Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common Questions

Q. CAN I GET MONEY FOR COLLEGE/TUITION ASSISTANCE?
Q. ARE THERE ANY COLLEGE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO ME THROUGH THE VERMONT AIR NATIONAL GUARD?
Q. WILL MY STUDENT LOANS BE REPAID?
Q. ARE THERE ANY ENLISTMENTS BONUSES AVAILABLE AND IF SO HOW MUCH?
Q. WHAT IS THE REAL PURPOSE OF THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD?
Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF I MOVE TO ANOTHER STATE?
Q. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO JOIN FOR?
Q. WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD?
Q. HOW CAN I GET ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED OR FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD?
Q. I JUST ENLISTED WITH THE VT AIR GUARD, WHEN DO I HAVE TO LEAVE FOR BASIC TRAINING?
Q. DO I GET LODGING WHEN I DRIVE FROM A DISTANCE?
Q. I DRIVE OVER FROM NY STATE. HOW DO I GET REIMBURSED FOR THE FERRY ACROSS THE LAKE?
Q. WHERE DO WE GET OUR MEALS WHILE AT DRILL?

Common Enlisted Questions

Q. WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY FACTORS?
Q. IF I WENT THROUGH BASIC TRAINING WITH ANOTHER BRANCH, DO I HAVE TO GO THROUGH AIR FORCE BASIC TRAINING?
Q. WHAT IS THE RECRUITING PROCESS?

Common Officer Questions

Q. DO YOU HAVE TO BE IN THE MILITARY TO APPLY FOR A PILOT OR OTHER OFFICER POSITIONS?
Q. IS THE VISION REQUIREMENT FOR PILOTS 20/20?
Q. IS THERE ANY KIND OF STANDARDIZED TESTING THAT MUST BE COMPLETED?
Q. WHAT IS ON THE AFOQT?
Q. HOW DO I FIND OUT WHAT POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Q. WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY FACTORS?

Common Health Officer Questions

Q. WHAT DO HEALTH PROFESSIONALS DO IN THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD?
Q. MY PRACTICE DEMANDS SO MUCH OF MY TIME. WHY WOULD I WANT TO WORK PART TIME FOR THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD?
Q. WHAT PROFESSIONAL COURSE IS OFFERED THROUGH THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD? AND HOW WOULD THEY BENEFIT MY PRACTICE AND ME?
Q. HOW ABOUT THAT OLD AGE REQUIREMENT?
Q. HOW LONG IS THE COMMITMENT, IF I SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE?
Q. DOES THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD OFFERS ANY EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS?
Q. EXPLAIN THE EARLY COMMISSIONING PROGRAM?
Q. WHAT RANK WILL I COME IN AT?
Q. ACTIVATION, CALL-UPS, I’M CONCERNED ABOUT IMMEDIATE MOBILIZATION. WHAT RULES APPLY TO ME?

Q. CAN I GET MONEY FOR COLLEGE/ TUITION ASSISTANCE?
A. 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 $297 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. The state of Vermont offers an Educational Assistance Program to members of the Air National Guard. Your recruiter can provide you with more information.

Q. ARE THERE ANY COLLEGE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO ME THROUGH THE VERMONT AIR NATIONAL GUARD?
A. Yes! You can earn a 2 year Associate Degree in your occupation through the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). Also you will earn college credits for both Basic Training and Technical school, which can be applied toward your CCAF degree or the college that you are attending.

Q. WILL MY STUDENT LOANS BE REPAID?
A. We offer student loan repayment payment program in certain career fields. The Student Loan Repayment Program can pay up to a $20,000 on outstanding government guaranteed loans. You must enlist for 6 years to be eligible for this program.

Q. ARE THERE ANY ENLISTMENTS BONUSES AVAILABLE AND IF SO HOW MUCH?
A. We offer two types of bonuses for the two terms of enlistment. There is a $15,000 enlistment bonus for a six year enlistment, and a $7,500 enlistment bonus for a three year enlistment. These bonuses are offered to certain career fields for each of these bonuses.

Q. WHAT IS THE REAL PURPOSE OF THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD?
A. The Air National Guard actually has two missions. Our Federal mission is to support National Defense efforts with our F-16 aircraft. The impact of the Air Guard State mission hits close to home. When a disaster strikes in our home states, we’re often the first ones on the scene. We move in fast with medical supplies, rescue equipment, manpower and whatever it takes to get our communities back on their feet. We have a responsibility to our country and should be able to go on active duty to enhance the active duty Air Force in case of national need and emergency. (Only Air Guard members who are completely trained in their skills can be activated).

Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF I MOVE TO ANOTHER STATE?
A. If you relocate to another state, we can, under most circumstances, assist you with a transfer to another Air National Guard unit close to your new home.

Q. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO JOIN FOR?
A. This is normally determined on an individual basis (depends on prior service, benefits, and training requested).

Q. WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD?

Serve both your state and nation
Regular promotions
Continuing professional education
Education and tuition assistance for selected occupations
Monetary incentives may be available
Low cost life and dental insurance
A non-contributory retirement program at age 60
Use of active duty military recreation facilities
Commissary and exchange shopping privileges

Q. HOW CAN I GET ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED OR FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD?

A. Call: 1-800-242-4055
Go to: www.vtang.org

Q. I JUST ENLISTED WITH THE VT AIR GUARD, WHEN DO I HAVE TO LEAVE FOR BASIC TRAINING?
A: You have up to one year to complete your basic training.

Q. DO I GET LODGING WHEN I DRIVE FROM A DISTANCE?

If you live outside of VT State, you can receive lodging for two (2) nights.
If you live inside of VT State, you can receive lodging for two (2) night if you live more than 100 miles (in a straight line).
If you live inside of VT State, you can receive lodging for one (1) night if you live between 50 - 100 miles (in a straight line).

Q. I DRIVE OVER FROM NY STATE. HOW DO I GET REIMBURSED FOR THE FERRY ACROSS THE LAKE?

You won't get reimbursed for the ferry ticket, but you can receive ferry passes for your trip to and from drill. These passes will be issued from the section you enlist with.

Q. WHERE DO WE GET OUR MEALS WHILE AT DRILL?

During the drill UTA, you will get lunch at the Air National Guard Dining Facility on base free of charge. You will also get a voucher for $8.10 toward your dinner at selected restaurants in the Burlington area. If the Hotel you are staying at serves a Continental Breakfast, you will be able to eat at the Hotel for breakfast otherwise you will receive a voucher for $8.10 toward breakfast.

ENLISTED

Q. WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY FACTORS?

Are between the ages of 17 (with consent, unless married) and 35 years old on the date of enlistment. Prior service applicants must have sufficient creditable service time to enable you to accrue 20 years of service prior to age 60.
Are a U.S. citizen or possess a valid Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Form I-55/I-51 which does not expire during the proposed period of enlistment. Prior service applicants who are not U.S. citizens may not enlist.
Must not be a conscientious objector (defined as one who refuses to bear arms in defense of self or country on the grounds of moral or religious principles)
Are of good moral character (Meets standards IAW ANGI 36-2002)
Are in good physical and mental health (Recruiter has a list of disqualifying conditions). Possess a high school diploma, GED, or score in the 65th percentile or higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
Must score in the 31st percentile or higher on the ASVAB
Are registered for Selective Service (males only)
Possess an honorable discharge and eligible reenlistment code (Prior Service)

Q. IF I WENT THROUGH BASIC TRAINING WITH ANOTHER BRANCH, DO I HAVE TO GO THROUGH AIR FORCE BASIC TRAINING?
A. No. The Air National Guard will honor whatever Basic Training you have completed.

Q. WHAT IS THE RECRUITING PROCESS?
A. Call the Recruiter for pre-screening

take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test (scores are available in three business days)
pick-up the list of jobs that your ASVAB scores qualified for – take a tour of the job chosen
gather up paperwork
take the physical – enlist
schedule Basic Training and Technical School dates (must be within 1 year from date of enlistment}
go to Basic Training and Technical School
come home!

OFFICERS

Q. DO YOU HAVE TO BE IN THE MILITARY TO APPLY FOR A PILOT OR OTHER OFFICER POSITIONS?
A. No. All officer positions are announced through a formal process in which you can apply.

Q. IS THE VISION REQUIREMENT FOR PILOTS 20/20?
A. No. Vision can be 20/70 or better – corrected to 20/20; Refraction 2.00 to –1.50; Astigmatism no more than 1.50; Anisomethopia no more than 2.00.

Q. IS THERE ANY KIND OF STANDARDIZED TESTING THAT MUST BE COMPLETED?
A. Officer Candidates (except Chaplains, Lawyers, and Health Professionals) must pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT).

Q. WHAT IS ON THE AFOQT?
A. There are 16 subtests. We recommend that you get the study guide at any local book store or library.

Q. HOW DO I FIND OUT WHAT POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
A. You may contact one of the point of contacts (POC's) under the Recruiting and Retention Team or call 1-800-242-4055.

