Give it a try, what have you got to lose?

A 4-year college degree is a requirement to compete for a pilot training slot in the USAF. Do you have that? If not, the recruiter will try to get you to enlist as an E-1 (airman basic) not an O-1 (second lieutenant).

Have you contacted Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve flying units? They get some pilot training slots.

Want to go to the Air Force Academy? How were your high school grades?

There is a 10-year commitment to the USAF after completing pilot training...don't think anyone mentioned that.

 

Dude - I hate to be blunt, but search/read information that has been asked a billion times on the internet. Every question you have can be answered by just a little google.

Pilot slots aren't just given out by going down and talking to a recruiter... getting a slot is like running a marathon no matter which road you take: ROTC, OTS, ANG/USAFR, etc ... no one will hold your hand through the process.

read, but don't post at these websites:

www.flyingsquadron.com Air Force AD/ANG/USAFR
www.baseops.net Air Force AD/ANG/USAFR
www.airwarriors.com for Navy/Marine

Good luck

 

Sounds like you want to be a pilot and nothing else. Remember that you will be an officer first, pilot second. Having said that, I would look in the Guard. Get hired into a place that you want to live, even pick the airframe. If you get hired, they send you to training, if you wash out (medically or you just suck), then you can get out. If you go active duty, you may not necessarily be able to get out...they may expect 4 years out of you. I'm not sure if this is the same in the Reserves.

These questions have all been answered many times over on all the websites previously mentioned. Check those out, i'm sure you will find all the answers you need. Also, if you go to Baseops, I would search big time before you ask any questions. Those dudes get their panties in a bunch and get all E-Thug on you if you ask a question that has already been answered.

Goodluck!

 

Hey guys,

Thank you very much for the replies, I really appreciate all the feed back! Sorry for asking questions already answered >.<

Just a little background on me. I have around 550 hours, over half are ME. I am working on my degree BS in aviation >.< I know I should get it in another subject, however the college I'm going to gave me 30 credits for already having all of my licenses, and since I just turned 25, I know there is an age requirement for flying with the military so I need to get my degree ASAP if I want the option or possibility of flying for the military.

Thanks for the suggestions about the reserves, this actually sounds like something more I'd be interested in. It sounds like it might be something like "testing the waters". I would like to avoid making a 10 year commitment before I KNOW it's something I could do whole heartedly.

Thank you all very much!!

Ox

 

I would like to second the reccommendations on the guard and reserves. If you are trying for an airline careeer, try to get on with a unit that flies C-17s or C-5s. If unable, any transport is good, but fighters are more fun. In the current environment, you need to be prepared to deploy.

Joe

 

There is currently a 10 year commitment in the guard and reserves, just like active duty. If you really want a shot at a pilot slot in the reserves I would enlist until you get your degree then go to OTS. This shows some dedication to the military profession rather than just some guy or gal off the street who just wants to fly. I got 94 applications last time I had a pilot slot (Oct 10) to fill and ended up going with one of my Loadmasters that had gotten his degree and private pilots license. I cant remember how many apps I received the time before but once again I went with one of our home grown MX officers. Truthfully your 500 hours means nothing to the military. We are going to train you just like everybody else.

With that said good luck.

 

Wow, thanks for the info I'll definitely keep that in mind!
Now do you mean enlist in the guard doing whatever until I have a degree and a slot opens up?

Thanks,

Ox

 

Ox, not to speak for daldude, but from friends past, they enlisted in the unit they were interested in flying for. Both went on to pilot for that unit (Wish I had done the same thing). I echo the sentiment that the 500 hrs doen't mean much to the military. You gotta learn their way and break all your bad habits (and some of your good ones). Having at least your private pilots license will help in that you'll save them a few bucks. Best of luck to you.