Weather
Enlisted
When your primary mission is in the clouds more than on land, the weather plays a huge part in mission success. It's the Weather Specialist's job to keep a constant watch over one of the greatest threats to the safety of Air Guard pilots and aircrew. In this job, you'll analyze weather conditions, prepare forecasts, issue weather warnings and brief weather information to pilots. You'll learn to read and interpret weather satellite imagery, climatology reports, computerized weather prediction models and Doppler weather radar imagery. You'll operate a weather radar console and a high-frequency pilot-to-metro radio, as well as analyze and forecast weather elements such as clouds, visibility, winds, atmospheric pressure and many other parameters.
Weather Specialists are specially trained in:
- Characteristics and principles of atmospheric weather and space environment
- Observation, analysis, prediction, and integration of weather and space environment information
- Operation and operator maintenance of fixed and deployable meteorological and space weather instruments and systems
- Operation and operator maintenance of communications and computer systems
- Use of weather products from operational and strategic centers
- Military weapons systems and decision-making processes
- Combat field skills
- Visual acuity correctible to 20/20
In the Air Guard, you’ll receive a regular paycheck, tuition assistance, and more. Benefits include a combination of state and federal benefits to provide money for education through the Montgomery G.I. Bill, a military retirement plan, and affordable health and life insurance. You’ll even have access to free space-available air travel. Check out what’s available in your state by selecting your state in the EXPLORE area on this page. Be sure to ask your recruiter about how you can take advantage of these benefits in your state.
federal benefits
As a member of the Air Guard, you'll receive a solid paycheck along with educational and other military benefits, including:
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Money for College – the Montgomery G.I. Bill helps with educational expenses
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Career Skills – learn valuable, high-tech skills that can help launch your civilian career
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Serve Where You Live – with more than 140 Air Guard units in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can serve close to home
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Base Exchange (BX) and Commissary shopping privileges
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Eligibility for VA home loans
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Free space available air travel
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A military retirement plan
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May be eligible for an enlistment bonus
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Additional benefits may be available depending on which state you live in. Ask your recruiter to learn more.
insurance
As a member of the Air Guard, you'll be eligible for low-cost health insurance for you and your family, along with low-cost life insurance, so you know your loved ones are protected. These Insurances include:
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TRICARE Dental Insurance - The only dental plan sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD) for National Guard/Reserve sponsors and their families. With the TDP, you will enjoy a nationwide network of more than 65,000 participating dentists, high-quality customer service and comprehensive dental coverage designed specifically with you in mind!
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TRICARE Medical Insurance - Medical Coverage is available in different options necessary to meet the needs of different individuals. From individuals to families insurance is available for those in full time or part time status to ensure coverage is available. Families and Part-time members coverage is offered through TRICARE Reserve Select and is a premium-based health plan available worldwide to Selected Reserve members of the Ready Reserve (and their families) who are not eligible for, or enrolled in the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
educational training
As a member of the Air Guard, you're eligible to receive educational benefits through the Montgomery G.I. Bill where you could be eligible to receive money for college. This program is a free benefit for all individuals that join for 6 years.
benefits provided by state
Benefits |
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Education Benefits |
Alabama state colleges offer Air Guard members up to $1,000 tuition reimbursement per year. |
Medical Benefits |
Alabama Air Guard members get full medical coverage for any injury or illness incurred in the line of duty. |
State Tax Advantage |
Retired Alabama Air Guard members pay absolutely no state taxes on their military retirement pay. |