155. The Air National Guard: Is This the ultimate career hack for pilots?

Ever wondered what it's like flying for the Air National Guard? In this episode, Ben joins Dylan and Max to share his journey from high school aviation dreams to the cockpit of a KC-135. We break down the steps to becoming a Guard pilot, how to balance it with a civilian flying career, and why the Guard might be the ultimate flexible gig for pilots. Plus, insider tips on navigating deployments, training, and building a career that works for you. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn Show Notes 0:00 Intro 2:51 Ben's Aviation Journey & Opportunities 10:18 Training Path & Pay 20:23 Scheduling & Extended Deployment 25:01 International Guard vs Air Force Reserves 30:20 College Path & Tuition Assistance 42:27 Incentives & Benefits 47:10 Boom Operator Rapid Fire Questions 56:35 Final Advice From Ben Be sure to subscribe to 21Five's Youtube Channel to see our luggage review videos! Hard Landing: The Epic Contest for Power and Profits That Plunged the Airlines into Chaos by Thomas Petzinger Jr Connect with us on LinkedIn Our sponsors: Move your airplane without breaking your back or the bank! Max said the Amigo AeroTow's affordable T1 tug has 'changed his hangar life'. Learn more about AeroTow's family of aviation tugs and see why its earning rave reviews from top 40 aviation podcast hosts around the globe. Use code "21five" at checkout for $100 off any AeroTow product! -- Harvey Watt, offers the only true Loss of Medical License Insurance available to individuals and small groups. Because Harvey Watt manages most airlines' plans, they can assist you in identifying the right coverage to supplement your airline's plan. Many buy coverage to supplement the loss of retirement benefits while grounded. Visit harveywatt.com to learn more! -- Advanced Aircrew Academy enables flight operations to fulfill their training needs in the most efficient and affordable way—anywhere, at any time. We do this by providing high-quality professional pilot, flight attendant, flight coordinator, maintenance, and line service training modules delivered via the web using a world-class online aviation training system. Visit aircrewacademy.com to learn more! -- Tim Pope is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a pilot. His financial planning practice provides services to aviation professionals and aviation 401k plans. Tim helps clients pursue their financial goals by defining them, organizing & optimizing resources, planning, implementing, and monitoring their financial plan. Visit https://link.21fivepodcast.com/timothy-pope to learn more. Check out Tim's new podcast: The Pilot Money Podcast -- Employee Compensation Software That Answers "What's the Going Rate?" The AirComp Calculator™ is business aviation's only online compensation analysis system. It can provide precise compensation ranges for 14 business aviation positions in six aircraft classes at over 50 locations throughout the United States in seconds. -- VAERUS MEANS RIGHT, TRUE, AND REAL.Buy or sell an aircraft the right way, using a true partner, to make your dream of flight real. Connect with Brooks at Vaerus Jet Sales | Learn more about the DC-3 Referral Program -- The 21.5 Podcast is supported by our friends at ProPilotWorld.com - The Premier Information & Networking Resource for Professional Pilots -- Do you have feedback, suggestions, or a great aviation story to share? Email us info@21fivepodcast.com Check out our Instagram feed @21FivePodcast for more great content and to see our collection of aviation license plates. The statements made in this show are our own opinions and do not reflect, nor were they under any direction of any of our employers.