DTanen

Fast neat average,

I am going crazy over what I am about to put in for my AFSC. I'm a two dig and we're entering our AFSC's over the next two weeks. I've felt pretty confident on pilot (getting a 15 ride at langley last summer for OPS kind of solidified my choice), but with zero hour approaching I can't help but feel nervous as I'm staring the next 10 potiential years of my life in the face (I'm only 20 years old!).

I have to say, yes I want to be a fighter pilot - but with all the uncertainty regarding getting one already, I'm scared I'll be "stuck" with something far less desirable. I know that the right mindset to have is to see the silver lining in whatever I go fly - but I can't lie to myself, I'd be disappointed with something besides fighters.

Someone still has to fly the world's greatest airforce from a seat of a fast-mover, even in the age of UAS, so why can't that person be me? Someone is still going to get it, and if I work hard and get my stuff together - how likely is it?

I don't want to be jerked around and seeing only a five year commitment to go something like aquistions / contracting along with it's paycheck when I get out is starting to seem attractive. I'm sure with all the pilots on here, there are a wealth of you who may still know alittle something about what I am about to go thru. Any words of wisdom are greatly appreciated. Furthermore, if anyone is a retired general officer who can snap their fingers and get my down the fighter track that would be cool too - just kidding (but seriously... haha).

-Dustin
Class of 2011

navigatro

1. If you enjoy showering with the guys, then become a navigator.

2. If you really want to fly fighters, then do it. You will likely never get a second chance.

3. You only live once, so LIVE your life to the fullest.

Good Luck! and when you get tired of the active duty crap, GO GUARD!!!

reCALcitrant

I don't care how much some contracting puke makes. When will he see the nape of the earth through the glare shield on a low level through the mountains with the burners lit? Yea writing contracts sounds better. See your dream and make it happen. Quit being a db.

rickair7777

Go for the wings, you'll regret it if you don't. Why the hell else would you put up with the BS at CS?

Worst case, you get assigned UAV's, you can work on a master's while doing that and then get out to go do something else if you want.

DTanen

thanks guys -

Riddler

If being a pilot is in your heart, then give it a shot. No one has a clue what the USAF will look like in 5-10-20 years. Just realize that the USAF is changing and there will be fewer and fewer fighter pilots. At some point, you WILL stop flying. Hopefully it'll be at the 20 year point, but for some it's right after pilot training when they get their UAV (RPV?) assignment. As always, have a backup plan.

Riddler

P.S. friendly, good, good.

ExAF

If you really want to fly fighters, you will have to do it the old fashioned way.....earn it. If you don't try, you never will. You have 1 shot at flying fighters and it is now. Take it or forever regret it. No use in settling for second best right off the bat.

Friendly, Good, Good. Did you guys know they don't fill out the form at every meal any more?

geddy lee

Fwiw,
A friend of mine in UPT wanted fighters more than anything else in the world. You wouldn't believe how upset he was when he didn't track 38's. Fast forward about 10 years...he's a KC-135 IP/WIC grad and enjoying life and his job. Will it initially suck if you don't get fighters, sure, but if you do your best you'll have that to say/feel with no regrets. It'll suck more if you never try.

Hacker15e

Fortune favors the bold.

reCALcitrant

Well said.