Q. WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY FACTORS?
A. Eligibility includes:

Possess a bachelors degree or higher from an accredited college
Be a United States Citizen
Be commissioned prior to 35th birthday
Pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)
Be in good physical condition

HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Q. WHAT DO HEALTH PROFESSIONALS DO IN THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD?
A. Physicians and other health professionals are placed in assignments as closely related to their professional specialty as possible. The role of the ANG member in peacetime is to train health professionals for proficiency and skill development in their specialties. You will work side-by-side with some of the world’s premiere and receive the highest level of training on the worlds most advanced technology. The same training that our Air Force counterparts receive. This training is done just two days a month and fifteen days a year, (total of 39 days per year).

Q. MY PRACTICE DEMANDS SO MUCH OF MY TIME. WHY WOULD I WANT TO WORK PART TIME FOR THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD?
A. The Air National Guard provides a support system for you and your family that is unsurpassed for a part time practice. There is a long list of subtle and direct benefits that help you to reach both your personal and professional goals. You will have unusual opportunity serve your country, state, and community using your skills, abilities and professional insight. You will receive the highest level of training through the finest Air Force schools.

Q. WHAT PROFESSIONAL COURSE IS OFFERED THROUGH THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD? AND HOW WOULD THEY BENEFIT MY PRACTICE AND ME?
A. The Air National Guard offers two of the finest health professional career opportunities. The first is Aerospace Medicine Primary Course, at Brooks AFB, San Antonio Texas. This course is taught by the Air Force and primarily deals with people as they function in the flight environment. You will receive training to include the altitude chamber, centrifuge, survival instruction and an orientation flight. You will receive other aerospace medicine training in the areas of ophthalmology, otolaryngology, internal medicine, etc. At the end of this course you will receive THE WINGS OF MEDICINE and will become a flight surgeon in the Air National Guard. This will qualify you for the second school named Top Knife located in Klamath Falls, Oregon. This course puts you through the same training as the fighter pilots would receive. This will help you make informed judgment for pilots of advance fighter aircraft. (Doctors who successfully complete the two week course and pass a final written examination receive 40 HRS worth of CME credits through the Air Force Education & Training Command)

Q. HOW ABOUT THAT OLD AGE REQUIREMENT?
A. Health Professionals without prior service may join the Air Guard up to their 56th birthday. With prior service, one may join as long as they can complete 20 years traditional Air Guard service before the age of 60. (With periodic age waivers approvals up to the age of 68) and still receive full traditional Air Guard retirement benefits.

Q. HOW LONG IS THE COMMITMENT, IF I SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE?
A. Individuals are commissioned for an indefinite period of time. Officers commit to a service contract of four years at a time. Unless the individual is participating in a specific program that requires some type of payback commitment (Incentives, bonus).

Q. DOES THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD OFFERS ANY EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS?
A. YES! Currently there is a $50,000 Health Professions Student Loan Repayment Program. This program pays to your lending institution $20,000 for the first two years and $10,000 the last year, up to the $50,000 to qualifying physicians. There is also a Stipend Program, which is designed to provide an incentive for medical professionals to continue their education in certain specialties. Participants in the program must be commissioned in the Air Guard as physicians. The stipend will pay $1279.00 per month. If you are board eligible/ board certified Health Profession you may be eligible for a $30,000 cash bonus.

Q. EXPLAIN THE EARLY COMMISSIONING PROGRAM?
A. This program allows a medical student to apply for a direct commission in the Air Guard. Your commission will be as health services administrator during medical school in preparation for re-commission as a physician. Under this program you do not incur any additional obligation after medical school. You cannot be activated while in medical school. You are only obligated to attend one weekend per month and fifteen days per year.

Q. WHAT RANK WILL I COME IN AT?
A. Your entry rank is based on your education level and the length of experience. Health care professionals are given constructive credit for their civilian education and experience towards their entry rank. Physicians and residents usually enter as Captains. Nurses and Medical Students enter as Lieutenants.

Q. ACTIVATION, CALL-UPS, I’M CONCERNED ABOUT IMMEDIATE MOBILIZATION. WHAT RULES APPLY TO ME?
A. For Federal duty, normally officers are not eligible for mobilization until they are fully qualified in their military specialty. For health care professionals this means, medical students in the early commissioning program are not eligible for mobilization. Residents are not considered "fully qualified" because they have not completed the one-year requirement for an unrestricted license. Physicians and health professionals that are fully qualified must preplan for the possibility of activation. Programs have been developed to assist the family with transition and support, at and during activation.