Rhode Island Air National Guard Recruiting Pilots

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. --    For Rhode Island Air National Guard pilot Captain Mike Collins, it's the best of both worlds.

"I wanted to serve my country but also be there for my family, the Guard allows me to do both," said Collins.

Now, the 143rd Airlift Wing is looking for more people like Captain Collins.

The Rhode Island Air National Guard is holding an open house March 3rd, at Quonset Point where they fly the C130 J aircraft.

According to Major Mike McCarron, "going from civilian flying to Air Force flying is like night and day; the amount of precision required to be an Air Force pilot is second to none."

The process is competitive; the training takes about two years start to finish.The missions can be either near or far, responding to an emergency or natural disaster.

"There's a lot of logistics work, bringing in support personnel, first responders that need to be brought to the area, our aircraft are uniquely capable here in Rhode Island to do that," said Captain Ryan Nugent.

The pilot positions with the Air National Guard are part time. They're looking for people up to 28 years old, who have, or are working toward, a 4 year degree. No military experience is necessary.

Anyone interested in the March 3rd Open House can email 143pilots@gmail.com or follow the Guard on twitter at @143pilots.

Source:   http://www2.turnto10.com