I am an AFROTC cadet in my junior year of school. I am currently putting together a package for STO Phase I. Information was recently released that the AF is now allowing cadets to commission directly into the guard. This is something that interests me and I am hoping anyone can answer a few questions related to this:

Does the guard have the same CCT/STO positions as active duty?

Is it possible to commission directly to a STO slot within the ANG from ROTC?

If so, what is the application avenue and would I apply for/attend selection at the same times as active duty?

How does life as a guard STO compare to an active duty STO?

I appreciate any information you can provide me regarding this. With the cross-commissioning to ANG being a new program and relatively low number of STO applicants, there is little information available through my Detachment.

knuckles,
Two ANG Units have STO Positions; 123rd STS in Louisville, KY and 125th STS in Portland, Oregon. Currently neither has a vacancy, though that could change.
It is possible that you could apply to a vacancy announcement and get picked up for STO through the ANG but not very likely. The ANG has very few STO positions and usually has a couple of solid candidates from within the unit who are already Combat Controllers or PJs of proven ability. The units may choose to bid a job at large to anyone can apply but it is unlikely that an AFROTC Student who hasn't proven himself as a CCT/PJ or graduated STO Phase II would be competitive.
The ANG and AFRC between them have 6 RQS with CROs at them and they have far more positions at each unit. You may wish to investigate that route.

can you guide me in the direction i need to go in for putting my phase 1 package together?

Guard MC,

Thank you for the information! I'm not sure what route I'm going to go yet, I'm also weighing the option of active duty/guard ALO. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to share your wealth of knowledge on this forum. Stay safe!

And futuretailpipe,

Just follow the links to the documents page on this site. The STO application/information package has most of the information you need to put together your phase I package. Portions of it take longer than expected (medical and security clearance, mainly) so you may have difficulty getting your package in for the 15 Jan deadline. Most other answers can be found on the site too, there is a lot of guidance floating around that is more in depth than what I know. Good Luck!