Agreed with everything Crewdawg has said. I was prior enlisted, had most of college paid for, and turned 30 in pilot training as a Guard guy. Don't believe a word that comes out of the mouth of an Active Duty recruiter. One would think they would have a clue, but they don't.

 

Have you applied for ROTC scholarships? If you aren't scholarly gifted like me, then the Army Warrant Officer Option flying Helo's might work as suggested. Get a college degree from there and then reevaluate your flying desires. The Navy has started a Warrant Officer program for pilots like the Army. Not sure of the status. They started with prior enlisted Sailors. Not sure if they have an off the street option yet. Advantage is that you could get a P-3 or C-130 besides Helo's.

 

Here's a link to a thread (there's others too I think) about the Navy's Flying Warrant Officer Program. Bunk22 had some knowledge of it. I believe it's mainly for already serving Sailors.
http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/mi...y-aviator.html

 

Anybody ever run across anyone who'd worked as a uniformed officer for NOAA? Boats and planes.

NOAA Corps

WW

 

I am active duty enlisted. I came in open mechanical and got lucky and got my first choice of jobs, jet engine maintenance. Everyone is right, make sure you come in with a guarenteed AFSC.

Things to consider, the job you get will determine the length of your tech school. Also, once you get out of tech school and get to your first base you will be given your CDC's, Career Development Course. They are additional written study material that will teach you more about your job. Ususally several volumes in length. You will have a month to complete each volume and be tested at the end of each volume, and then there is an End of Course, EOC, test that covers all the volumes once all your CDC's are completed. Ok, with that being said, you will be doing your hands on training, studying your CDC's on your down time and your supervision won't let you take college classes until your CDC's and EOC are done. That's about the first year of your enlistment.

Once you have your upgrade training done you can start taking classes. It is 100% tuition assistance so all you have to pay for is the books. I'm finishing up my BA thru Embry Riddle and also working on my flight training at the same time, not to mention working full time typically 11 plus hours a day. The big thing that I would try to impress upon you if you do enlist is, once you have the chance to start taking classes do it. Don't wait. Good luck.

KC135guy

 

without flight training actually provided by the air force, is there any way to get this covered?

 

My flight training is coming out of my own pocket right now. Once I have my private taken care of the GI Bill will cover a good chunk of the rest. My flight school is VA qualified so that's going to be a big help finishing the rest of my ratings. That is one thing I forgot to mention, if you enlist, sign up for the GI Bill. While you're active duty you can go to school for free, basically, but you can always use the GI Bill for furthering your education once you get out.

KC135guy