Conference repair::reserve_forces

    The Guard, Reserve and Regular Air Force all receive the same exact
    Basic Training.  When I went in 1978, it consisted of 30 days.  Don't
    jump to any conclusions now.  That 6 5-day weeks and it's conducted at
    Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX.  It consists of a lot of
    classroom work, some firearms training, one pass through the confidence
    (obstacle) course and, of course, the ever present physical training
    and marching drill.  If you are in any reasonable kind of shape, you
    shouldn't have any trouble.  I made it through at age 37 without any
    problems.
    
    I found after spending time in both the Guard and Reserve, that I have
    enjoyed the Reserve side more.  The Guard was just a little too lax for
    me.  Both offer the same benefits.  If you think you want to go active,
    I would suggest trying the Reserve/Guard side first to see how well you
    like and then, if it's what you think you want, transfer to the
    actives.  The overall commitment is the same length of time.  The
    difference is that the regular side is full time and the other is only
    one weekend a month and two weeks sometime during the year.
    
    Hope this helps.
    
    Bruce Bretschneider, TSG (acivated USAFR)
    42 Aerial Port Squadron
    Westover AFB, MA 01022-5000

    HI,	
    	Well I didn't really know the difference between the two but what
    I want is Air Force Reserve, how about some information on this part
    of the Military.
    
    						thanks,
    						Charles
    

    Charles,
    
    Before you decide on what you want, perhaps you should speak with
    recruiters from both the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard. 
    The missions accomplished in each can be very different and the career
    field you're interested in may present more challenging opportunities
    in one than the other.
    
    I went through basic training in 1983-1984 and it was 6 weeks long. 
    The days were long and hard.  The physical training has since been
    revamped and is much more strenuous according to new airmen just
    returning.
    
    Technical school varies in length from 4 weeks to about 52 weeks.  The
    more complex the career field, the longer the school.  The schools are
    based at training bases all over the country.
    
    .1 thought that the Air Guard is too lax for his needs.  While I've not
    been in the USAFRes, I can speak about the unit I'm currently assigned
    to and there is nothing lax about it. 
    
    Just my $0.02 worth.
    
    Jane
    
    
    

    
    Charles,
    
    I agree with Jane (.3), having been with the 265th CCSQ (TAC) in South
    Portland ME now for 14+ years and never been with the reserves I can't
    find anything lax about it.  
    
    But it all depends on the career field that you pick as to
    the length of the school.  As an example I'm cross training now into a
    Safety NCO position and that school is 8 weeks and 1 day.
    
    Just to keep things in order I'm NOT knocking down the reserves but
    only letting you know from my experience in the Guards... You would
    have to talk to the recruiters to more information...  Are there any
    recruiters from the Reserves, Guards and Regular Air Force on the
    net???
     
    I would like to wish you good luck in whatever branch of the military
    you do pick.
    
    
    Mike

    HI,
    	Thanks for all the reply's it has been a big help, I believe I am
    leaning in towards the Air Force Reserve. I've always admired the Air
    Force and hopefully I shouldn't have a problem getting in. I am 27
    years old and in super shape and I will be looking into the field of
    computers since I'm a programmer/analyst, but one never knows maybe
    I will do something totally opposite then what I do for DEC.
    
    					Charles
    

    That's not a bad idea to go into a field that is different than what
    you do now.  I've worked with computers most of my life, but I'm a Jet 
    engine mechanic in the guard.  It makes the weekends interesting
    becuause you're not doing anything close to what you're doing in your
    normal 9-5.
    
    Kevin

    HI,
    	Well what kinds of different jobs do they have, I'm really not into
    fixing engines but I wouldn't mind flying one of those babies!
    
    							Charles