Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: JOACH1M on July 02, 2015, 12:02:13 AM
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Joining the Air Force or going into the navy. With my privates pilots licenses, and being in decent shape (could be better) and Very good grade and ACT score, I'd love to be a pilot. It has always been my dream to fly in the military and honestly being only 20 I don't see why not try.
If anyone has any information, tips, or anything useful to contribute feel free to post. :) I will talk to a recruiter in the next 2 weeks.
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Good luck buddy. I wish you all the best.
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Do you have a college degree?
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Do you have a college degree?
i currently am eligible for associates degree in heavy equipment and technology at Ferris state University.
I'm currently pursuing a 4 year degree in that field, have 2 years down, 2 to go.
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Good luck buddy. I wish you all the best.
thank you :salute
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talk to a recruiter. just remember one thing, his job is to get you to sign up so dont trust him :).
semp
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I suggest finishing college and getting your Bachelor's degree. Once getting this and joining the Air Force you automatically will be an officer because of your degree and college education, and since only officers can be pilots this gives you a head start.
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talk to a recruiter. just remember one thing, his job is to get you to sign up so dont trust him :).
semp
Semp is right for once. Some just want to generate numbers. Finish your degree like Anarchy suggested but definitely seek advice from someone who's already an AF pilot.
And aren't you too tall to be a pilot? :bolt:
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you should talk to Serenity,
hes in training with the navy flying..he`ll know shed loads mate
Good luck...
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I suggest finishing college and getting your Bachelor's degree. Once getting this and joining the Air Force you automatically will be an officer because of your degree and college education, and since only officers can be pilots this gives you a head start.
true, but I know they can pay for college and stuff like that which could be very nice!
And aren't you too tall to be a pilot? :bolt:
:) :rofl
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- Must have a bachelor's degree
- To be competitive you must get A's in math classes up to Calculus and Physics
- Enroll in either Air Force or Navy ROTC. With shrinking pool of pilots this is your best route.
- Look for extra curricular accomplishments. You're to old to be an Eagle Scout though things like this. Join the Civil Air Patrol.
- Get into top notch physical shape.
- Consider flying AH-64's in the Army. Officers require bachelor degree though most pilots are Warrant Officers, which does not require a Bachelors.
- Hurry! All things being equal, the military will take a 21 year old out of college over a 25 year old. A friend of mine is a Colonel over an Air Force Fighter wing flying F-16s. He is in excellent shape but notes flying fighters is "a young man's game." And he has a hard time keeping up. At 25 the military gets 4 less years of peak performance.
- Unless it's changed the age cutoff is 26 1/2 years if age to be pinned a pilot. That means your Bachelors degree, OCS and 2 years of flight training must be completed. Reverse engineer that to set dates. You don't have a lot of rubber room to screw around.
- What is your ACT score?
If you have other questions let me know.
Boo
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PS When you take the entrance exams they have sections about aviation history. Again, all things being equal, they want aviation geeks over random, smart people. Read up on general aviation history.
Finally, find and prepare for these tests. Take them very serious, they are important. You score a 35 on the ACT yet blow these aviation tests you'll end up being a staff officer chasing paperwork.
Boo
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Don't talk to a recruiter. He'll convince you to quit college and enlist, so you can finish college with the military paying the tuition, and then become an officer.
Don't do it. Many try this and end up in an enlisted career field that gives them almost zero time to finish the degree, then they're too old to get commissioned or go to pilot training.
Finish school (ROTC is a good deal if you can get into the 2 year program) and join up as an officer. In the USAF only officers are pilots. In the Army you can get a commission as a warrant officer and fly helicopters but I don't know how that works. I do know that recruiters have quotas and many of them will try to sell you "true but unlikely" scenarios in order to get you to fill their quota that day.
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I like how Semp's advice was basically, "do this but don't really trust any information you get from it". lol
I'd listen to Eagl for obvious reasons. FWIW, I was told pretty much the same thing by a guy a trusted when I was in your shoes. I took another path and things worked out, but when I look up and see jets above me I sometimes wanna kick myself. :old:
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To be clear, I have nothing against going enlisted in the military. I work with a lot of very talented and motivated enlisted airmen/NCOs who are damn good at what they do and many of them seem quite satisfied with their career choice. However if the goal is to be a pilot, that path in the USAF doesn't go through the enlisted ranks. Pilots who are prior enlisted face significant additional challenges both before they even get to pilot training, and with career management afterwards due to their age and time in service.
As for enlisting in the Navy, Army, Marines... If that's what you want to do then by all means go for it. The military is in turmoil right now due to constant shifting and thrashing from senior leadership from "hey we have too many lets kick some out", full swing to "hey we don't have enough, lets do what we can to not let people leave", with really bizarre policies constantly oming down the pipe. Like one year they brought back a whole bunch of retired Lt Cols pilots to go back into flying jobs, and the very next year they involuntarily separated (with ZERO retirement!) a bunch of 14-15 year majors. Utter incompetence and indecision rules the personnel office today. So yea, turmoil in the services is a mild way of saying it.
HOWEVER, there are some things in life that you can only do in the military. If the thing you want to do can only be done in the military, then please join up. We need people in the ranks who are motivated about serving and dedicated to staying in and doing it right. In spite of all the weirdness going on now, I've had a great 25 years wearing the uniform and I'm not done yet. I've done and seen things that most people can only dream of, travelled around the world, etc etc. Most people have to pay money to do the things that I get paid for. Few careers offer that kind of opportunity. So yea, if you really want to be in the military, go for it. Just do it with your eyes open and have a clearly defined path from where you are to where you want to be. Don't deviate from that path or you'll probably never get back on it. If you want to be a pilot, you need a degree, a commission, a medical clearance, selection for UPT, graduation from UPT, and graduation from initial mission qualification training in a formal training unit. Some of those steps are competitive so you have to be better than the others who are trying to do the same thing. And you can be bumped out of line at any of those steps by a number of issues, whether they're self-induced (like getting a DUI or something dumb), or totally out of your control like getting a brain tumor or something.
