[dws_2004]

Cameron,

Enlisting in the Air National Guard is a great path and one that will serve you well, I commend you for considering it. When it comes to paying for college, a lot of it depends on the state you live in. For me being in Colorado, the state offers tuition assistance for members of the Air National Guard. Factor in the GI Bill Ch 1606 and you’re looking at most of if not all your college being covered.

I would highly suggest considering a job that will offer you exposure and facetime with the pilots and aircrew such as Crew Chiefs, AFE (Aircrew Flight Equipment), or Avionics as this can help you when it’s time to apply for pilot slots.

I will mention that from the moment you sign the dotted line to when you are ready to start college could take some time depending on how quickly your unit can send you to BMT and tech school. If I were you, I would set up a meeting with your recruiter, find out what your state offers in education assistance, go see the different shops for the jobs you might want, and what the timeline would look like for your training.

Before you graduate college I would also highly encourage you to get your PPL as it will look better when you apply, and raise your PCSM score which will be required in your package.

In short, get in touch with your recruiter and find a job that suits you, study for the ASVAB, work hard in your new job once you complete tech school, get your PPL, get good grades/scores on the AFOQT and college GPA, and most importantly, be a good dude. Best of luck in your future endeavors!