ANG or AF
Ngranger,
I can only speak about enlisting in the ANG since that what I did after high school. I am now going to pilot training in a few months because I was selected by my unit.
Basic training is conducted by the Air Force, so regardless of whether you go ANG or AF you get the same Basic Training. It is 6 weeks, and goes by very quickly. As long as you pay attention, keep your mouth shut and do your job, it won't be too difficult. Mainly early mornings and some physical training. AF Basic is a cakewalk compared to other services, so don't sweat it.
After that you'll go to tech school for a period of time (normally between 6 weeks and 6 months, depending on your job). Again, pay attention, do your job, you'll be fine.
In the Guard, you can work part time while you're going to college full time. You'll get great benefits for going to school. Once you get your degree, you can apply to become a pilot with the Guard unit you're in, and other Guard units around the country.
One caviat: You mentioned your goal is to fly for the majors. This is certainly a great goal to have, and getting a pilot slot in the Guard is a great way of doing it. However, it should not be your only reason for getting a pilot slot. You should want to serve your country as a military pilot first and foremost, or else you might not like the responsibilities that go with flying in the military. I also wouldn't mention your desire to fly for the majors to the pilots at your Guard unit if you ask them about being a pilot in the Guard. They know that you'll eventually fly for the airlines, but they don't want you to act as if they are a "stepping stone". They want you to be focused on flying for the military and being a great pilot for them!
Have fun. In my opinion, enlisting in the Guard was one of the smartest things I've ever done.
Flaco