The Navy does not have a National Guard component.
For AFROTC, you sort of have that. But there is actually a better system if your state pays in-state tuition for Guardsmen.
See the 2018 version of AFI 36-2011, para. 2.2.2.2 for an overview of how it works. "Pursuing status" is what it's called. You will
still have to get a conditional release before commissioning AD. You will also have the option of commissioning ANG or AD. Both have perks and caveats.
Honestly, kid, Basic is not the problem. The problem with this route is the follow-up technical skills school (which you
will have to attend). As junior enlisted, you won't get much say in when you go to that tech school either. For the Guard, it is not always after Basic, and it can take anywhere from 2-18 months, depending on what MOS or AFSC you are assigned.
If you're not pressed to get your degree in 4 years flat, Guard is a great and awesome option. But go Guard only because it is great and awesome. Don't join the Guard just to get college benefits and then try to duck out of deployments and training in order to stay on track for your degree-- that's dirty to the unit you join and it ultimately does you a disservice.
If your end goal is to commission AD, you really should look at just buckling down and knocking out your school the normal way.
Every extra year you spend in college due to your Guard commitment is a year you push off:
- Pay
- Promotion
- Retirement
- Special opportunities
- Professional officer education
The Guard options are really designed for existing Guardsmen-- not folks off the street. I know very few Air Guardsmen that were able to get their degrees done in 4 years flat. 5-6 is more typical.
