Quick Q:
Do you need to stay active after finishing the PJ Pipeline as a reservist OR AFNG? If yes, then for how long.
I am aware that if I make it, then I have a certain amount of days I must fulfill. What I'm asking is there a long-term period after the pipeline?

Thank you,
Reserve PJ hopeful

For the reserves it is 12 months, guard is 6 months. That time is to make you mission capable (deployable), basic upgrades and work towards your 5 level.

Why is the length of time different between the reserves and guard? Does that mean reserves require you to be at a higher skill level or is it just the way it is?

I'm presuming it has to do on how man-days for training are funded and allocated.

Also 5-level is not the mission ready requirement, but mission ready qualification is.

Six months is the typical duration given to complete initial mission ready qualification training at first duty station after completing PJ school.

9-12 months is typically connected to time 5-level upgrade training is expected to be accomplished in.

There is no other useful speculate I can provide of the 6 vs 12 month variances among AF Reserve/Air Guard units other than the duration more likely varies unit-to-unit more so than being Air Guard unit or AF Reserve unit influenced.

The only requirement to remain on Man Days after finishing the Pipeline is the allocation of "Seasoning Days" to bring the newly graduated Pipeliner up to a reasonable level of proficiency with his team.

The number of Seasoning Days varies by AFSC in the ANG and the ANG and AFRC may have allocated a different number of Seasoning Days for the same AFSC. The differences between the ANG and AFRC allocation of seasoning days is probably based on their ability to convince the A-1T (Personnel-Training Directorate) to allocate days. Two years ago, ANG CCT and PJs were allocated 340 Seasoning Days but this was cut back to about 160 days during budget cuts.

I cannot verify the number of Seasoning Days for the AFRC PJs but am pretty sure it is 160 days for the ANG.

After completing the Pipeline, the ANG or AFRC PJ returns to his unit for a straight block of Seasoning Days to get all the training his team can get him and tailored to what his team chooses to prioritize. There is no ANG or AFRC directive specifying exactly which training events will be accomplished during the Seasoning Days period.

Each unit will base further training after Seasoning Days on the needs, ability and availability of the individual PJ, the Team's needs, the availability of Days and Dollars to train the PJ, the availability of skilled PJs to train him, mission taskings, and other factors. It is a highly dynamic process so nobody can give you a one size fits all answer.