Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: redman555 on May 24, 2007, 08:52:11 PM
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Hey so i want to go to the USAF and hopefully fly a FA-22 Raptor, or an A-10 but my parents lets just say arent so..... excited about my choice... i want to server my country tho, any tips on convincing my parents?
Fa-22
http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/02032/poze/fa22raptor_1.jpg
A-10
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/a-10/images/a10_2.jpg
BigBOB1
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I'm 18, it's my call, tough luck, I love you.
Let 'em be as mad as they want, you're doing a good thing and the USAF will take care of you anyway.
Your recruiter should probably have a better pitch than that though. Just ask him/her.
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If wanna fly a plane you better be smart and hit the books. A good person to talk to in here is Brooke, as he fly's the C-130's I believe.
Just to get in:
1) Keep your nose clean and don't do anything stupid. No bad stuff as far as breaking the law and such. That is your first step.
2) If you don't do #1... things can get bumpy but it all depends on what you did to break #1.
3) How old are you? If you sign up when your 18 years old... does it matter if your parents want you to fly a plane or not? That is your choice and your dream.
I am USAF and work AMMO and Speacial Weapons. So, that is my personal take on getting in. Anymore questions let me know, and I know there are a few more military guys in here. Good luck! :aok
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There are 2 kinds of fighter pilots. Those who Are Fighter Pilots, and those who are seeking parental approval. This sounds harsh, but it's simply the truth.
Mind you, your parents are your foundation, they are your flesh and blood and there is no way my above comment is suggesting you Not Listen and Respect them. Now, if you are of age and want to do this, and it burns your blood, then do it. If you are unsure and uneasy with the notion of your parents disapproval, then no, it's not for you, you will just get yourself or someone close to you hurt with the hesitation and uncertainty.
Already, posting on a forum in a game about it suggests that you are still very young and dreaming of the skies. Still a few years out before you actually make the decision I take it?
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If you expect to have any chance at flying fighters in the Military, you'll need a college degree first. Preferably an Engineering or science related major.
Work hard and good luck.
My regards,
Widewing
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its easier to fly in the navy or army (helicopters) than it is in the airforce.
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i dont need info on how to join i know everything, i got to do, private traning, then gotta get bacholrs degree then do officer training then flight traning
i was also considering flying in a Cobra or Apache but idk yet
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"Mom and Dad
Thanks for showing me the light. I've decided to forego furthering my education and serving my country.
With that in mind, Id like to propose some changes for the basement. I plan on moving in there and saving my money. Moving out and renting an apartment is a huge expense, why not just stay here and enjoy Mom's cooking and laundry service!
Also, you may wish to review your wills, this way the house is left to me. This home will become my universe!
Again, thanks!
Oh...can me and my Star Trek Club have a pizza party here tomorrow?"
Id be prepared to be shipped out within hours of leaving this lovenote :)
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Redman, you are missing alot of info.
Get all the info you can before you decide.
Tuff commitment, alot of sacrifice, and constant criticism.
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explain to them the kill/death ratio of the f-15. teach them about the planes you want to fly, how advanced they are, how it would help you in later life, how it became a lot more liveable since their generation. do not fight them, collaborate. and maybe think about joining your state national guard. it would be much easier for you to convince them.
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I told them when I was 8, (After watching Top Gun) I wanted to be a navy pilot. When I was 10, an Air Force LtC talked me into changing services. I joined the Air Force Auxiliary when I was 12, and started flying Gliders when I was 14. About the time I soloed they finally accepted that I was gonna be a Military pilot, and there was nothing they can do about it. Just do what you wanna do, when you turn 18, its no longer their choice.
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heh top-gun got me into flying too.
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Originally posted by My2FasT
Redman, you are missing alot of info.
Get all the info you can before you decide.
Tuff commitment, alot of sacrifice, and constant criticism.
you say your in long beach but luke is in arizona.
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Originally posted by redman555
Hey so i want to go to the USAF and hopefully fly a FA-22 Raptor, or an A-10 but my parents lets just say arent so..... excited about my choice... i want to server my country tho, any tips on convincing my parents?
as much as i hate to sound cold..........just tell em its your choice(you're a LOT safer ina A-10 than in front of your house sometimes), and that you still love them, but you feel you have to do this. i'd be willing to bet that by the time you finish basic training, they're proud to come to your graduation.....and will probably be bragging bout you the whole time you're there....
