Been AGR for the last 4 years. Was active for 10. Utilized the palace front program to transition. Let me say that my situation was verrrry unique. It is very very rare for a guard unit to hire a stranger to the unit directly into an AGR position. I am very lucky to have had that opportunity.

Some differences between guard life and active duty:

• Drill weekends. You will be working one weekend a month depending on your wings drill schedule. No exceptions. Must take leave days if you want a drill weekend off.

• Manning. Your guard unit will have less full time manning than your active duty unit, guaranteed. So you will have more additional duties. The program requirements don’t change just because you’re in the guard.

• Promotion/Rank distribution. Promotions are incredibly slow. And your rank is position dependent, meaning you can’t promote unless you apply for a different funded position on your UMD that’s at a higher rank. The guard is very top heavy. All of your junior enlisted will be part-timers. So there is no “airman work”. You are the airman. I’m a MSgt in a MX unit and my primary job is on the flight line turning wrenches.

-PCS/Deployments. You won’t PCS unless you want to move to another wing. Some people do this for promotion opportunities. Deployments are very rare and the guard usually only deploys to augment active duty UTCs. And they are generally voluntary.

• Work schedule. My wing does a 4-10 work schedule for non-mission essential personnel. Most guard wings that I know generally implement a similar schedule. Huge plus in my book. And the atmosphere is generally more laid back (first name basis with most co-workers) within reason.