jenntorres28 Newcomer

# 1

I will be graduating this may in air traffic and am considering joining the reserves or air national guard but am skeptical about how it could affect me while I am waiting for the FAA to call me. Is anyone currently in the reserves or guard as well as an FAA controller?

MikeATC Retired & Overseas Nashville TN

# 2

Jenn,
There are FAA controllers that are members of the ANG, or in the Reserves, I'm sure that some have been in since before they were controllers. The only issue that I can see is if you are in Boot Camp when the FAA tries to call you.

You don't say whether you are graduating with an Associates or Bachelor degree, but if it is the latter you might want to consider going to Officer Canidate School vs. going the enlisted route.

The good thing about going into the ANG/Guard is that you are serving your country, gaining valuable experience, and you'll earn respect from your co-workers that are prior military or are still in the guard/reserves.

jenntorres28 Newcomer

# 3

Thanks for the feedback. Would you happen to know whether one of them ANG or Reserves does more humanitarian work or do they both do so equally. This is what i mainly want to do (i.e. haiti, katrina). Also, yes im graduating from Riddle as an ATC in May. I dont necessarily need to do ATC if i join one of them so which would be the best route for me ANG or Reserves? This whole thing is very confusing as there is also which branch to consider and different people are telling me different opinions on each of them so im trying to get as many different opinions as possible from different type of people.

DXatc1941 Newcomer

# 4

The Air National Guard is a great route to go. I have been in the ANG for 9 years and many controllers in our unit are in the FAA. I am transferring into the FAA from DOD as well. We are located in Oregon. If you PM me I can give you contact information or answer any questions you have, or put you in touch with a closer unit. We have 10 units located throughout the country. Currently we have ANG controllers working in Haiti.

boston Senior Member Orlando

# 5

I'm strongly considering the ANG. Are they flexible with members moving from state to state, or are you locked into wherever you joined?

DXatc1941 Newcomer

# 6

Not totally sure how to answer your question...but if your question is can you live in another state and be a member somewhere else then yes. My unit is in Oregon, and we have people all over the country. The farthest is a guy who is a supervisor at O'Hare tower. As long as you can uphold your committment then you can live wherever you want. The ANG is pretty flexible.

rostato Junior Member

# 7

It's not easy to transfer

jenntorres28 Newcomer

# 8

as far as doing humanitarian work, do you volunteer or asked to do it?