Fa-22
http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/02032/poze/fa22raptor_1.jpg
A-10
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/a-10/images/a10_2.jpg
BigBOB1
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Greetings,
Okay a bit off topic, but similar.
At age 8 I read a book about Paratroopers and Armor Officers. Decided that was what I wanted to do.
Mom/Dad weren't really interested in my concept of future employment. Mom had the idea I was gonna be a CPA and live 30 miles from home.
Used to play Panzerblitz, AfrikaKorp and other Avalon Hill games. We quit going to buy groceries near the stores that carried those games.
I got a drivers license, then I drove to get 'em. Mom threw away the entire British Army from my Third Reich Game. Kinda hard to refight WWII without the Brits.
When I turned 18, left one day, came back with a signed Army contract - Mom cried a lot. Dad moped and went to the garage. I left for basic the next month.
Completed my 4 years as a paratrooper. Went to college. Got a commission (as an Armor Officer). Retired from the Army in Jan 01.
Today, they are proud. It was just a matter of perspective.
Regards,
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Do what your guts tell you to do. Its your dream and your career, my uncle was a fighter pilot in the u.s.a.f. for 30 yrs...(end was desk time, he didnt care for) he got out a major or light col, with 502 combat missions over n veitnam, hell of a good guy, extreamly smart, follow your dream. He has flown for commercial airlines after retiring, its a great career. not just a job.:aok
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btw, the family wanted me to go air force, I being the hard head i was at 17 told a highly decorated fighter pilot, "I wanted to be the best there is"...(u.s.m.c.) It took me 20 yrs to realise what a foolish statement I made to him, at the time,. His response some 20 yrs later was "when you said that to me, I knew the marines were still putting out fine marines. heck of a good guy.:D
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Originally posted by ROC
Mind you, your parents are your foundation, they are your flesh and blood and there is no way my above comment is suggesting you Not Listen and Respect them. Now, if you are of age and want to do this, and it burns your blood, then do it. If you are unsure and uneasy with the notion of your parents disapproval, then no, it's not for you, you will just get yourself or someone close to you hurt with the hesitation and uncertainty.
...er...I, uh...I think this is bad advice, ROC.
Redman555, probably most of us, at one time or another, wanted to be fighter pilots. It's a worthy ambition to follow, and I think everyone here encourages you to continue. But you would be a rare sort indeed if you were wiser than your parents. There's nothing in the world that is wrong with listening to them and very seriously considering their objections to your plans. I would worry about your common sense if you didn't.
- oldman
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Originally posted by Serenity
Just do what you wanna do, when you turn 18, its no longer their choice.
It may not be their choice, but they can still have a large influence on your choice.
Unless you earn a full scholarship, your tuition will have to be paid by someone. You parents may not want to pay for something they object to. They may not be willing to co-sign for student loans.
Don't be so silly as to start burning bridges at 18 years of age.
Go to college, declare a major that has some serious value to the military. Then, after you graduate, when you have matured some, make your career choice.
My regards,
Widewing
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Originally posted by redman555
i dont need info on how to join i know everything, i got to do, private traning, then gotta get bacholrs degree then do officer training then flight traning
i was also considering flying in a Cobra or Apache but idk yet
Not to be rude, but first off you don't know squat. Discipline , Education, Commitment, and Attitude, are keys to the success in the path you're choosing. Seeing that, first and foremost you need a BA to even get into USAF OTS. I would start with college, by the time that's finished, your age won't require your parents approval. Also if you've got the grades, ability , and drive, seek an appointment to the USAF Academy. That's usually the straightest road to a USAF cockpit.
As far as Apaches- Army, Cobras- USMC, those are different paths, but a degree is going to be your first step.
Good Luck I hope you make it.:aok
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Originally posted by redman555
Hey so i want to go to the USAF and hopefully fly a FA-22 Raptor, or an A-10 but my parents lets just say arent so..... excited about my choice... i want to server my country tho, any tips on convincing my parents?
Fa-22
http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/02032/poze/fa22raptor_1.jpg
A-10
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/a-10/images/a10_2.jpg
BigBOB1
If flying for the USAF is your dream then by all means follow it, as far as things you need to do to gain appointment in the USAFA..
