Our Difference

Powered by purpose

Members of the Air Guard are dynamic individuals who lead purpose-driven lives. Most attend school or maintain a full-time career in addition to training one weekend a month and two weeks a year in the Air Guard. They typically train close to their homes, often alongside neighbors and friends, and they take immense pride in serving their local communities. They’re also proud to be a part of the Air Guard family – a community of people dedicated to supporting each other and improving the lives of others.

All Air Guard members receive a comprehensive benefits package and a regular paycheck for their service. In addition to these federal benefits, the Air Guard offers unique state benefits that can range from money for college to state-specific tax benefits.

Agile. Modern. Military.

Unlike the Active Duty Air Force and Air Force Reserve, the Air Guard carries out both a federal and state mission, offering members a unique opportunity to serve their local community as well as their country. In times of global crisis or contingency, the Air Guard may be called upon by the President to be part of the Active Duty Air Force. When a regional or local disaster strikes, Air Guard units may be activated by a state governor to protect the lives of American citizens. No matter where in the world conflict arises or crises erupt, the Air Guard is able to mobilize and respond within 48 hours.

Differences between Reserves, National Guard, Air National Guard.

Air National Guard

A reserve component of the Air Force that requires members to attend drill weekend once a month and active duty training two weeks each year. Air Guard units perform both a state and federal mission, so members receive both federal and state-specific benefits.

Active Duty Air Force

The Air Force performs its federal mission around the clock, seven days a week, which means members of the Active Duty Air Force serve full time. Active Duty Airmen serve on bases around the world and do not receive state-specific benefits in addition to military pay.

Air Force Reserve Command

A reserve component of the Air Force that requires members to attend drill weekend one weekend a month and active duty training two weeks each year. The Air Force Reserve strictly supports the federal mission of the Active Duty Air Force, and so Reservists do not receive state-specific benefits.

Answering the call to serve Faces of ANG

Senior Master Sergeant Reich

Kelly acts as the “eyes in the sky” for the Air National Guard, collecting and assessing visual intelligence before, during, and after conflict or crisis.

Kelly Reich: Information Security Analyst

Lieutenant Colonel Schreiber

For Ron, the responsibility of helping to protect American citizens is as rewarding as it is important.

Ron Schreiber: Air Transport Captain

Staff Sergeant Zerwas

Depending on where he's stationed, Tony could be serving as a law enforcement officer, manning a checkpoint, or securing an airfield.

Tony Zerwas: Security Officer

Staff Sergeant Fisher

In the Air National Guard, Rick has received training in everything from jumping out of airplanes, to operating and maintaining ATVs and snow mobiles.

Redefining what it means to serve