Long time lurker here. Current USAF reservist with 6 years in, hoping to commission as a pilot, no red flags besides little flight experience and a gpa of ~2.9-3.0. I took a discovery flight and an honor flight in a C-130 before the unit transitioned into a refueling wing and is now flying the KC-135. The chief and commander both told me if I wanted to take lessons with them when I'm up on orders that I'm more than welcome to fly with them. I need a few more classes to get a BS in either chemistry or med lab science (currently working in healthcare in both reserves and civilian). Looking to have a career as a pilot with some sideline experience working in a lab since there's a shortage of us currently.

Besides obtaining my PPL, would it be more beneficial to attend a formal part 141 flight school before applying for UPT at my reserve unit? There's a school in my area that offers an associates degree and is partnered w/Liberty University to obtain a BS as well. I could use VA benefits that'll cover 60% flight school costs, in addition to using the annual $4,500 the USAF offers as well. Another plus for this option is in case I'm not selected for UPT I already completed up to a CPL and having a decent amount of flying time before possibly attending UPT.

My other question is how your spouses were treated while going through the pipeline. Where they allowed to go with you during your training? My girlfriend and I recently bought a house and she's a bit hesitant about moving around from OTS and all the different training locations for UPT.

Sorry for the long block of text. Thanks for reading until the end. Looking forward to any responses.