Air National Guard Loadmaster: Duties, Responsibilities and Job Description

Have you always had a love of aircraft? Would you like to have a job that is part time, but provides pay that meets many full time jobs and has enormous benefits? You just may be a perfect candidate for the Air National Guard in the job of Loadmaster.

In today’s post, we are going to examine the duties, responsibilities and job description of the Air National Guard Loadmaster. I will also provide other facts I find. Now scroll down and learn more about this position with the Air National Guard.

Job Description For Air National Guard Loadmaster

The Loadmaster for the Air National Guard is an expert in logistics. The Loadmaster is in charge of all cargo and passengers that are loaded onto Air National Guard aircraft. They supervise the handling and placement of cargo to guarantee it is secure and weights are level and within guidelines for safe flying conditions. This job also entails making sure all passengers are properly restrained, and that there is a proper supply of meals, and other necessities. Acting similar to a civilian flight steward or stewardess, the Loadmaster also explains all flight safety procedures and on-board safety equipment to passengers.

The Air National Guard Loadmaster also oversees all unloading of passengers and cargo at the destination.

In Depth Duties for an Air National Guard Loadmaster

The Air National Guard Loadmaster must calculate loads so that the aircraft is not overloaded in sensitive areas. The cargo must be secured and he/she makes sure that cargo that must be deployed faster than others is loaded in such a way so that it can be unloaded first. The Loadmaster must also be aware of all regulations to keep certain items away from other items. In some cases, cargo or troops must be air dropped, and the Loadmaster must be qualified for aerial delivery.

Requirements To Become An Air National Guard Loadmaster

There are some requirements a person has to meet to enter the Air National Guard and to become a Loadmaster. Some of the main requirements consist of:

• Be a United States citizen or legal resident alien

• Have a High School diploma or GED

• Be between 17 and 39 years old

• Pass the ASVAB test with scores that meet Loadmaster requirements

• Pass a strict background check

• Pass a standard medical screening

On the ASVAB, a prospect for Loadmaster must have a 57 or above on the Airman Qualifying Examination which is in the general section of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

On top of the standard medical screen, the prospect must also pass a Class 3 flight physical given for those on aircrew duty. Both color and depth perception must be in normal ranges.

Loadmaster Training

For those who are considering becoming a Loadmaster, while you are seeking a part time position, the training will be full time for approximately 1 year. The training consists of:

• Initial basic training

• The Aircrew Fundamentals Course

• The Basic Loadmaster Course

• You then will have 3 Survival Courses which consist of Combat Survival, Water Survival and Parachute.

• After this you could be sent to courses specific to the Air-frame you will work with.

Topping everything off, you will go back to your base and will have training to your job there.

Do keep in mind that an Air National Guard Loadmaster is considered a part time job, but the position can be sporadic and have you traveling to many different locations. For some, this could be looked as a benefit, but for others, it could cause family problems. This is an aspect that a person considering the Loadmaster position should consider.

Air National Guard Loadmaster Benefits

There are a wide array of benefits for those who become Air National Guard Loadmasters. Some of these benefits are:

• Montgomery GI Bill money for college

• Low cost health and life insurance for the Loadmaster and his/her family

• Military retirement plans

• Possible enlistment bonus

• Military exchange shopping (low cost with no tax)

• Experience and training for civilian careers

• Free air travel if space is available

• Much more….

Current Air National Guard Loadmaster Openings

The Air National Guard is always in need of Loadmasters at various locations. As of writing this, these locations are seeking Loadmasters:

• Air Station Middletown in Middletown, Pennsylvania

• Wyoming Air National Guard Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming

• Bradley Air National Guard Base in East Granby, Connecticut

• Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York

• Channel Islands Air Guard Station in Oxnard, California

• Shepherd Field in Martinsburg, West Virginia

• Nevada Air National Guard Base in Reno, Nevada

• Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaii

• Memphis Air National Guard Base in Memphis, Tennessee

• or down here in the Caribbean where I reside: Muñiz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, Puerto Rico

And these are just a few. You can discover more Air National Guard Loadmaster job openings at this link.

Final Thoughts

Becoming an Air National Guard Loadmaster can be a wise choice. This position can open up many opportunities in civilian careers. You will be gaining training that can help you in the future, and you are also helping to defend the United States.

With that I would like to mention the only Loadmaster to be given the top award for military heroism…The Medal of Honor.

Then Airman 1st Class John Levitow was awarded this great honor for actions he performed in Vietnam. President Richard Nixon awarded Levitow the MOH on May 14th, 1970.

We would like to hear from any current or previous Loadmasters. Tell us more please. If you are considering a Loadmaster job with the Air National Guard, we would like to hear from you too. You can post comments or questions below. Thank you and have a great day.

Sincerely,








Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com

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