Originally Posted by
robspenc
I recently visited the ANG unit (fighter unit) in my hometown. The pilot who I talked to strongly recommended enlisting in the ANG after I graduate high school in one year. This would be the only way to get a pilot slot in this unit specifically because they only hire from within. Though, is it truly worth it to enlist when many units take guys OTS after they graduate college?
Would love to hear your opinions!
Thanks
My only real advice is "Be to stupid to quit". Amazing how far one can get by not quitting.
Calvin Coolidge (30th President of the US) said it more eloquently
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
― Calvin Coolidge
My two cents on direct subject:
Its worth it if the record demonstrates that in fact the folks who enlist specifically to be picked up largely make it successfully as fighter pilots back in the unit.
Find out if any of the current pilots in the unit went this route. Pretty clear of they are all external or local enlisted then fighter pilot. A few may have eventually transferred to another Guard unit because of civilian job demands etc. You should be able to inquire with the pilots to determine these answers.
40 years ago I was in same shoes, good friend did this and enlisted after HS in his local fighter Guard unit. He was then picked up upon college graduation to become commissioned and went UPT. I went active. Don't regret my path, but he had a great time and still a terrific path.
Great journeys going forward!