Most people believe a career in the Air Force requires a full-time commitment where you’re entire career revolves around the work in the military. However, there are other options if you want a career in the Air Force, such as the Reserves and the Air National Guard. The choice that’s right for you will depend on your career goals and lifestyle preferences. In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between active duty, the Reserves, and the Air National Guard so you can make the best career choice for your goals.

What Does it Mean to Be Active Duty?

Being an active duty Airman means that you’re working full-time for the Air Force and United States military. Your career will revolve around the Air Force and what’s required of you as part of your contract. Active duty Airmen may live on base, and they’ll receive the full range of benefits, including healthcare, pay, retirement, and more. Active duty Airmen can also be deployed at any time.

What Other Options Are There Outside of Active Duty?

Outside of active duty, you can also choose to join either the Reserves or the Air National Guard. Joining either of these entities means you’ll be working part-time to fill gaps and roles when active duty personnel are deployed or otherwise occupied.

The main difference between the two is that the Reserves is a federal entity while the Air National Guard is mostly state-funded. Despite being operated by the state, the Air National Guard can be called upon for federal missions when necessary. If you’re in the Reserves, you could be called upon to deploy in times of war. The National Guard often responds to national disasters, such as hurricanes, but can also be deployed to assist with humanitarian efforts.

Pros and Cons of Active Duty

Being an active duty Airman means you gain access to the full range of benefits offered by the U.S. military. Some of the most notable benefits Airmen will have include:

●Compensation: Active duty Airmen receive full-time pay and even a monthly good allowance. As rank increases, pay will also increase. Airmen with dependents will also receive additional allowances to cover the cost of having a family, such as the basic allowance for housing (BAH).

●Healthcare: Airmen have access to healthcare and dental through the military, which is also provided to their dependents. You can take advantage of these healthcare benefits to keep yourself and your family in good health.

●Housing: Enlisted Airmen have the option of living on base where living expenses are covered, including utilities and food. After reaching a certain rank or by living with dependents, Airmen are eligible to receive BAH, which will cover the cost of living off base.

●Education: The Air Force offers Airmen tuition assistance to help them pursue their education at a reduced or covered cost. You may even be eligible for student loan repayment assistance. It’s also possible for Airmen to receive transferable college credits while in basic training.

Some other benefits that are worth mentioning include career advancement opportunities, retirement savings, recreation access, and yearly vacation time.

While active duty has plenty of benefits that make it a wonderful career to choose, there are still some drawbacks to consider before deciding what’s right for you. For example, you have a higher likelihood of being deployed than someone in the Reserves or National Guard. Some of the other drawbacks to consider include frequent relocation, time spent away from family, risk of physical or emotional harm, and a less flexible schedule.

Pros and Cons of the Reserves and Air National Guard

Members of the Reserves and Air National Guard also have access to plenty of benefits that make it worthwhile to join when you want a career in the military but you don’t want to make a full-time commitment. Some of the most notable benefits of being in the Reserves or National Guard include:

●Flexibility: In the Reserves or National Guard, you will only be working part-time, which means you can maintain a civilian career outside of the military. You can even find a local unit that’s close to your home so you can stay close to friends and family while you’re serving out your contract.

●Medical coverage: You and your dependents will receive access to healthcare through TRICARE, allowing you and your family to keep up with your health during your time in the Reserves or Air National Guard.

●Base access: Members of the Reserves and Air National Guard have access to base, which allows them to access things like the commissary, exchange stores, fitness centers, and more.

●Career development: As a member of the Reserves or Air National Guard, you will receive military training so you can develop your career as part of the military. This training can be useful to you as you develop your career in the civilian world.

On top of the benefits above, Reserves and Air National Guard members will also receive education and retirement benefits if they meet eligibility requirements.

Despite these many benefits, it’s important to consider some of the drawbacks of being in the Reserves or Air National Guard. Some notable disadvantages include limited career progression compared to active duty, uncertainty around deployment, difficulty with military and civilian life balance, and the potential for less specialized training compared to active duty Airmen.

How to Determine Which Option is Right for You

If you’re trying to decide what you want to do with your future in the military, you’ll want to thoroughly consider all your options and what’s right for you. Consider the following factors to determine which option will best help you meet your personal career goals:

●Commitment: Active duty Airmen are required to fulfill their duties on a full-time schedule, with some Airmen working more than 40 hours a week. The Reserves and Air National Guard operate on a part-time basis so you can maintain a second job outside of the Air Force. If you want to have a civilian career outside of your military commitment, then the Reserves or National Guard might be the best choice for you.

●Compensation: Working full-time as an Airman means you’ll make more money than you would if you were working part-time in the Reserves or National Guard. Active duty Airmen also have better opportunities for career progression and better pay. However, if you have a well-paying civilian career, the pay you make working part-time for the Air Force may be all you need. Consider what kind of compensation you’re looking for as a member of the United States Air Force.

●Career: If you want to start a career in the civilian world sooner rather than later, you will have the flexibility to do so as a member of the Reserves or National Guard. As an active duty Airman, you would need to wait at least two years before you can start your civilian career, though your wait may be longer depending on what your role is in the Air Force and the time commitment required from you. Regardless of whether you’re an active duty member, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard, the work you do will help you develop experience you can use in the civilian world.

●Benefits: You will have access to the full range of benefits when you’re an active duty Airman, including healthcare. As a member of the Reserves or National Guard, you will still receive benefits, but they may be limited. For example, members of the Reserves and National Guard will only have access to TRICARE Reserve Select.

●Duty station: Active duty Airmen can be sent to live and work at any Air Force base, even overseas. You may be given a choice when you’re active duty, but it’s not always guaranteed and you’ll likely be sent where you’re needed rather than where you want. In the Reserves or National Guard, your duty station will be close to home and the only time you’ll be required to go overseas is if you’re called on to go active duty to deploy.

●Leave and liberty: Vacation for active duty is referred to as “leave” and “liberty.” Active duty Airmen gain 2.5 leave days a month for a total of 30 each year, and liberty refers to the days off Airmen receive on the weekends and holidays. As part of the Reserves and National Guard, you aren’t subject to leave and liberty unless you’ve been called upon to be active duty. If you’re looking for more flexibility in your schedule, you should consider the Reserves or National Guard over active duty.

AUSI Is Here to Support You During Your Military Career

Whether you decide to be an active duty Airman or you join the Reserves or Air National Guard, American Uniform Sales is here to help you with your uniform needs during your military career. We stock AFI-compliant uniforms, rank, insignia, and footwear so you can show up to work knowing you’re well within strict Air Force standards. Get started by browsing our wide selection, or contact us today with any questions.