Is this a good idea?
 

My plan to become an airline pilot is first to join the air force right out of high school. I already signed up for enlisted got a high ASVAB score. With my ASVAB score I qualify for the avionics jobs. I chose a 4 year contract and after those 4 years i hope to have finished my CCAF degree in the air force. After 4 years I get out and use my 911 gi bill (qualified after 36 months of active duty) and go to UND. The Gi bill last for 3 years and hopefully i can transfer some credits from CCAF to UND so i can finish my bachelors within that 3 years. According to my understanding the gi bill will pay for tuition and fees which also includes flight training (got this info from UND website) . So basically i finished everything in 6-7 years with little to no debt while others finished in 4 years with debt. Plus that avionics job in the air force makes me more competetive.

Or find an Air National Guard unit that flys something less sexy than an F15. (C130?) Work there as a reservist on the weekends while you use Tuition Assistance to get your tuition at the local school paid for.
When about to graduate, since you've done such a great job as a reservist, the Air Guard gives you a commission and sends you to flight school. Fly that C130 as much as you can for the next two years and then apply in year 6 to a major airline as a
1) Vet with 6 yrs Svc in the reserves,
2)1800 hours of C130 time (1000 PIC)
3) A part time job as a C130 instructor as you transition to your new airline gig.
4) Stay or go at that point from the guard, but you'll be debt free, a vet, and straight to a major.
Bon Voyage!

I shouldve joined the guard. But my main problem is vision, I exceed the minimums.

So Active Duty to mostly get $$ for college? Don’t meet vision for military pilot?

How is the $$ for college now? Maybe cut out some peripherals, enlist in the Guard/Reserves when 17 or so. While in the Reserves, start UND(or wherever), get the ball rolling. It wouldn’t have to be a flying unit, if piloting isn’t a possibility.

You would have ‘some’ $$ for college, plus speed things up a bit. This assumes you can scratch up some $$.

Right now there are a LOT of retirements looming at the big three.

Enlisted active duty service to earn GI Bill would normally be a fine idea, personal growth and avoid debt.

But frankly you would miss much or most of the coming retirements. Depending on pilot demograhics and the economy the airline industry can be very stagnant for very long stretches. Given that, I would try to get on with it faster, one way or the other. Guard (or USAFR) while attending college would be a good idea especially if you can get a pilot slot once you get a degree.

Having an avionics or other maintenance background will not make you more competitive for airlines. Their criteria for pilots don't really include maintenance experience.

What? You exceed what minimums? The air guard and AD Air Force have the exact same medical requirements. You’re plan isn’t bad but as someone who did what you propose I would say join the guard now if your ultimate goal is to fly. I barely made it to UPT under the age of 30 after spending four years as active duty enlisted and then going to college. And I was a avionics/radio guy for 10 years in the Air Force. It doesn’t mean jack sh#t in the flying world.

Kids still in high school now may miss the retirement bubble regardless of how they go about things. If you’re going to be stuck in a stagnant industry at Regional FO wages after the bonuses go away it’s prob best to go the debt free route to get there.

I’m just saying, if his goal is piloting, possibly get on the faster track towards that?

In general, for many, I do like some type of military experience. In his instance, some Guard time, while getting into a college flight program sooner, may be an option.

We all know flight training isn’t cheap, when paying out of pocket. Lots of things can happen after 4-5 years active duty. Two crum-crunchers & a soon to be ex-wife and his plans will be torpedoed.

Just like the horse on the race track, put some blinders on & stay focused.

I dont qualify to become a pilot in the military because my vision is bad. I cant join the guard because i already signed up for the Air force.

Theres a 10 year commitment after being taught how to fly in the military