Im about to sign in ANG, finally!!

blakeh Trusted Member SLN

Yo Guys!

So, a little update and some questions.

I finally was able to take the asvab, I know it took like 2 months to get the "ok", but I did get it done and also got the physical at MEPS done.

Im finally able to join the Air National Guard for ATC! Im wondering, what should I ask the recruiter about in the next week. Ill probably be signing the contracts mid next week. Obviously, I am aware, getting the ATC in the contract will be a 100% or I walk. But, any other perks Im not aware to mention and get put in or....??? Anything really, just tell me what to ask.

Also, what should I expect after I sing? Do I just do drill weekends untill basics or is there going to be more involved??

Thanks for the help!!

speediebang Senior Member Gulfport, Mississippi

Not the best at the ANG thing, however I know that you will eventually end up at Keesler for ATC tech school. Feel free to read my Ask the USAF ATC Instructor! thread for tech school related stuff and to ask away about that.

Only thing I can recommend is to see where it is that you will be training and be ready for that. Many times, though not all, ANG and reserve ATC'ers get their initial facility certification at a different base then they will be stationed. You will get certified as a full time ANG'er, then go to the 1 weekend/2 weeks thing. That is normally the time ANG'ers apply for FAA. They get the CTO or cert then good to go.

Congrats and enjoy your journey.

speediebang Senior Member Gulfport, Mississippi

Oh you already visited. HA!

blakeh Trusted Member SLN

Looks like im signing the dotted line on Monday Aug 17th at 1 pm! Im pretty excited! Thank you every one who has helped me for the past couple months with my questions and well everything!! Especially Colt, Radium and everyone else Im forgetting!!!

Thanks again!!

Radium Epic Member SoCal Tracon

I <3 the E-props. It must be us Indiana guys, combination of being helpfull and loving to hear ourselves speak....

gratz dude enjoy it. Once you get checked out, look into a deployment. Its different for everyone but for me, it was the best thing I've ever done.

blakeh Trusted Member SLN

Ill def be doing a deployment. Anyways, from my understanding we have to do a deployment to be elgible to get apply to the faa. And Ive also been considering doing a couple. Tax free money. Plus, what the hell would I spend it on over there?? This way id come back with a lump of money sitting in my savings account!! lol!

Thanks again! And im sure ill be back with questions alot!

And Monday the 17th I sign the papers!!

Knowlton Junior Member Dallas/Fort Worth

OK, as far as ANG, not bad to learn but you will be headed to Basic Training ( about 8weeks) Tech school (about 4 months) and after all that you go into training to get your 5 level. That whole 1 weekend a month stuff doesnt go into effect till after you have reached your 5 level (Journeyman). Depending on where you are going could take 1+ year. Also to apply VRA for the FAA you have to do a deployment... you can apply for the FAA all you want but you cant use VRA until you knock out a deployment... I know it may seem a bit to late but better late than never

mtlatc Epic Member In a bus down by the river!

Three letters, AGR, know it, research it, try to get it...

blakeh Trusted Member SLN

AGR=Active Guard Reserve??

Im gonna try for it later on. Got a good year and a half of training first. Or I may just volunteer for a deployment and then apply to the FAA. Either way will be fine with me!

How much do the AGR make?? Is it just normal military pay??

And I did sign the papers today! Im so excited!

Was curious, Ive gotten a physical at MEPS and was wondering is there another ATC physical later on? If so, what is on it??

mtlatc Epic Member In a bus down by the river!

Dude AGR is like being active duty AF with out ever having to PCS (BUT WAY MORE LAID BACK)...Do it if you can (So my wife said...she gave it up to follow a AD guy..I was so lucky...). Yes you will deploy but that is the life. Guard deployments are way shorter than the AD ones.