Questions / Topics

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Expand List item 205Collapse List item 205  Benefits

Are there any enlistment bonuses available and if so how much? 

There is a $20,000 enlistment bonus depending upon the job. 

 

Can I get money for college/tuition? 

Yes. The Air National Guard offers the Montgomery G.I. Bill, which you may be eligible to receive. This will provide you with up to $329 per month depending on your course load. We also have the Montgomery G.I. Bill Kicker, which means that selected career fields offer an incentive, which could provide you with an additional $350 per month.

 

How much money will I get paid? 

Your pay will depend on your rank. The average new enlistee makes about $200 for one weekend a month.

 

Will my student loans be repaid? 

We offer up to a $20,000 student loan repayment payment program in certain career fields. You must enlist for 6 years to be eligible for this program.
Expand List item 206Collapse List item 206  General Infomation

How can I schedule a base tour?

To schedule a base tour please call 602-302-9449

 

What is the Air National Guard? 

The Air National Guard is a civilian reserve component of the United States Air Force that provides prompt mobilization during war and assistance during national emergencies. 

In the US military, the Air National Guard, as part of the National Guard, is the organized militia of a particular US state and is a reserve component of the US Air Force, too. Each state, territory, and the District of Columbia has an Air National Guard. As Federally-organized militia, Air National Guard units are liable to activation by both the President of the United States and the governor of the state in which the ANG unit resides.
Expand List item 207Collapse List item 207  Joining the Air National Guard

Are there certain qualifications? 

Members must meet age requirements, pass height and weight standards, and be morally and mentally qualified. Members must also have a high school diploma or GED to be eligible.

 

What are my chances of getting deployed? 

There is always a chance that you will deploy. However, the Air National Guard can ensure that you will be fully trained with the skills to be mission ready at all times. 

 

What does 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks a year include? 

Each member is required to attend unit training assemblies (UTA) one weekend a month. The UTA duty day is from 6:30am-3:00pm. Each day will include training and the operation of your job. The other 2 weeks a year are annual training days that must be completed to ensure that the member has completed all required training for their specific career field. This time is slotted to attend training schools or training at the base.

 

What is my commitment? 

For new Air Guard members, the commitment involves working one weekend a month and a few weeks a year at a minimum for a period of 6 years. You must attend Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB in Texas for approximately 8 1/2 weeks, followed by Technical School for the career field they have chosen. Tech schools range in length from 6 to over 50 weeks, depending on the job.

 

What types of jobs or careers can I pursue? 

There are several opportunities one can pursue. The 161st offers jobs in Medical, Finance, Culinary Arts, Human Resources, Security Forces, Aircraft Maintenance, Help Desk & Multi Media, Ministry, Flight Operations (Pilots) and many more. 

 

When can I join? 

You can join at the age of 17 with parental consent or at the age of 18 without parental consent; you must be at least halfway through your senior year of high school.
Expand List item 208Collapse List item 208  Training

What types of jobs or careers can I pursue? 

There are several opportunities one can pursue. The 161st offers jobs in Medical, Finance, Culinary Arts, Human Resources, Security Forces, Aircraft Maintenance, Multi Media, Ministry, Flight Operations (Pilots) and many more.
Expand List item 209Collapse List item 209  Visiting the USA and would like to photograph aircraft at the base

I'm visiting the USA this year and would like to stop at your base to photograph your aircraft while in Phoenix.

Base tours are intended for neighborhood, community service, government or professional organizations in Arizona. Unfortunately, the wing cannot host tours for aviation enthusiasts/hobby photographers due to the tremendous volume of such tour requests.

Note:

Photography access and base tours are intended for local and national media outlets or neighborhood, community service, government or professional organizations within Arizona. Unfortunately, the wing cannot host tours for aviation enthusiasts, historians, or hobby photographers due to the volume of such requests and their potential impact on operations tempo and limited manning for escort. This applies also to base access for photography of the historical aircraft on display.