What's the difference between Air Force Reserves, Air National Guard and/or Active Air Force Reserves?

2017-12-26T16:44:05-05:00

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2017 4:50 PM

2017-12-26T16:50:28-05:00

Well, the simple answer is that the Reserves are still Federal, whereas the Guard is the State component.

Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made Dec 26 at 2017 9:02 PM

2017-12-26T21:02:35-05:00

In the end, after all my time in the Regular Army, Army Reserves, DC ANG, NC ANG, and OH ANG, my official title is MSgt, USAF, Retired. There’s nothing on your uniform that states you are AFR or ANG (except for State NG ribbons, being assigned to an AFR or ANG installation, etc.).
I will say that operational tempo is high for both ANG and AFR as the active AF relies heavily on the units, so staying technically proficient is important.
Promotions are slower than active AF for enlisted as you have to be in the right slot/position and unit. Of course, there’s always the possibility of getting an AGR or Air Technician position which can help you get promoted.
I’ve known both Reservists and Guardsmen/women that fly all over the country to attend drills in other states.
Navy MOSs translate somewhat easier to Air Force AFSCs, depending upon what you want to do, but I’ve known all sorts of people from other services get ahead in the Guard.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2017 9:31 PM

2017-12-26T21:31:42-05:00

Essentially the title its self is the only real difference, yes you are 'owned' by different parental groups but you are still a member of the United States Air Force. As other members have stated your parents are either the state your unit resides in (Guard) or you fall under the Reserves which are Federally managed. As confusing as it might sound it's rather simple.
1. You all wear the same Airmen Battle Uniform (ABU/Camo)
2. You all follow the same rules and regulations (Air Force Instruction - AFI)
3. Your leadership chain is different no matter where you go - but in the Guard its State level, in the Reserve its big Government
4. You ALL serve this great nation!

When it comes to active positions, there are deeper layers of confusion. THE Active duty is the folks that change bases roughly every 3-4 years. Active Guard or Reserve generally serve one location unless they find a better fit, then they apply for said location just like any other job.

I spent 11 years Active, then went to the Reserves, and have now been selected for a commission in the Illinois Air National Guard. While my experience is far from complete, I have been lucky enough to serve in a vast amount of positions with various levels of involvement.

This fact sheet might help answer some more questions, or feel free to send me a message
http://www.afrc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/857897/the-difference-between-guard-and-reserve/

Gator

The difference between Guard and Reserve

The Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard are the two components of the Air Force which make up the Total Force. From a daily operational viewpoint, there are distinct differences between the ANG,

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2017 1:35 PM

2017-12-27T13:35:49-05:00

its funny cause the Air Guard and the Reserve have different regulations on the same subject such as a Class 3 flight physical the guard is only good for one year and the reserves is good for 2 years but its the same military nothing changes besides one is state and the other federal.

Response by AN Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2017 8:17 PM

2017-12-27T20:17:56-05:00

Thanks so much everyone! I just would like to make sure I understand the information I've been given so far. Air National Guard is also known as "Air Active Reserve". Air National Guardsmen can serve where they live unless called to deploy. Air Reserves stays where they live regardless. Air National Guard receives pay equivalent to Active Duty Air Force pay because they're "Active" OR they only receive active duty pay when they're deployed. Haha! Did I get anything wrong? I feel like I did.

Response by TSgt Deane Bray made Jan 7 at 2018 1:23 AM

2018-01-07T01:23:52-05:00

AIR GUARD IS UNDER THE STATE AND THE GOVERNOR , AIR FORCE RESERVES IS UNDER THE PRESIDENT

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2018 4:21 PM

2018-01-19T16:21:56-05:00

Reserves are federal, Guard is state, active reserves or guard could mean that they have been employed more then the part time (2 days a month 2 weeks a year and when needed)
Guard helps the active mission as well as serves missions to the state they are assigned to. for example floods and state disasters the guard is activated to uphold their promise to their state. Guard fall under state Governor and the POTUS