advice on going ART......

Your position and location would factor into a decision greatly.  Also, mandatory retirement at age 55 could be an issue for you.  As an ART, you would have to maintain your military status as a Reserve member.  It is typically much more demanding than a regular civilian government job based on the fact that you are responsible for, and participating in, the military and civilian aspects simultaneously.  The loss of a weekend a month and two weeks during your annual drill is also a consideration.  The major (no pun intended) factor you should consider is your possible deployment.  If you are not ready and able to deploy immediately to anywhere in the world, do not consider an ART position.  After 33 years as an ART, I can say that the retirements (Civil Service and military) are nice, especially for the medical benefit at retirement.  However, as it is said, you will earn every penny of it!  It is a demanding career and you must be dedicated to your job and country to make it all the way.  Some do join the ART program and transfer into a regular civilian position.  This may be an option for you, however, remember that are you are vulnerable to deployment as long as you are in the Reserve.  The best way to learn about an ART position is to speak with someone at the location who holds a similar position.  Good luck my friend.