1). Become active in local politics, you'll need a appointment with your local congressman if I am not mistaken. Need to keep those grades up plus get involved in extra-curricular activites...sports....church. Stay out of trouble LOL cannot emphasize that enough.
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A friend of mine went to college and joined the Air Force ROTC. They paid for his college, and after he graduated he went to flight school. Now, not only does he get paid to fly F-16's (lucky bastige!), he's also got a university degree with no student loans to pay off.
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Originally posted by moneyguy
its easier to fly in the navy or army (helicopters) than it is in the airforce.
What are u basing that on?
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The navy flies seafires and the army flies woobiecanes?
cheaters!
Seriously, Widewing is spot on with his advice. Get the education.
cheers,
RTR
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Originally posted by RTR
Seriously, Widewing is spot on with his advice. Get the education.
That is for sure. Nobody is going to put a multi-100 million dollar aircraft (Gawd, what does a Raptor cost now?) in the hands of anyone without a serious degree.
Also - I wouldn't be looking for A-10s in the USAF by the time you get there. If you want to fly a Warthog, find out where they are all ending up (Air NG maybe?) and try that out.
Being near Annapolis, I've always had a special spot for the Navy. Don't put arbitrary limits on your choices at this point - look around. If you want to fly, all the services have needs, and you just set yourself up for disappointment if you bet it all on flying F-22s or A-10s and don't get them.
Also - might not hurt to learn how to fly while you are in college - going in already knowing how to fly would probably be an advantage.
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What you do is work out the 2 to 1 dollar earned College deal with your parents .
after a year they We're beggin me to enter the Service ... it worked for me :D
Well now days its more like 4 to 1 deal .
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Get a Degree and then apply to the Academy. I would choose something easy like Undewater Cake Decorating or 3 Dimensional Art Forms, not Chemistry like I did.
Later,
KayBay
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same here, reddman exept I am just in it for the A-10 Thunderbolt II, last true stick and rudder A/C left in service. If its Decomissioned before I can get into the service than F-that, im becoming a bush pilot! im 15 and gonna be 16 in 2 months and on my 16th B-day im going to solo and get my student pilots certificate!! god bless you sir and just do it!
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When you get done with high school, enlist. Grow up and get away from mom and dad. You can start your college in service and does GI bill still have educational benefits when you get out? Go get an engineering degree, then reapply as an officer candidate. I hated basic training. I think the officers get a little bit more extra heaping measureful for their indoctrination into it. I watched the other night what Marine Corps officer candidates have to go through to Quantico.
I was a bit of a pacifist as a kid. I was 22 when I enlisted in the Bees, Navy needed carpenters. My draft number never came up during 'Nam. The process changes your attitude to respect this country to do what is necessary, well it did me. My WWII Pacific Marine wife's uncle would only talk to me in all of the family as I was the only other military guy. He told me a lot of what even the movies never show. He never talked about the war, except to me. I asked him early on if he remembered it. "Like it was yesterday!" is what he told me. What he told me was strictly between him and me, even still, now that he died. I trained with the Marines to Camp LeJeune so we kind of had common ground to stand upon.
Russian Air Force before you even get very far stick you into a centrifuge. Whether you biologically can handle the G forces they expect, is what allows you to go further or not.
So you may wish to fly fighters or a certain type of aircraft, but the selection process may prove otherwise. My Navy boards of testing I actually qualified for Annapolis, but my color blindness disqualified me.
Daubie
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Originally posted by redman555
Hey so i want to go to the USAF and hopefully fly a FA-22 Raptor, or an A-10 but my parents lets just say arent so..... excited about my choice... i want to server my country tho, any tips on convincing my parents?
Fa-22
http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/02032/poze/fa22raptor_1.jpg
A-10
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/a-10/images/a10_2.jpg
BigBOB1
1. Learn to write and spell correctly
2. Do yourself a favor and research the number of USAF flight school grads that are selected for jets, much less fighters, versus those who wash out of flight school.
3. Make sure you have the eyes to do the job in the first place. It is more rigorous than just having 20/20 vision.
4. See number one. The fastest and most successful route to fighters goes right through Colorado Springs.
5. Search the number of total applicants to the Air Force Academy versus the number of those accepted. It is an exceptionally low number.
