Originally Posted by
todd1200
I've been giving serious consideration to trying to fly in the AF. I'm not sure if I have a realistic shot. Here's my situation:
26 (and a half)
Prior enlisted, Active Duty AF
Regional FO, about 700 TT, 200 Turbine SIC
and I'm still working on my degree.
I finished an AA (4.0 GPA) and I just started working on an engineering technology degree online from UCF, but I'm thinking about transfering and pursuing an aeronautical degree from Riddle Worldwide, because there would be a lot less pre-reqs, and I could finish in about 1.5 - 2 years. I'm wondering if not finishing my degree until I'm 28, almost 29 is going to make it impossible to get a spot. I'd like to go Guard, so I could keep my seniority at my airline, but considering the hiring process necessary to get a Guard spot, I'm guessing that would be even more unlikely. I've thought about maybe trying to get a warrant spot in the Army, since I wouldn't have to be done with my bachelor's, but I enjoyed being in the AF, and I'm not sure if I'd be a good fit for the Army culture. Anyway, I like my current job, but I miss (parts of) being in the military, and was trying to figure out if I had a chance.
Any advice? Thanks.
As some previous bros suggested, go guard or reserve!
Something to think about on the AF side, back in late 2000 or early 2001, the AF increased the service commitment for pilot training grads from 8 yrs to 10yrs. That is taking effect (or is it affect?) in the next few years in the AF with not many pilots able to leave active duty. What that means is, for the next 2 years the reserve and guard will have very few active duty applicants due to the change from the 8yr to the 10 yr AD commitment. So, I don't think there is any better time than now for a civilian to get hired by the guard or reserve and sent to pilot training.
Good luck,
Buzz