Airline Pilot Central Forums - Have you considered flying for the military?

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All you guys thinking about the military

Quote:

Originally Posted by todd1200 (Post 401964)

I've been giving serious consideration to trying to fly in the AF. I'm not sure if I have a realistic shot. Here's my situation:

26 (and a half)
Prior enlisted, Active Duty AF
Regional FO, about 700 TT, 200 Turbine SIC
and I'm still working on my degree.

I finished an AA (4.0 GPA) and I just started working on an engineering technology degree online from UCF, but I'm thinking about transfering and pursuing an aeronautical degree from Riddle Worldwide, because there would be a lot less pre-reqs, and I could finish in about 1.5 - 2 years. I'm wondering if not finishing my degree until I'm 28, almost 29 is going to make it impossible to get a spot. I'd like to go Guard, so I could keep my seniority at my airline, but considering the hiring process necessary to get a Guard spot, I'm guessing that would be even more unlikely. I've thought about maybe trying to get a warrant spot in the Army, since I wouldn't have to be done with my bachelor's, but I enjoyed being in the AF, and I'm not sure if I'd be a good fit for the Army culture. Anyway, I like my current job, but I miss (parts of) being in the military, and was trying to figure out if I had a chance.
Any advice? Thanks.

As some previous bros suggested, go guard or reserve!

Something to think about on the AF side, back in late 2000 or early 2001, the AF increased the service commitment for pilot training grads from 8 yrs to 10yrs. That is taking effect (or is it affect?) in the next few years in the AF with not many pilots able to leave active duty. What that means is, for the next 2 years the reserve and guard will have very few active duty applicants due to the change from the 8yr to the 10 yr AD commitment. So, I don't think there is any better time than now for a civilian to get hired by the guard or reserve and sent to pilot training.

Good luck,

Buzz

Cool, thanks for the info guys. It's good to hear I still have time to shoot for the Guard, and I can get the ball rolling before I'm done with the degree. I guess I'll call the recruiter to set up the AFOQT and BAT tests and go from there.

Just don't let the recruiter talk you into a non-flying job...and get every promise in writing!!!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spliff (Post 402520)

Just don't let the recruiter talk you into a non-flying job...and get every promise in writing!!!!!!

Ha, yeah thanks. I know how much to trust a recruiter, and what their primary motivation is - that's why I'm trying to figure out as much as possible before I talk to one.
I can hear him already "Well, your best bet would be to re-enlist, then finish your degree and then apply for OTS from the inside." LOL

Quote:

Originally Posted by bunk22 (Post 400322)

One must remember, for the Navy, their needs come first. You might finish top of your squadron and put Tailhook as your first choice but there are no Tailhook (read jets) slots.

How right you are Bunk, but c'mon, who would want to be a jet pilot anyway. :eek:

Afterall...

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruiseclimb (Post 399342)

Navy C-2 COD pilots trap on the carrier all day then party like rock stars in hotels in Hong Kong, Bahrain, HI, and Australia..

...but then again, you knew that ;)

It seems funny to me that all the jet (S-3, F-14 RIO) guys that are coming back to the front seat or transitioning pick C-2's, interesting...

For those interested in military don't forget about the Coast Guard. Yes we do have planes! I was originally AF and recently made the switch. I am getting about the same amount of flight time with the benifit of no doploying to the desert! Right now the CG is about 40 fixed wing pilots short and that is forcasted to go to 140 in the next 4 years. There are a number of different routes to take; check out http://www.gocoastguard.com/find-you...ities/programs

Hey guys,
My goal is to become a pilot in the ANG after I finish college, and I have a few questions.
I'm 21 and have one year of college under my belt. What can I do right now to make myself more competetive? Would joining the local ANG (151st ARW) now help my chances of getting selected? Is it possible to enlist now then move on to be a pilot or even something else after I get my degree? Would I be too busy to go to school while enlisted in the ANG?
Thanks for any help! This forum is a great resource.
Eric

Quote:

Originally Posted by antares666 (Post 410234)

Did you switch before or after your ADSC? Also what did you fly in the Air Force? I've always been interested in flying for the coast guard after I spend my 10 years flying for the Air Force. Is the coast guard similar to the Air Force in that you can only really expect to fly for the first 10 years of your career or would it be possible to fly for the Air Force for 10 years then transfer to the CG and fly for another 10 years. I really have absolutely no desire to make rank. I would just like to stay in the cockpit and serve my country for as long as I can. Also if you wanted to fly 130's in the CG would you need to fly 130's in the Air Force?

Thanks for the info. This is one question I've always asked myself, but never really met anyone who had done this that I could ask questions.

Don't you get busted back to 0-2 or 0-3 when you enter the CG?