TankerDriver

Join the military because you want to be an officer and do the things officers do (which may not necessarily be flying airplanes). Join the military because you want that kind of lifestyle. Don't join the military because you want a flying career or because you think it's the quickest way to the majors because you will be miserable. Flying is only part of the job. This is not a flying career. You don't just fly a 3-4 day trip, come home, play golf for 3 days and then do another 3-4 day trip. It's staff work, writing OPR's and LOE's, etc... Lots of stuff totally unrelated to flying. You may get 3 flying assignments in a row after pilot training, but after that, plan on a staff tour. 3 years of the Pentagon for example. No flying what-so-ever. Just plan on doing 10 years and separating (which ends up to be about 11.5-12)? Fine, but going from a Major in the Air Force, making near $100k a year to the right seat of an airliner making $35k a year on probation may be a slap in the face. With a family, taking a pay cut like that may not be possible. This is when the Air Force throws the bonus du jour in your face, which right now is $125,000 for 5 more years, and you say, "Hmmmmm, should I stay for another 5?". At this point, you're possibly a DO (director of operations), flying once or twice a month to maintain currency. You get to your 16.5-17 years and at this point you ask yourself, why should I separate now when I can retire in 3 more years at 42ish years old with 50% of your salary and medical benefits for the rest of your life? What I'm trying to say is, the career progression of a pilot on active duty in the Air Force is designed to take you more and more out of the cockpit and put you behind a desk. It's called being an officer (a leader). It's not a flying career. Just be forwarned because I know a lot of youngens see these posters and TV commercials with F-16's, C-17's, you name it and possibly get suckered into something they may want or be ready for.

That said, the military has great opportunities, which may not be aviation opportunites and is what you make of it. You will not be able to do the things you'll do in the US Air Force anywhere else in the world.

I've got two words: Go Guard!!

Linebacker35

Yah I was thinking about that too. Since I was little I wanted to be a officer in the armed forces. So I dont know If I would be able to leave the military after just 10 years. I think if I went that route I would fall in love with serving in the military and not be able to leave.

TankerDriver

Well then that's good. I was under the impression you were wanting to use the military as a stepping stone to the airlines.

If you can still say that after 10 years, more power to you.

erjpilot

Go to college and do your flying. Get your ratings done and flight instruct during college. You will graduate at 22 and be at a regional airline! You will also get significantly more flight time by staying civil. So, if you love to fly, in some ways it's better to stay out of the forces. Some guys fly 2000 or so hours in a 8-10 year military career. However, both routes would be good ones to take. You will end up in the same spot in the end. Best of luck and fly safe!

captainkudzu

I would have loved to have gone military, but I don't think that it is for everyone.

A couple of things to consider:

If you fail to complete flight training, you may still be obligated to serve out the rest of your enlistment term.

Not all airlines accept helicopter time on a 1:1 basis. Some make you apply a conversion factor.

fosters

$100k as a major....

My father retired as a Lt. Col in the mid-90's and wasn't making ANYWHERE NEAR $100k. He retired making around $30k in pension (after 22 years of active service).

Looking at current the Air Force pay bands, a major makes about $5500/month @ the ten year level. How in the hell do you get $100k out of it?!? What additional pay are you adding into that base pay?

jdt30

flight pay, plus BAS and BAH depending on where you live. 100,000 might be stretching it a little bit though. The pay cut for the first year of a major airline job is painful regardless of military or civilian background.

Slice

My take home pay is close to the equivalent of 100K straight salary as an O-3 if you add in all the extras. BAH is huge in some areas and tax free!

jdt30

I was a reserve bum so I never got close to that.

F-14 Pilot

Don't forget the bonus of up to $25K/year many Majors/LCDRs are making as well! That alone will drive most salaries over $100K.