All through cmac88, thanks for the comments.

cmac88- as a guy about to leave Riddle, would you do it again? What is the debt going to cost a typical guy like you? From what you've experienced over the past 4 years, would you change your decision? What does a flight instructor at ERAU currently earn annually? I think you might have some unique perspective to include on the "advice from others" section of the website.

Great Site. Hope some youngsters read it. Not simply to scare them away, but just so they at least go into this thing with some idea...

PS.

Did someone correct you on the ROTC secion? You post, under "Typical Career Paths":

As a ROTC cadet, Uncle Sam pays for the majority of your tuition (depending upon how expensive your school is) and you also receive a small monthly stipend to help with your expenses while at school.

This is incorrect (to my knowledge). This only applies to those who have applied for, and and selected for an ROTC scholarship (which can be applied for your senior year of high school and I belive again once in college if denied the first time). Regular ROTC cadets to do not receive tuition money.

Thx
(please disregard spelling errors. iespell is not working for some reason and I'm helpless without it)

Nope, no one has corrected me. I assumed that if one is enrolled in a ROTC program, they were already selected for a ROTC scholarship. Otherwise, why would one go through all the requirements of a ROTC program if they're not getting anything for it?

Can anyone comment?

You can be in ROTC but not be on scholarship. The only thing you get for it is a job in the military when you graduate. That is, as long as the military isn't downsizing when you graduate.

OK, thanks. So why would someone do that? I mean, from what I saw when I was going through college, being in ROTC was a bit of a PITA. If you're not getting a ROTC scholarship, and you can simply join the military after you graduate from college, why would you put yourself through the difficulties of ROTC in addition to your regular studies? Whether you participate in non-scholarship ROTC or not, I imagine the military isn't going to say no if you want to join!

Getting a USAF pilot slot through Officer Training School (OTS) post-college is WAY more competitive than ROTC. When I went through OTS in 95, the USAF only took 10 guys off the street, and put them through OTS/UPT active duty, versus 400-500 from all of the nation's ROTC programs.

So, if you want to wait until after college, then try for OTS/UPT, you'd better have some REALLY good grades, test scores, and a pilot certificate.

I've known many who have dropped out all together after losing their scholarship.... but I also know quite a few that stick with it minus the scholarship.... to each their own.

oh man.... haha.... a question I get asked a lot. I honestly don't know. To me, I am where I am (not that thats really anywhere) because of the choices I've made, and I'm happy where I'm at. Would I be happier with another path maybe.... I truly enjoyed the professors and classes (minus any gen ed's) and felt I did gain a lot from them. But saying all that.... I would advise someone to do what everybody else on here advises. Go to a state university, get a good degree and earn your ratings on the side. The only real benefit of flying here is the impeccable maintenance.... other than that you usually end up dealing with a load of BS. Oh.... and after a week and you get over the whole beach thing.... Life in Daytona Sucks.... I spend 90% of my time in Orlando and will be moving there when I graduate in May.

Why do ROTC without a scholarship?
Answer:
1) I wanted to fly in the USAF
2) They didn't give scholarships to pilots back then (or it was my academic degree--can't remember--guidance changes depending on supply and demand anyway)
3) I was selected for a pilot slot my sophomore summer (piece of mind).
Cheers!

Globalexpress - great website!

Sure - there were (are) a number of guys/gals that were enrolled in ROTC without scholarships. The last two years you get just the monthly stipend and you do get a commission.

GlobalExpress:

Each military service has it's own paths to becoming a military officer. There are similarities and there are some big differences. Additionally, each service has multiple avenues at becoming a military officer. Since I was ROTC USAF, I will speak to that. I'm sure some things have changed since I went through the program.

ROTC is a program designed for people who are currrently attending college and who would like to enter military service upon graduation. OTS is for individuals who already have a degree. The Acedemy is mainly for high school or first year college students (I could be wrong about that).

Anyhow, a traditional ROTC program is 4 years long. However, some students join the program during their sophomore, junior, and senior years so the program is adjustable (1, 2, 3 years) and usually depends on shortages in particular career fields. Between the 2nd and 3rd year of ROTC, cadets will attend basic field training. After cadets return from the summer training, they must make a commitment to complete the last 2 years of ROTC and to complete up to 4 years of active duty service as a commisioned officer.

Usually, high school students and freshman will compete for 4 and 3 year scholarships respectfully to go to ROTC. These scholarships pay a portion of the tuition, books, and fees and also provide a monthly stipend. Once you accept a scholarship, you are required to finish the ROTC program and to serve on active duty for up to 4 years. If you default, you can be enlisted into the Air Force as an E-1, E-2, or E-3 depending on how much education you complete.

For students who weren't able to secure a scholarship in high school, you can attend the first two years or ROTC without a commitment to the US Government. After summer field training, you must make a commitment to finish ROTC and to enter active duty service for up to 4 years. Again, if you fail to meet your commitments, the Air Force can enlist you into service. All cadets in their 3rd and 4th year, regardless of scholarship status, will receive the cadet stipend.

Confused yet?

ROTC is an extremely flexible commisioning source for the Air Force. No matter if you are in highschool or if you've already completed some college, there's a program for you.

During your 3rd year of ROTC, you will be categorized into 5 basic areas; flight, technical, non-technical, specialty, and nursing. After this process, you will then select from the available career fields in each job area.

Pilot slots. Pilot slots can be very competitve and is dependent on your college GPA, ROTC evaluations, physical fitness, leadership ability, and medical condition. Essentially, everything that goes into the selection process you control.

Lastly, I'm sure some of what I've stated is dated at this time. If you're truly going to be the author of a website discussing the different ways to become a pilot, I suggest you do some research and learn more about the military. There's simply several different ways to becoming a pilot. They all have their pitfalls and challenges. Otherwise, you really aren't being all the objective or helpful to future pilots.

My two cents...