Do I get to pick my own job?
Absolutely, you will choose from a list of vacant jobs that you are qualified for.
13. How do I find out which jobs I qualify for?
You will need to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test (ASVAB). The results of the test are broken down into four different areas: Mechanical, Administrative, General and Electrical. You will also need to have a military physical, which is done at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
Once you have taken your ASVAB and physical a recruiter will sit down with you and talk about all of the different jobs you qualify for. It is at this time you decide which AFSC's you would like to learn more about. You will know exactly what job you are going into, who your supervisor is, who your commander is, where and how long your Technical School will be before you make a commitment to join the ANG.
14. When and where can I take the ASVAB test?
The ASVAB test is given at various locations nationwide. In the District of Columbia area, the test is given at the MEPS Center between Washington and Baltimore; admission slips to take the test are available from the Recruiting Office.
15. What about a military retirement?
Members who accumulate a minimum of 20 years creditable service are entitled to receive a military retirement at age 60. Your retirement pay is based on your rank, years of service, and total retirement points accumulated.
16. What about education benefits?
Several education benefits are available to unit members. For example:
- As you train, you will be awarded college credits that can be applied toward an associate degree in your military career field, through the Community College of the Air Force. The credits earned may also be applied toward a college degree at a civilian college.
- We offer unit members free Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) testing that allows members to earn college credits through specialized tests.
- Full-time students can earn up to $622.00 per month for college through the Montgomery G.I. Bill and KICKER program. Money for part-time students is prorated accordingly.
17. Do I have to buy my own uniforms and shoes?
No, enlisted members are provided uniforms free of charge.
18. Do you accept members from other branches of service?
Yes, all branches of service are represented in the District of Columbia Air National Guard.
19. If I am prior service from a branch of service other than the Air Force, do I have to repeat basic military training?
If you have successfully completed a basic military training course, even if it was with another branch of service, you do not have to attend Basic Military Training (BMT).
20. Does my prior service count? Do I keep my rank? Can I wear my ribbons from another branch of service?
Prior service time counts for pay and retirement purposes. Individuals transferring from another branch of service do lose their date of rank. However, they usually retain their rank up through E-5. Ribbons awarded for meritorious service or commendation from another branch of service may still be worn on the Air Force uniform.
21. Can a single parent enlist in the ANG?
Yes, we do accept single parents in the Air National Guard.
22. What if I move out of the area, can I still be a member?
At the present time, you can still be a member of the unit as long as you continue to attend scheduled Unit Training Assembly (UTA) weekends. Members who live 100 miles or more from the base are provided a motel room on UTA weekends, free of charge.
23. Is it really worth my time?
Absolutely! One weekend a month and 15 days of Annual Field Training (more commonly known as Summer Camp) is all it takes. As a member of the unit, the pride you will have for your country, and for yourself is beyond words. A little bit of time, a lifetime of pride.
24. Can my parents come with me to talk about all of the details?
Yes, it is encouraged for your parents to help in the decision-making process. This is a big commitment on your part, even if you are already 18 years of age; please feel free to invite your parents along. Parents will look out for your best interest and think of questions that you may forget to ask.
25. Who do I call if I have more questions or want to schedule an appointment?
Simply contact your DC Air Guard Recruiter @
301-856-9110
800-610-4921 or
www.113wg.ang.af.mil
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