Whats a better deal? Enlist Army straight up or National Guard's Active First

[Helrazr]

program? I'm looking at some different military careers. ARNG has an "active first" program which you enlist as regular army for up to 4 years then transition to national guard service for the remainder of your service commitment. How does this differ from just enlisting directly with the army? As far as benefits and such. Anyone done the active first thing?
in case it wasn't clear, both paths include active duty service which may mean deployment to iraq. I understand this and that their is a great risk of death. No need to disuade me from join, im strictly interested in which way will pay me more for doing the same thing. Army national guard's active first program or joining the army directly.