Originally Posted by
JamesNoBrakes
BS. This is where I actually side with John Burke and not SkyHigh. JB is unrealistic IMO in his approach to situations where you can not reasonably expect to have a positive outcome, but this is not one of those situations. This guy is young, could go into the military, become an officer, make decent money and benefits, get an education, all for free. In the worse case scenario, he has to get pilot certificates and ratings on the side. The idea that you have to do things "quick" is total BS, people will always be retiring until we figure out a way to make them live forever. There is no hurry or rush and the usual path to a career flying for FedEx or UPS probably takes around 20 years, with few shortcuts. Lots of people got hired at certain times because they came out of the military and there was a huge need, but the market is more flooded now and some of those old captains have no idea on the reality of the career path that exists today and how long it takes, how much of a struggle it is, how far you have to go into debt, etc.
The point is, if he can join the military, get into aviation in some way, he could find yourself significantly ahead, ESPECIALLY if he doesn' have the funds right now for pilot training. One of the WORST things is to go into significant debt to pay for college and flight training. You don't make 100K a few years after college, so you won't be paying that money back any time soon, and it will affect your ability to raise a family, have nice things, save money for retirement, etc.
DO NOT go into debt to pay for flight training and college. It's one of the stupidest things you could do at this stage IMO.
Gee, I thought paying for flight training and having some debt is how most civilians get into aviation. I find it absurd to join the the military for the primary and specific reason of having the government cover flight training. Become an officer to have nice things, then maybe.... hopefully fly as a pilot? I prefer someone actually interested in leading/managing troops to fill that O slot. Besides this does not directly get him to his goal. And you can be certain Uncle Sam is doing talent management by selecting the best and brightest to be a pilot these days and in this environment. So, he better be WELL QUALIFIED and prepared to step up. BTW, its an honor and privilege to serve in the military.