FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: DO I HAVE TO FLY IN THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD?
A: That's a common question that most members of the Texas Air National Guard have been asked at one point in their careers. The average member of the community thinks about flying when they see one of our unit members in uniform, and rightly so; it is at the center of our mission. However, only a select few of us actually fly the aircraft. Most of us have other jobs that are key to supporting the flying mission. We invite you to read about the many professions available within the Texas Air National Guard.
Q: CAN I JOIN IF I'M STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL?
A: You can join after you have completed your junior year of high school and are at least 17 years old (with parental consent). If you join while in high school, you will be required to attend your weekend duties, in which you will be paid. You will not be able to go to basic military training until you have graduated high school.
Q. CAN I GET MONEY FOR COLLEGE/ TUITION REIMBURSEMENT?
A. Yes. The Air National Guard offers the Montgomery G.I. Bill, which you may be eligible to receive. This will provide you with up to $317 per month depending on your course load. We also have the Montgomery G.I. Bill Kicker, which means that selected career fields offer an incentive, which could provide you with an additional $350 per month. The state of Texas offers a Tuition Reimbursement Program to members of the Air National Guard who attend a state college or university. Your recruiter can provide you with more information.
Q. ARE THERE ANY COLLEGE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO ME THROUGH THE TEXAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD?
A. Yes! You can earn a two-year Associates Degree in your occupation through the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). Also you will earn college credits for both Basic Military Training and technical school, which can be applied toward your CCAF degree or college you are attending.
Q. WILL MY STUDENT LOANS BE REPAID?
A. We offer student loan repayment payment program in certain career fields. The Student Loan Repayment Program can pay up to a $20,000 on outstanding government guaranteed loans. You must enlist for six years to be eligible for this program.
Q. ARE THERE ANY ENLISTMENTS BONUSES AVAILABLE AND IF SO HOW MUCH?
A. We offer two types of bonuses for the two terms of enlistment. There is a $20,000 enlistment bonus for a six year enlistment, and a $10,500 enlistment bonus for a three year enlistment. These bonuses are offered to certain career fields for each of these bonuses and the rates will vary if you are prior service military.
Q. WHAT IS THE REAL PURPOSE OF THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD?
A. The Air National Guard actually has two missions. Our federal mission is to support National Defense efforts with our F-16 aircraft. The impact of the Air Guard State mission hits close to home. When a disaster strikes in our home states, we're often the first ones on the scene. We move in fast with medical supplies, rescue equipment, manpower and whatever it takes to get our communities back on their feet. We have a responsibility to our country and should be able to go on active duty to enhance the active duty Air Force in case of national need and emergency. (Only Air Guard members who are completely trained in their skills can be activated).
Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF I MOVE TO ANOTHER STATE?
A. If you relocate to another state, we can, under most circumstances, assist you with a transfer to another Air National Guard unit close to your new home.
Q. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO JOIN FOR?
A. This is normally determined on an individual basis (depends on prior service, benefits and training requested).
Q. WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD?
A. Regular promotions, continuing professional education, education and tuition assistance for selected occupations, monetary incentives may be available, low cost life and dental insurance, a non-contributory retirement program at age 60, use of active duty military recreation facilities, commissary and exchange shopping privileges, and more.
Q. HOW CAN I GET ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED OR FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD?
A. Call: 1-800-529-4776 or (210) 925-5827. You can also go to www.goang.com
Q. I JUST ENLISTED WITH THE TX AIR GUARD, WHEN DO I HAVE TO LEAVE FOR BASIC TRAINING?
A: You have up to one year to complete your basic training.
Q. DO I GET LODGING WHEN I DRIVE FROM A DISTANCE?
A. If you live outside of San Antonio, you may be eligible for lodging for two nights.
Q. WHERE DO WE GET OUR MEALS WHILE AT DRILL?
A. During the UTA, you will get lunch at the Air National Guard Dining Facility on base free of charge.
Q. WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY FACTORS?
A. Call you local recruiting office to learn about enlistment requirements.
Q. IF I WENT THROUGH BASIC TRAINING WITH ANOTHER BRANCH, DO I HAVE TO GO THROUGH AIR FORCE BASIC TRAINING
A. No. The Air National Guard will honor whatever Basic Training you have completed.
Q. WHAT IS THE RECRUITING/ENLISTMENTPROCESS?
A. Click here to check out the process
Q. DO YOU HAVE TO BE IN THE MILITARY TO APPLY FOR A PILOT OR OTHER OFFICER POSITIONS?
A. No. All officer positions are announced through a formal process in which you can apply.