Should I Enlist First

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06-13-2018, 03:26 AM

#21

Merle Dixon

Line Holder

Joined APC: Feb 2014

Position: Legacy FO, T-38 IP

Posts: 56

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickair7777

This is very true for the USCG, but historically there were usually aviation contracts available for the USN/USMC. Why would they remove that option now with pilot attrition ramping up?

There are aviation contracts, AFTER OCS, no guarantee. In the AF, you are offered a pilot training slot before you attend OTS.

06-13-2018, 09:24 AM

#22

BeatNavy

Covfefe

Joined APC: Jun 2015

Posts: 3,001

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merle Dixon

There are aviation contracts, AFTER OCS, no guarantee. In the AF, you are offered a pilot training slot before you attend OTS.

If you apply off the street to become a naval aviator, get selected for OCS, you can sign a contract to get a pilot slot before you go to OCS.

https://www.airwarriors.com/communit...ontract.31466/
https://www.airwarriors.com/communit...ranteed.38281/

06-13-2018, 10:05 AM

#23

rickair7777

Prime Minister/Moderator

Joined APC: Jan 2006

Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim

Posts: 39,281

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeatNavy

That's what I thought, always been that way, last few decades anyway.

06-14-2018, 05:00 AM

#24

Merle Dixon

Line Holder

Joined APC: Feb 2014

Position: Legacy FO, T-38 IP

Posts: 56

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickair7777

That's what I thought, always been that way, last few decades anyway.

OK, my bad.

06-14-2018, 10:54 AM

#25

F4E Mx

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Mar 2014

Posts: 281

Only problem with the Navy is the very real possibility (probability?) of winding up as a helicopter pilot and later having to play the game of which airlines, when, will accept the helicopter time toward meeting hiring criteria.

You can certainly get screwed with the active duty USAF as well. Seems the best bet is to go the USAF guard route.

06-14-2018, 11:11 AM

#26

rickair7777

Prime Minister/Moderator

Joined APC: Jan 2006

Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim

Posts: 39,281

Quote:

Originally Posted by F4E Mx

True, but there have been numerous Navy helo pilots in my last several reserve units and ALL of them are at big-six airlines now. They can commonly get some T-34 IP time, that and/or a year or three at a regional will do the trick. Not the end of the world.

Quote:

Originally Posted by F4E Mx

You can certainly get screwed with the active duty USAF as well. Seems the best bet is to go the USAF guard route.

Yes, if you're hell bent on military and then airlines, go guard first, then USAFR. That way you get to pick your platform (or at least it cannot pick you), and you can progress both careers in parallel.

06-14-2018, 11:37 AM

#27

AirBear

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Dec 2017

Position: Retired NJA & AA

Posts: 1,919

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickair7777

Another advantage of Air Force Guard/Reserve is you'll have lots of airline pilots in the unit who can give you references and LOR's to help get an interview.

06-30-2018, 08:06 AM

#28

Montey

KC-10 Crew Dawg

Joined APC: Oct 2013

Position: Student

Posts: 79

Enlist, get school paid for, network, get degree/upt slot. Lots of ways to get to the end. Have you thought about ROTC ?

06-30-2018, 08:07 AM

#29

Montey

KC-10 Crew Dawg

Joined APC: Oct 2013

Position: Student

Posts: 79

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirBear

Another advantage of Air Force Guard/Reserve is you'll have lots of airline pilots in the unit who can give you references and LOR's to help get an interview.

^^^This^^^

06-30-2018, 08:17 AM

#30

rickair7777

Prime Minister/Moderator

Joined APC: Jan 2006

Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim

Posts: 39,281

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirBear

Another advantage of Air Force Guard/Reserve is you'll have lots of airline pilots in the unit who can give you references and LOR's to help get an interview.

Yes, and this would apply even if you don't eventually get a mil pilot slot.