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01-21-2013 | 12:42 PM

#51

Sputnik

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Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 2,193

Likes: 10

From: Petting Zoo

Hey, I think I made that list

01-21-2013 | 04:50 PM

#52

KC10 FATboy

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Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 4,196

Likes: 51

From: Legacy FO

Quote:

Originally Posted by satpak77

Sir, where would you steer a graduating high schooler towards. Obviously he will go to college, but then what. ANG or Reserves ? Thanks

I'd use the Guard or Reserves to pay for college. Get a technical degree. Try to find a unit/base that has a flying club (Cessnas to fly at a discount). Get your Private Pilot's License. Apply for pilot training through your Guard or Reserve unit.

01-22-2013 | 12:32 PM

#53

XTweet

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Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 15

Likes: 0

From: 737 FO

At one point in time, 40% of the Coast Guard's pilots came from the Army, Marines, or Navy. Rarely do you see an Air Force pilot lateral over to the CG. This fact speaks volumes about quality of life. I've been with the CG for 28 years and have no complaints.

01-22-2013 | 01:49 PM

#54

USMCFLYR

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Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 13,843

Likes: 1

From: FAA 'Flight Check'

Quote:

Originally Posted by XTweet

At one point in time, 40% of the Coast Guard's pilots came from the Army, Marines, or Navy. Rarely do you see an Air Force pilot lateral over to the CG. This fact speaks volumes about quality of life. I've been with the CG for 28 years and have no complaints.

When I was considering the move it had nothing to do with quality of life, it was all about the mission.

01-23-2013 | 12:34 PM

#55

JimDawg

On Reserve

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickair7777

Another vote for ANG.

That will be competitive too though.

+1 Find a heavy unit. You won’t regret it and get to fly a lot! Also gives you many options.

02-05-2013 | 08:15 PM

#56

Postal123

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Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 26

Likes: 0

From: Bonanza

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimDawg

+1 Find a heavy unit. You won’t regret it and get to fly a lot! Also gives you many options.

I partially agree...I would say most opportunities are better aligned to heavies, but if all you've ever flown are big lumbering airplanes, you're always gonna wonder...

02-06-2013 | 12:58 PM

#57

727C47

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Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 2,100

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From: C47 PIC/747-400 SIC

Marine Corps,or the Coasties !!!

02-07-2013 | 05:45 AM

#58

FlyFastLiveSlow

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Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 162

Likes: 0

From: On the Rock

If you want to live overseas, AD USAF. There's great flying locations in Europe and the Pacific. Carrier ops seem cool, but I'd rather spend weekends on my boat than 6 months on the govt's boat. I don't know how those folks spend that much time gone form civilization.

02-08-2013 | 12:20 AM

#59

jc23

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Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 107

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Quote:

Originally Posted by LU Flyer

Well, I'm looking for a little expert guidance.

I am graduating college this December with a bachelors in aviation and I currently have my private certificate with around 70 hours. My goal once I have my degree is to serve my country by pursuing a pilot slot through whichever branch will take me, preferably the Air Force, Air National Guard or Navy but if it came to it I would look to the Marine Corps or Army. Recently I spoke with the recruiter at the local ANG unit near my home and they said that with a solid AFOQT and TBAS score along with getting a little face time at the wing I would be most competitive for their Fall hiring board. I am currently studying the AFOQT and ASTB type questions and I feel pretty confident on my ability to score well.

I know that everyone who thinks about flying in the military naturally gravitates to the Air Force. Along with their extensive ROTC units across the country (I missed the boat on that one hindsight is 20/20 there) and the academy I hear that is the most competitive. Are any of the other branches less competitive to get pilot slots? For example, I would be a third generation to serve in the Navy if I choose that. Would something like that have any pull on someone off the street getting selected? I believe that I'm well rounded but obviously I want to play the best odds. I appreciate any info on how I can further my career.

Thanks everyone!

I'm no "expert" but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night. I was a Navy NROTC dude who slid into a pilot slot. Knowing what I know now, I would have went straight to the guard, but would not trade the good times I had in the Nav for anything. Thats not to say that I would not tell you not to go into the Nav if that's what you wanted or was offered. Good times in the Nav....ok back on topic, just realize, the military like the airlines is about timing and luck, don't care how many generations you had in the military, you have to go earn it.....the airline industry is a different animal IMHO...I'll just leave it at that. For now, first thing is make sure you are physically qualified by setting up a flight physical via Officer recruiter for whichever service you are pursuing then just start checking the blocks (Aviation battery tests, LOR's, meet and greets at the squadron, etc.). I know you'll have a blast should you choose this path. Good luck and keep us posted.

02-08-2013 | 07:53 AM

#60

tomgoodman

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Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 6,248

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From: 767A (Ret)

I suggest grabbing any UPT slot you are offered, even if that branch is not your first choice. They are all good, and another chance may not come along. Manning needs can change quickly, and it's better to be the last guy hired than the first guy not hired. Good Luck!