5 Key Differences: Air Guard Vs National Guard

The United States Armed Forces have several branches, each with its own unique mission, responsibilities, and composition. Two of the lesser-known branches are the Air National Guard and the National Guard. While both branches are part of the National Guard, they have distinct differences in their roles, responsibilities, and requirements. In this article, we will explore the 5 key differences between the Air Guard and National Guard.

Role and Mission

The National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces that can be called upon to support state and federal authorities in times of crisis. The National Guard has a dual mission: to provide trained units to the United States Army and Air Force in times of war, and to provide support to state governments in times of natural disaster or civil unrest.

On the other hand, the Air National Guard (ANG) is a reserve component of the United States Air Force. The ANG's primary mission is to provide trained units to the United States Air Force in times of war, while also supporting state governments in times of natural disaster or civil unrest.

Structure and Composition

The National Guard is composed of two branches: the Army National Guard (ARNG) and the Air National Guard (ANG). The ARNG is divided into 54 separate state and territorial forces, each with its own command structure and chain of command. The ANG, on the other hand, is a single entity with 89 flying units and 57 space units across the United States.

Training and Deployment

National Guard units are trained to respond to state and federal emergencies, such as natural disasters, civil unrest, and terrorist attacks. National Guard units can be deployed within their home state or federally, depending on the mission. National Guard units typically drill one weekend a month and attend an annual two-week training period.

Air National Guard units, on the other hand, are trained to support the United States Air Force in times of war. ANG units can be deployed overseas in support of combat operations or humanitarian missions. ANG units also drill one weekend a month and attend an annual two-week training period.

Requirements and Eligibility

To join the National Guard, one must meet the following requirements:

Be between the ages of 17 and 35
Be a U.S. citizen or national
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Meet medical and physical standards
Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test

To join the Air National Guard, one must meet the following requirements:

Be between the ages of 17 and 39
Be a U.S. citizen or national
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Meet medical and physical standards
Pass the ASVAB test
Have a minimum score of 40 on the ASVAB test

Benefits and Pay

National Guard members receive a wide range of benefits, including:

Education benefits, such as the Montgomery GI Bill
Medical and dental benefits
Retirement benefits
Access to base facilities and services
Pay and allowances for drill and active duty periods

Air National Guard members receive the same benefits as National Guard members, with the addition of:

Aviation-specific training and education
Opportunities for flight training and certification
Access to advanced technology and equipment

Career Opportunities

National Guard members can pursue a wide range of career opportunities, including:

Infantry and artillery specialties
Engineering and construction specialties
Medical and dental specialties
Intelligence and communications specialties

Air National Guard members can pursue a wide range of career opportunities, including:

Pilot and navigator specialties
Maintenance and logistics specialties
Intelligence and communications specialties
Cybersecurity and information technology specialties

Gallery of National Guard and Air National Guard Images

National Guard and Air National Guard Image Gallery

FAQs

What is the main difference between the National Guard and the Air National Guard?

The main difference between the National Guard and the Air National Guard is their mission and role. The National Guard has a dual mission to support state and federal authorities in times of crisis, while the Air National Guard's primary mission is to provide trained units to the United States Air Force in times of war.

Can I join the National Guard or Air National Guard if I have a medical condition?

It depends on the medical condition. The National Guard and Air National Guard have medical standards that must be met in order to join. However, some medical conditions may be waived or may not disqualify you from service. It's best to speak with a recruiter or medical professional to determine your eligibility.

How often do National Guard and Air National Guard units deploy?

Deployment frequency varies depending on the unit and mission. National Guard units can be deployed within their home state or federally, while Air National Guard units can be deployed overseas in support of combat operations or humanitarian missions. Typically, National Guard and Air National Guard units deploy one to two times per year, but this can vary depending on the situation.

In conclusion, while both the National Guard and Air National Guard are part of the National Guard, they have distinct differences in their roles, responsibilities, and requirements. Understanding these differences can help individuals make informed decisions about their military career and service. Whether you're interested in serving your state and country or pursuing a career in aviation, the National Guard and Air National Guard offer a wide range of opportunities for service and personal growth.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the differences between the National Guard and Air National Guard. If you have any further questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out.