Pros/cons for going active duty from the guard as an officer vs. enlisted, as well as pros and cons for going active rather than NG?

As an officer you make more money and in the most general sense act as a manager. Pro for me.

Going through active duty first will better prepare you for the challenges of part-time military life. It will most likely give you a positive attitude about the hardships of guard or reserve life because you'll see the "part-time" aspect of it and be much more motivated to participate and succeed.

Pursuing education is difficult no matter which component you're in. There is a way to make it work, don't be intimidated by it. Know your goals, communicate with your leadership, and you will be supported. Both components have benefits, read up on what your state has to offer the NG.

20 years ago I was going through the same decision as you. I was enlisted in the reserves, the wars had just begun, and I was trying to figure out which route to go. Few things that popped into my mind: 1) I wanted to go long term in the Army. 2) I was working at a Sheriff's Office and had a CJ degree.
For me the choice was simple, I could do 20 years and wait till I was 65 to see any of the benefits from my service, or I do 20 years which i would be paid the day I walked away. Just another thought as we had NG/Reserves at my location where we drilled....if you go that route, Go Reserves. The NG promotion system is "unique" to say the least and you are a state asset. The reserves follows the same federal guidelines and in the end there are a lot of benefits to this choice. If you want to message me I can go into this topic in greater detail as a few of my peers transition either route and the NG personnel are not happy with their choice. Hope this helps you in your decision.

I would always suggest for Cadets to pursue Active Duty-it affords the most benefits, is financially sound for a time, grants you more access to and flexibility for advanced schooling, gives you more opportunities to focus on your profession and is a great stepping stone for future endeavors.

With That said-I would recommend that a Cadet consider NG if: They we’re in the NG prior service for some time and are enamored with the community-friendship circles and local network that the state NG provides, they aspire/need to stay in the state for personal reasons (usually family), have aspirations of working in the state government/political realm, are dead set on ensuring a specific branch they want, desire immediate civilian masters and follow on doctoral degrees to attain a personal academic goal, aspire to become an State Guard AGR or Technition, or have no other way to pay for school (crisis action planning) accept enlist in the NG and get in state tuition to cover there bachelors or masters.

Either decision-own it, do your best and make a difference...you can do all this things Active, Teaerve or Guard and they all need competent young leaders like yourself...

You will make the right decision I am sure.