mds047

I'm a senior in college majoring in professional aviation and minoring in aviaiton management. I'm also working part time as a flight instructor (CFI/CFII) with a CMEL/CSEL. I have a 3.3 GPA currently and am going to be doing a 15 week internship working for ASA after the spring. I also volunteer at a WWII aviation museum on the weekends. I'm working towards improving my resume for applying to OTS with a pilot slot next year (Air Force, Navy, USCG)

I know it's competetive, and it's too late for me to get into ROTC, but I wanted the opportunity to work civilian aviation if I didnt get a pilot slot through ROTC. Am I on the right track?

USMCFLYR

You're doing everything I did in your position EXCEPT I looked at the Marines too. Yes - in my opinion - you are on the right track if you are interested in becoming a military pilot.

USMCFLYR

Rhinoflyer

You're doing a lot better than I was at your position, although that was 13 years ago and things have probably changed a bit. My 2.9 in Geography got me into OCS. My Comm/multi helped me get jets (along with alot of studying and a bit of luck). More studying, good timing and more luck helped me get into Super Hornets. As USMC said you are on the right track, good luck.

Fletch727

Don't forget the Air National Guard. If you want a civilian career in addition to military, the Reserves or the Air Guard are excellent options. Consider which mission/aircraft you would like best and start hammering out resumes everywhere. I fly heavies in the Guard and am currently flying for a regional, as well, in an attempt to build flight time faster than I would as a part-timer in the military. Not to mention when you get tired of flying at one place, you can head to the other - nice bonus.

UAL T38 Phlyer

As a Senior, you're too late for ROTC, but you can consider Officer Training School, or OTS. My understanding is that OTS slots are very limited right now (easiest to gin-up or down as need dictates, while ROTC/Academy has more lead-time). Pilot slots in OTS are even tighter, although I have a student right now who is an OTS guy.

That would be too late for ROTC in any branch of service. But all the services have an OTC or OCS, for guys who already have a college degree.

I would not discount the Guard or Reserves, although again, hiring is down right now. The Air Force invested in junk bonds and lost their retirement portfolio. Kidding aside, money is tight in the military.

USAF and Army will direct-hire into the Guard or Reserves, but the Navy (to my knowledge) only hires prior-service. The Marines--same deal.

Of course, there is no "Navy Guard" or "Marine Guard" (the Marine guard is the guy with the rifle and bayonet).

Good luck.

MOOSEDRVR728

Sounds like exactly what I did as well, except I did an internship at Alaska. I would recommend the guard/reserves. I think my squadron my be hiring for OTS/UPT spots next year. Send me a pm if you are interested.

L'il J.Seinfeld

Not too late for AFROTC. Try a masters program at a school with ROTC.

mds047

Thanks to everyone for the responses. It's good to hear with people with first hand experience that isn't a recruiter.

I will indeed be applying to ANG/res units post graduation also, but would take the opportunity for active duty before it, to be honest.

I have considered making my minor a second degree, giving the opportunity to do the AFROTC 2 year program at my school.

Do you commit to the AF before being offered a pilot slot that way?

UAL T38 Phlyer

They normally offer yo a slot, but may try to convince you to take a lesser spot and "maybe a pilot slot will come in." Don't do that. Wait for a firm pilot slot.

I didn't know there was a ROTC program for Master's Degrees.

Dirtdiver

I'll confirm what T38 said. Flew with many navs (C130) that bit on that hook.