I was wondering if I can get some feedback from everyone. I have the opportunity to go either active duty CCT or Air National guard CCT. I was looking into the 123rd in Kentucky for the Air National guard. I have experience as a special forces JTAC and have already had the courses from my previous military service. I'm trying to weigh the advantages of either going active duty or the resereves route. Does anyone have any experience that they would like to share on why they chose the one they did? Any input will be greatly appreciated.

123rd is a good unit, but the question is what do you want to do after the pipeline? Be on Active Duty or do something else? We have a few members here who are in the 123rd, and can address specific questions, but my question is the first one you need to ask yourself.

I'm not too sure. I just got done serving 8 years active duty. I was thinking of the option of maybe going to school and finishing a degree if I went to the 123rd. Of course if I went active duty, I wouldn't be going to college. I've heard that some of the active duty guys that have visited the 123rd really liked it. I guess in a way my question is, if you had the decision yourself to go 123rd or active duty which one would you choose and why? Just wondering some of the advantages and disadvantages of each?
Thanks

The advantages of Active Duty are that you get a full time pay check, you are first into the fight and you get to move around every 2-4 years. The disadvantages are that you are constantly in the fight or getting ready for it. 90% of your training will be directed to getting you ready for your next rotation and JTAC will be about half of that training. You'll be working hard and doing cool stuff but you won't be making your way towards any other future.

The advantages of the ANG are that you can choose when to train and when to deploy 90% of the time and will have the ability to train in the full spectrum of ST tasks because the unit exists to train Traditional Guardsmen and doesn't have a standing rotation in theater. As a CMR JTAC you can volunteer to deploy any time you want but our JTACs have only been Federalized twice in 11 years.

The disadvantages are that you don't get to be the first in the fight until Active Duty decides they need the help and you don't draw a full time pay check.

If you are looking to go to college and keep a hand in the game, then the Guard is a good option. You can use your Post 911 GI Bill, tuition assistance, NG Student Loan Repayment Plan, and the money you make from pulling duty days and live pretty well while going to school.

If you want to keep going full speed in the deployment and operating world, Active Duty is a better call.