Originally Posted by
chrisreedrules
Would you mind expounding a little bit on your experience? What education did you have at the time you enlisted? I believe the Air Force may be out of the question for me because of the regulations on dress uniforms and visible tattoos... but USN, USMC, Army Fixed Wing, or perhaps Coast Guard would all be okay from what I've read. I tried to join the ANG after I finished my PPL only to find out that you can't have tattoos visible below the elbow regardless of education/flight experience etc because of AF regulations regarding their dress uniforms. I have always wanted to serve (I come from a very big military family USN/US Army) but wanted to do it in the right way and with the best possible shot at doing what I want to do (pilot/aviation). I am about to be 25, and I don't want to wait too much longer to join if I decide to go that route. Would my skill set basically guarantee me a flying position or are there no guarantees once I sign that paper? What is the process for someone in my position as far as training and initial rank are concerned? Do I still go through basic training/flight school? Once again, thank you for any advice.
I had a CFI and MEI but no ATP, 2100hrs which was 168 hrs in a OH-58as an AO, 25hrs in Be90/100 and the rest was all in piston aircraft. 800hrs part 135, 200 hrs instructing, and the rest was either me paying or pilot services. I had a BS from Embry Riddle. You can not have any visible tattoos in the AF. I do know a few pilots both male and female that have tattoos, but you don't see them unless their shirt is off. One guy had AF wings tattooed from shoulder to shoulder. When I left the AF I joined the local Guard unit which was an Army CH-47 unit. I had to attend all of the the Army flight school. There where several Warrant Officer in flight school which had visible tattoos. Not sure if the Navy allows tattoos.
Good luck with your choice.