I'm thinking about joining the ANG after finishing my Associates degree in Aviation Management in June of next year. I'm looking at the 919th special operations squadron at Eglin. My dad did 20 years in the Air Force special ops as a loadmaster. And I know a pilot that flew in the Air Force for 20 years who said he would write me a letter of recommendation. Would enlisting as a loadmaster then finishing up my bachelors give me a better chance at a pilot slot?

I'm 20 years old, turn 21 in January. My ultimate goal is to become a commercial pilot and fly for a major airline. I have no problem serving 20 years in the military first.

I just found out that Eglin has an Aero club where I can earn my PPL and other licenses as well if the military won't take me into UPT. Would I be better off training at a military aero club than say at an expensive flight school like Aerosim. I spoke to the manager at the club and he says he's seen someone complete PPL through CFI for as low as $30k. Does that sound to good to be true?