174th Attack Wing Recruiting

Basic requirements to join the Air National Guard

You must be between the ages of 17 and 42, be a legal resident, and have a high school diploma or equivalency unless you are still in school, in which case you must be a high school senior.

You must pass the entrance exam, medical screening and a background check. The age limitation varies if you have prior military experience, are a medical professional or are a chaplain. Please speak with the local recruiter and they can provide you with more information.

Requirement to become an officer in the Air National Guard

In order to become an officer in the Air National Guard, you must hold a bachelor’s degree and pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT). If selected, you are required to complete the Academy of Military Science (AMS) officer training program prior to your 35th birthday. If you already have military experience, talk to a recruiter about your specific situation.

State tuition assistance

New York Air National Guard members receive up to 100% tuition assistance at any state college or university.

GI Bill

Air National Guard members that accumulate at least 90 days of active duty service become eligible for the Post-9/11 GG Bill. Servicemembers can receive up to 48 months of VA education benefits under the program.

As a member of the United States military, you'll receive military pay commensurate with your rank and time in service during drill weekends, annual training, and other period of active duty service.

For more information about military pay, reference the military pay tables found at the link below:

https://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/payentitlements/Pay-Tables

Each Air National Guard member is automatically enrolled in the Thrift Savings Plan, which is similar to a civilian 401K retirement account. The Air National Guard will automatically deposit 1% of each members salary in the account, which can then be placed in an investment portfolio chosen by the servicemember. In Addition, the DoD will match any contributions made by the servicemember at a variable rate up to 5%. If the servicemember elects to contribute 5% of their salary to the TSP, the military will also contribute 5%. When leaving the military, you are eligible to roll the TSP over to an individual retirement account (IRA), or leave it in the TSP to continue to grow.

Also, members of the Air National Guard who complete 20 years of qualifying service will be eligible to collect a military pension.