Originally Posted by
SaltyDog
Go first two years of AF/NROTC before you are committed/obligated to the service. If you don't get the pilot slot, bail out. Graduate and go to OTS/OCS of service that gives you a pilot slot. Also, Marines have a college program that can get you a cockpit.
Considerations:
USAF: go fixed wing, competitive to get rotary. UAV 'pilot' a possibilty in career.
Navy: Service needs, but could be Fixed or Rotary. Better you do ensures fixed. Tailhooker opportunity. Minimal exposure to being UAV 'pilot'.
Marines: Service needs, but lots of Rotary. Better you do ensures fixed. Tailhooker opportunity in F-18/Sea deck time as AV-8B pilot.
I recommend all 3 services since I have been in them. Great people, different stuff enroute, but reality most go where they can get a pilot slot with chance at type airframe/career opportunity that suits personal character.
Best of luck.
Not anymore...Rotary usually goes to the last place guy in the class unless there is someone who wants it. In my class the Acitve Duty kids were really kissing @$$ to the guy who wanted it to make sure he wouldn't change his mind.