I was just wondering, does a person who has no flight experience or is starting from scratch have a chance at becoming a military fighter pilot? If so, how would you recommend this person to go or which path to take to ultimately achieve the goal of becoming a fighter pilot for the Marines, Navy, etc.

 

That's how most start. Actually, mil guys come in with at least a PPL these days. In many cases funded by the gov't. You have over 10 posts. Use the search function here(try UPT) because believe it or not, you're not the first guy to ask this.

 

I have numerous friends that went to Naval flight training and are now flying fighters for the Marine Corps or Navy. Many of them have gone on to become Top Gun and MAWTS-1 instructors. I believe if you have a bit of natural talent/smarts (meaning common sense) and a lot of desire and determination you can definatley be a fighter pilot. Prior flight time helps in the begining up until you solo then formation flying and aerobatics tend to level the playing field in primary. Only if you have your private and maybe instrument and about 500 hrs would i say it would definately help you. I also had friends with a 1000hrs who washed out of the program because they just couldn't seem to unlearn what they had learned to do thier way. I'd say no you don't need a private or prior flight time to make it to Fighters.

 

I know the navy and USMC will send you to get some civilian training (on their dime) before they accept you for flight training. This is done for two reasons: 1) Give you some minimal flight background and 2) Perform a quick evaluation on your learning potential (academic grades don't give a great indicator of your ability to fly airplanes).

The key to getting a military slot is good grades, good test scores, and being well-rounded (sports, leadership, outside activities). If you want to go that route, try to get an ROTC or academy scholarship if you're still in HS or early college.

Note: Getting into military flight training is one thing...getting into fighters is another. The top performing trainees often get their pick of aircraft, but there is also an element of luck. If they really need helicopter pilots that month, then EVERYBODY goes to helicopters. Navy/usmc you are stuck for life, AF you might be able to switch later, but probably not.

If you REALLY want fighters, try to join an ANG or AF Reseve fighter squadron...that's the only way to be sure.

 

As far as the Navy goes, the major reason as to what you will select, is the needs of the Navy. Granted, you have to make the cut (50 NSS...Navy Stand Score and it's a ***** to understand and explain) for strike but E2/C2 also need a 50 NSS. I've seen guys with a 48 NSS get jets and I've seen guys with a 65 NSS, Commodores list, not get their first choice. Needs of the Navy come first. So what's the chance with zero flight time or experience, same as everyone else. Most of the guys I knew who are or were fighter guys, had zero experience. The Navy will teach you everything you need to know. I think it breaks down 50% of Navy pilots are helo, 35% are jet, 7% are E2/C2 and not sure what the rest break down. Those are what I heard in a brief about 6 months ago and are approximate.

You want a better gaurantee for fighters, like said above, go ANG.

 

Not true for the Navy. There are yearly boards for those wishing to switch platforms. It's not easy and depending on the platform switch, theres quite a bit of training to do all over then the FRS. IMO, a painful process but I know a few guys who did it.

 

I know an AF F-16 guy who changed services to fly the Hornet.....