Hi all,
I am currently a college freshman at Oakland University, and I am very interested and motivated to become a helo pilot in the USAF, or possibly the USN. I plan on transferring to Western Michigan University to major in either Aeronautical Engineering, or Aviation Flight Science at their College of Aviation. After completing my bachelor's degree I plan on joining either the USAF or USN, attending OCS, flight school and training, and hopefully filling one of the highly competitive flight slots.

My question: Which major would be more practical? USAF or USN? What can I do to become more competitive for a slot? How should I go about this dream of mine chronologically?

Any advice from former or active military personnel is preferred.

Thanks!

 

Not military, but just curious, why not the army? If you really want to fly egg beaters, you can take your pick!

 

cargo hopeful,
I'm still giving the Army some thought. In fact most of my relatives (both grandfathers and uncle) served in the Army. Army air corp, Army infantry, and Army green berets respectively. So I have considered continuing the lineage. The night I posted this thread I was doing some research on Warrant Officer training in the Army and definitely gave it some thought. I also located a local helicopter flight school that I really want to attend to obtain my private helicopter pilot license. I did say military preferred comments but I really don't care lol. Any advice or help is greatly appreciated Thanks!

 

If you want a chance to fly Helo's I would recommend going Marines (for the variety of missions), AF (if you wanted to do Spec Op's) or Navy (if you wanted a sub hunting mission or vertical replenishment missions). Marines you will be a Rifle Man first and go through about a year of training prior to hitting flight school but they still have a guaranteed flight school slots. Navy is a good option too if you want two types of missions and they have a guaranteed flight school option as well. Air Force is probably the most competitive out of the bunch and there is not a guaranteed flight option.

If the military route is the way you want to go, don't pay for flight training. Most recruiters will not be concerned if you have the ratings or not. Heck, they will not care if you have flight time or not. The military will get you up to speed and you will save money in the long run if you elect not to pay for your flight training before signing up. I would focus on getting a contract signed as soon as you can if you want to go the military route though. Start taking the Military Aviation Aptitude practice tests for the AF, USN/USMC so you can get a better handle on the testing they want you to pass.

Hope that helps lay some basic ground work. It is a tough process to get in and stay in though keep that in mind as you decide what you want to do with your life. Well worth it in the long run though and very rewarding.

 

t6marine,
Thank you very much for some more insight. I will definitely take a look at the USMC as one of my options. If you could explain the contract in more detail that would be great. Were you implying i should sign up now and not complete my degree of choice, or make a contract with a branch now so when I exit college I'll have a spot? What kind of background do you have with the Marine Corps? I'm interested in hearing more from you. Thanks again!

 

When I was speaking about contracts I was talking about meeting with the local Officer Recruiting Officer for the Marines, Navy or AF and securing a spot for Officer Candidate School as soon as possible. I know the Marines have an option to attend PLC (2 summers) or OCS (1 summer) while still in school so you can go right into The Basic School after graduating from College. This saves you time in the long run. I am pretty sure the Navy and AF both have an option where you can go through OCS while still in College as well. The sooner you secure a spot the sooner you know you have your future secured.

If you need more info let me know and I will help answer your questions the best I can.

 

Here is a link for you to start your research.

MarineOfficer.com

Everything you need to know can be found from reading through this information.
The Marine Corps Officer selection process is very INDEPENDENT.
You will NOT have your hand held and guided by the nose through the process.
I remmeber my OSO asking me - So why should I let you in my Corps?
This was not something I had heard from other *recruiters*
They will tell you what they need, when they need it, and who they need it from - - then it is up to you to get it.
If you aren't willing to do the legwork, then they figure that you don't have the gumption to get through OCS.
I definitely think that USMC helos would provide you with what you are looking for; but it is a long road.
best of luck in your search.

USMCFLYR

 

Helo pilots may be the red headed step children of the USAF, but I think they do some of the coolest flying.

Granted the Navy helo bubba's do some cool stuff too (and have some stellar toys), 7 hours of Starboard-D is not one of them.

 

Or ship replenishment
Each service has their specialities - but for the majority of the missions, I'll have to say that I think the Army and the Marines probably have a better chance of doing more of the **interesting** missions.
They are far and few between in my experience, but there are some people who haven't found satisfaction in their assigned (sometimes chosen) communities. For the most part, even if it isn't what you chose, it has been my expereince that most people end of LOVING their platform, the people, and the mission.

USMCFLYR

 

I'm biased, but give the Army WOFT program a look again. All the rotary platforms you want, and as a Warrant Officer your primary job is to fly fly fly. Im new here, but I am here to help if you want it.