mexipilot84

as a veteran from the Army I can tell you having the GI bill is great. It does pay for 60% of your fight training, but only after you yourself have paid for your PVT pilot. The VA is slow sometimes at repayment may take 6-8 weeks for getting money back but its there. Heres the catch though, if you go ROTC you're not eligible for GI Bill because theyre doing it up front for you. I don't think that has changed, Ive been out for 3 years now so I know little has changed.

While military service is great and all it is also a hassle you have to be willing to contend with. I.E. multiple vacation trips to the sand box and or the monotonous tasks you do on a daily basis. I do recommend the Army's Warrant Officer flight training program. You can do it from civilian to WOFT as well. At least as a WO you do not have the same amount of BS a regular commisioned officer has such as holding leadership roles and youre later sitting in an office life. While you're primary specialty will always be 153A rotary wing pilot, there is such a thing as being able to go to the fixed wing course. It's a good free way of getting your ratings done. Once you get out you can just go to a flight school and work on coverting your ratings to Fixed wing ans save some major cash. Some of your Helo time can be used for your airline requirements as well (might be a % its airline determined). Most of all YOU DONT NEED A COLLEGE DEGREE to be a WO.

Just my 2 cents, my support for the WO's and WOFT program the Army offers.

Arklight

WOFT may not require a 4yr Degree, but good luck being competitive without one.

OdeToMemory

Yeah, I've really considered High School to Flight School but my eyesight is the thing holding me back from ANY military aviation. I'd have to get PRK done once I'm in, no chance in hell I can afford it otherwise.

The more I'm researching into the Navy though, the more I'm interested. I took the ASVAB earlier in the year and got an 88 so I can do whatever I want. I'm looking in the aviation field mostly.

I'm also looking into the Air Force as a loadmaster or in-flight refueler. As a matter of fact, I'm leaning towards Air Force loadmaster more than anything right now. I get to do a lot of flying, I get out a lot more than I would in the Navy and the Air Force has better benefits like rooms and whatnot.

USMCFLYR

First thing you need to learn is a popular phrase called "Needs of the service" Don't ever believe that you get to do "whatever you want"

Second - what do you mean "I get out a lot more than I would with the Navy...?" You are correct that the USAF seems to have the better deployed billeting than some other services; but they aren't really benefits and "whatnot".

Ode - some of your comments make me think that maybe you need to educate yourself a little more before taking the big step. Jumping n blind and making the best of the situation works sometimes, but more often than not it leads to disillusions and then people blame the job when they really hadn't done their homework in the first place (much like the airline industry it seems).

USMCFLYR

TonyWilliams

My niece just scored 98 on the ASVAB, and she already has a degree. Hopefully, they can find *something* for her.

OdeToMemory

Heh, in hindsight that came off as a bit pretentious. What I meant is that I'm qualified for all jobs. I'd have to get it guaranteed in writing in my contract. I know all about how the recruiter can screw you over if you want a job but don't see its guarantee through. My cousin enlisted in the Navy as military police but instead became a boatswain's mate halfway through basic.

And by "more" I just meant quality of life and some small perks. CCAF is a good example. That and the better barracks and there seem to be just an all-around better quality of life in the Air Force versus the other branches.

mexipilot84

Got to love the phrase "substandard" in miltary terms. USAF used to get substandard pay for their ATC and weather airmen that were stationed in our army post. So quality of life is definitely a difference. Depends where you like to sleep, behind cover dodging bullets, in a sand trench, air conditioned tent with Dtv or on a ship playing in the kiddy pool.

MoonFallsDown

it does not come to the neighborhood for 600/month .. my payments comes around 340 bucks a month for 46,000 with sallie mae

usmc-sgt

One thing with the military is that you do it because you want to do it and you want to be part of something that is bigger than you. One is setting themselves up for failure if they join on the notion that it will pay for stuff.

In todays Military you are writing a blank check payable to Uncle Sam for a sum of up to and possibly including your life. It is nothing like it was in past wars but many men and women are proceeding direct Afghanistan these days.

With that being said, it is probably the number one option for giving you a push in the right direction to accomplish anything and everything you want, you just have to be in it for the right reasons.