6. Those that do make it to the Academy are ALL at the VERY TOP of their HS classes. Search for the number of those who flunk out, or are otherwise asked to leave/quit the Academy. Again, that number is startling.
7. Virtually EVERY pilot candidate wants jet fighters out of flight school. Guess how many get them? Search is your friend.
8. You can go to college on an ROTC scholarship. An officer is an officer, but remember that there are damned few ROTC programs as rigorous as any one of the U.S. Military Acadamies. You had better be the very best of the best coming from ROTC, if you want a real shot at competing for a fighter slot.
9. When you get older you will come to realize that very often it is not what you know as much as it is who you know, that gets your foot in the door. That's why the Academy guys get the best treatment.
Good luck. I wish you the best; but buckle up RIGHT NOW, or it will be nothing more than a pipe dream.
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Originally posted by Daubie
When you get done with high school, enlist. Grow up and get away from mom and dad. You can start your college in service and does GI bill still have educational benefits when you get out? Go get an engineering degree, then reapply as an officer candidate. I hated basic training. I think the officers get a little bit more extra heaping measureful for their indoctrination into it. I watched the other night what Marine Corps officer candidates have to go through to Quantico.
I was a bit of a pacifist as a kid. I was 22 when I enlisted in the Bees, Navy needed carpenters. My draft number never came up during 'Nam. The process changes your attitude to respect this country to do what is necessary, well it did me. My WWII Pacific Marine wife's uncle would only talk to me in all of the family as I was the only other military guy. He told me a lot of what even the movies never show. He never talked about the war, except to me. I asked him early on if he remembered it. "Like it was yesterday!" is what he told me. What he told me was strictly between him and me, even still, now that he died. I trained with the Marines to Camp LeJeune so we kind of had common ground to stand upon.
Russian Air Force before you even get very far stick you into a centrifuge. Whether you biologically can handle the G forces they expect, is what allows you to go further or not.
So you may wish to fly fighters or a certain type of aircraft, but the selection process may prove otherwise. My Navy boards of testing I actually qualified for Annapolis, but my color blindness disqualified me.
Daubie
Daubie - while your points are good for someone looking to serve...you can rarely become a fighter pilot via OCS (Officer Candidate School)...although it is possible.
68Hall hit it on the head though.
When I was in HS, I wanted to pursue the USAF and become a fighter jock. So i learned all about what was required, visited the USAF Academy, etc. I learned the USAF wants the best of the best ONLY to fly their assets.
I had the smarts, grades, extracurricular activities, Eagle Scout, 20/20 vision, all of it. I didn't make it because after I was accepted for the USAF ROTC (I decided the USAF Academy was not my ideal location for college years) and accepted at Penn State, they looked into my Medical History and saw I had seasonal allergies and asthma for a year or two in my early teenage years. Because of that, they scrapped my ROTC scholarship and my hopes of becoming a fighter jock. (After the Gulf War the DoD noticed soldiers with asthma whom served on the front came back and had it worse, so their medical expenses went thru the roof...therefore they stopped accepting people into the service with asthma.)
There are essentially 2 paths for becoming a pilot in today's USAF. Even if you are successful and go down one of these paths, you may still not make it, its just too competitive. I believe 1% of the entire USAF actually gets a shot at pilot school. And they don't all make it (does NOT mean its not possible).
The USAF getsits pilots from two places, with very few outside exceptions.
1 = USAF Academy. 2= USAF ROTC.
After high school, you need to get into the USAF Academy OR get accepted into USAF ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) and attend a great university and get an engineering or science degree. Before and during your college years you have to keep your nose clean all the way. No drugs, booze, police activity, bad grades, etc. After that, you go through all sorts of aptitude tests and schools to see if you can qualify for Pilot School. From there, you have to pass Pilot School and hope to god you score well enough to be given an assignment to fighter jock school.
Its a tough, tough path...but the rewards if you make it will be great. Go for it!!
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Originally posted by redman555
i dont need info on how to join i know everything, i got to do, private traning, then gotta get bacholrs degree then do officer training then flight traning
i was also considering flying in a Cobra or Apache but idk yet
Flying choppers is way cool and a bit easier to get! My pops flew them in Vietnam and loved it! Plus, I would venture a guess that there are many more opportunities as a chopper pilot than fighter pilot.