I’ll be a sophomore at Middle Georgia State next year in their aviation program. In a few years I will graduate with my CFII. Although it’s a long way out, I’m considering my career path. After graduation, I could work in the civilian world and try to build up time to reach the airlines (only 1000 hours because I attended an aviation school) or I’m contemplating going through Navy OCS. The idea of serving my country and being in the Navy appeals to me but I also hate the idea of passing up a chance to be in the airlines a few years after graduation. If I was in the navy I would prefer flying jets or props, but my height (6’5) might prevent me from ejection seats. A pro of going the civilian route is I would get better pay and seniority. A con is I don’t get to be a part of something as special as being in the U.S. Navy. My goal is to be a professional pilot, which I gain in either scenario, but I think I will end up in the airlines even after my time in the navy is up. I was wondering what some other people’s thoughts were on the subject of military vs civilian. Worth noting is that my father and both my grandfathers were in the Navy. I appreciate anybody’s opinions on the subject.

 

6'5" will not keep you out of ejection seat jets (or the P-8) or props.

 

I know it won’t automatically disqualify me but I wouldn’t be surprised if my sitting height keeps me from flying ejection seats. Even if it did I would be content flying props.

 

Find a currently serving USN flight surgeon (active or reserve). They should be able to get you the CURRENT policies on body dimensions and airframe assignment. Baseops.net might have some answers, but dated info might be out there since policies change sometimes.

Upside to military service is that it will usually be a defining part of your life, and usually a positive. The fact that it runs in the family will only reinforce the positive (and the regret if you don't do it). Knowing that your forbears served makes it easier to get through hard times, and makes it more meaningful (personal experience).

Downside has to do with industry timing. As far as anyone knows, this is the BEST TIME EVER to enter the airline industry. Career progression will be rapid, compensation is trending from high to very high, and QOL is good at the majors. If you go active-duty, you're probably looking at entering airline industry after 2030, when the bulk of the retirements at the US legacies are done.

Basically your timing kind of sucks, but it's a good problem to have, in that you have two good options. My generation grew up when both airlines and military were downsizing. Don't take the industry opportunity for granted, it's a rare opportunity that's hard to appreciate if you haven't seen extended downturns. That kind of money is hard to come by, in any line of work.

It's a bit of a tough choice but I would also consider the Air National Guard or USAF Reserve. You could progress your airline and military careers in parallel, and not miss the airline retirement wave. The Navy (and USMC and USCG) do not train reserve pilots, they only hire qualified military pilots who typically have completed 10+ years of AD.

 

Thank you for your response, it was very helpful. Only if the Navy trained reserve pilots... that would solve all my problems! The National Guard or AF reserves is something I definitely will have to consider. Personally, that route probably is the best way to go for me. The only downside is I don’t get the Navy “culture” and won’t continue the family trend. I don’t feel any external family pressure to go Navy, just my own desires to keep it going. In the end, I have to make the decision that’s best for me. I have a few years to figure it all out.

 

Get your ratings, get hired by an AA wholly owned regional with a flow agreement, and interview at ANG units near where you want to, or are willing to, live. You can pick the mission at ANG units if the 'right' unit hires you.

Your seniority advances while you're doing your military training. It's about a 3 yr(?) process, once you start officer school, before you can return to your civilian job.

 

Also... there's a possible work-around. Interservice transfers are possible, especially in the reserves.

If you were hell-bent on the Navy you might be able to transfer from ANG/USAFR to USNR. This should be somewhat routine once your initial obligation is complete, but they can also transfer your obligation if they want to. It will be much easier if you fly an aircraft which the USNR also operates, ie C-130 or possibly certain helos.

 

With your flight experience there may well be some Guard or Reserve options available, flight positions. With some units enlisting ahead of a flight/Officer slot is an idea. Back in the day I was one to roll the dice a bit, no guarantees it would lead to a flying position. One has to evaluate for themselves.

Other than that, you could spend a year teaching at a flight school then be on your way.

If you could get into a military pilot position I wouldn’t care if you were a few years later getting to an airline. I would go with the military training regardless. Of course, it all depends on individual desires.

 

Don’t get hung up on the Navy. Make a compromise and go Guard/USAFR. It will be much better for your civilian career, so you’ll get the best of both worlds. The good news is, you are young and have time to pursue both.

Get your 1000 hours and get on with a regional. Start working on the Guard hiring package, including “rushing” units. By the time you go to UPT, you could be on with a major. Doing that, makes you King Kong.

Don’t go Active Duty just to go in the Navy. Be wary of all recruiters, and don’t enlist unless it’s with a specific unit, that frequently hires from within. But absolutely do NOT enlist Active Duty. Nothing against enlisted folks, but that’s not a good path to a military cockpit, and recruiters will lie.

Go to baseops.net forums and start getting smart.