BaronPete,

If you have any interest in civilian flying, definately get the CFI.

The ANG is the best way to do military flying if you also want to be an airline pilot. The ANG is good because you will not get involuntarily assigned to helicopter flying (which won't help your airline career much).

Start researching all of the requirements and the application process NOW...it's a complicated, drawn out process which will require a lot of initiative on your part (this actually helps to weed out the slackers).

Your vision is probably OK, but you will get a full medical during the process so you won'y for certain until then.

Your record won't disqualify you (be 100% honest!) but if there are other applicants who have clean records they may be considered first (or maybe not, hard to say for sure). The only way to find out is to apply.

Since pilot slots are normally competetive, here are some ideas to make yourself more attractive in your last two years:

- Get the GPA as high as possible, an engineer with a 3.5 beats a non-technical with a 3.7 as far as the UASF/Navy is concerned.

- Your flying counts as an extra-curricular activity, that's good. Other extra-c's such as clubs or volunteer work are good also (but don't let the GPA suffer.

- Get involved in some sort of sport (if not already). Intramural or off-campus stuff is fine.

- Any sort of leadership positions (sports team, clubs, even CFI).

- You will need letters of recomendation from teachers and people from your community (Doctor, etc). If you don't know any ex or current military officers, try to meet one. A letter from a military officer is weighted more heavily, because he/she should be able to judge whether you can handle what you're getting yourself into (a teacher may not have any idea about certain aspecxts of military service).