If you've graduated HS and already have your Private then first of all contratulations. Now, it's time to move on to bigger accomplishments in both education as well as your profession. But my first point would be to know WHY you're pursuing aviation.......is it for a job or do you LOVE flying? Once you know that then you can make more informed decisions on which way to go.

I commend you for having lofty goals at 18 since so many of your peers seem to flounder until their late 20's. Basically the only thing that matters are your dreams in life. Get the information you need to make informed decisions, ask lots of questions from credible sources and then go for it.

It sounds like most these other guys have good insight and good direction for you. But unlike them I went Army, fixed then flew helicopters and LOVED it and have no regrets even though these other guys are way ahead of me in fixed wing time. But since I LOVE flying, I don't care how far behind I am. My point is to encourage you to do what you love.

Nevertheless, I agree with the other comments that enlistment, appointment, or commissioning is nothing to take lightly and all military aviators are professionals no matter what equipment we fly.

Best of luck to ya whichever way you go.