"I had friends who went Navy ROTC and the rumor mill from there was about 80% nationwide getting a pilot slot, and those going into the Marines was a guaranteed pilot slot for those who qualified..... however....... I met a guy who went through Marine OCS with a "guaranteed' pilot slot and afterwards was told no more pilot slot, but he had the option to get out or go forward air controller so he got out."

Agree with the Marine Guaranteed "shot" at flight school. See my earlier post. All FACs in the Marines are aircrew though; either pilot or NFO.

"But anyhow, when i was in AFROTC, up until the day of commissioning they were letting us out of any commitment without paying back a dime because of the whole Force Shaping program"
I went through OCS with a g uy who at about the 3rd week knew he wasn't going to accept a commission, but he wanted to prove to himself that he could make it so he stayed and even graduated - but didn't go to commissioning the next morning.

"but there's a lot more to being a military officer than just being a pilot."

Absolutely agree which is why I always warn people considering the military JUST for the aviation experience. They are likely to end up *very* disappointed. Of course I just got back from dinner from a Naval Aviator (who thinks he is soon to be furloughed from CAL) that he went into the Navy soley to get the experience for the future airline job - so it works for some people. Just go into the military as well armed with information as you possibly can. Like the advice on here - know what you are getting yourself into.

USMCFLYR