If you can make it through though, there's no other job like it. And that's true for any of the selective specialties in each of the services. Find the path to get what you want, and stay on that path no matter what.
Finally, even though you've done some college, don't discount the service academies. It doesn't hurt to inquire about the application process and older cadets with some college experience are often at a slight advantage over younger cadets coming straight out of high school. If you do apply for the academy however, take the time to submit a good enthusiastic application package and approach the interviews (liaison officer and congressional rep at a minimum) with great enthusiasm. If you don't seem dedicated to going to the academy, they'll pick someone who is.
The USAF academy sends the most 2Lts to pilot training out of all the commissioning sources. In some years, 100% of medically qualified academy grads are offered a pilot training slot. Even in the bad years, more academy grads go (as a percentage of the eligible officers) than any other source. That's the best chance of getting selected, and that's why I fought to get into the USAF academy. Took me 2 years to get in but it was worth it.
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My son is between his 2nd and 3rd year at college. He's enrolled in AFROTC and is down at Maxwell AFB doing his 4 week field training. The 4 year AFROTC is VERY competitive. I'm not even sure is his school has a 2 year program. Just being enrolled in AFROTC doesn't guarantee a commission. Half the kids that went into their 2nd year didn't get picked for field training, they have 1 more chance next summer but after that they will have to finish school with their Bachelors degree and try for an OTS slot. The more technical your degree, the better your chances of getting picked up are. as far as the private pilot rating, the initial flight instructors will worry that you have picked up bad habits and will "reteach" you the AF way. When Mike graduates, since he isn't going for a pilot slot, he can expect to wait up to a year to be called up to active duty(if it takes longer than a year he gets commissioned and paid). Even cadets who graduate from the AF Academy and aren't going to UPT may have to wait a few months to go active. Have you given any thought to the guard or reserves.....In my 24 years active duty in the AF I have met many reserve guys who said the pilot training path through the reserves was easier for them compared to active duty guys.
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Don't be surprised if you wind up (as you will not be an Academy Grad) flying drones. From what I hear, it is not career enhancing - though you do get combat pay while 'flying' in Nevada.
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Finish college. Don't get caught up in the "We will pay for your education" ploy. Many go in with the right intensions but end up not completing school until after they get out.
I tried as a Marine Grunt. Never could commit to the time. In the field Monday thru Friday. Deployed or training all the time.
If you want to become a pilot, I echo what most people are saying. Get your degree first and if you can, get into a ROTC program. In those programs there are many people that can help you figure your path to becoming a pilot from there.
Even consider the Civil Air Patrol if you are Air Force heavy.
Best of luck to you, young man!
:rock
SlipKnoT
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The only thing I can add is to study your tail off for the AFOQT if you don't go ROTC.
Is it too late for ROTC? Will 2 yrs suffice?
Study anything you can get your hands on like GRE & GMAT. The degree of difficulty of the AFOQT is similar to those exams on average. You will get many questions that are easier, but you'll also get a fair amount that are harder. If you go Navy still study the AFOQT review books and if you go AF study the Navy Officer's study books (in addition to GRE/GMAT). I got a tutor too for math. The Navy test will have physics, AF did not when I took it 6 yrs ago.
You get two shots at the AFOQT, last score counts, not highest (you don't want to take it twice I was always told).
I didn't have to worry my scores on any of the pilot's portion when I took the AFOQT. You have your work cut out for you.
- Don't know how you guys can look at those pics and tell which direction the aircraft is headed...
Good Luck!
:salute
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Go live the dream m8. :aok
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(http://i.imgur.com/HFZYVcA.jpg)
We fly in the Army too. ;)
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Its not too late for USAF Academy. Successful college experience is a plus on the application. But it is very competitive, as is everything related to being a military pilot.
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thumbs up all the way budddy
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Do NOT talk to a recruiter. Do NOT enlist. I watched quite a few friends fall for the "Enlist now, we'll pay for your college and make you an officer later" line. It didn't work for any of them.
If you cannot finish the degree on your own in the next two years, or just don't want to pay for it, look into ROTC. I can only speak to the Navy side (Which I would HIGHLY recommend over AF, simply because from what I've seen, those who want to fly in the Navy have a better chance of doing so than those who want to fly in the Air Force.)
Look into ROTC, keeping in mind you have to go to one of their universities, so what you've done already may not transfer. If you're competitive enough to get into several of their options, start looking at what each unit produces. While it's not official, there are STRONG trends as to what type of officer each university graduates. Notre Dame puts out a LOT of sub guys. The Citadel is Marine heavy. My option, University of Texas, puts out a LOT of pilots (In 4 years there, I only know of one person who wanted pilot and got NFO instead; My graduating class of 4 included 3 pilots).
If you're going the ROTC route, it's all about the ASTB. Physical fitness is important, sure, but not everything. Grades are important in that you need to pass, and not by the skin of your teeth. What really solidifies your spot is your ASTB score.
The short version: Go ROTC. They have 2 year scholarships, but you'll likely have to do all 4 years anyway. Kill it on the ASTB. Fly Navy. If you have any questions about the Navy/ROTC side, feel free to shoot my a PM.
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Joining the Air Force or going into the navy. With my privates pilots licenses, and being in decent shape (could be better) and Very good grade and ACT score, I'd love to be a pilot. It has always been my dream to fly in the military and honestly being only 20 I don't see why not try.
If anyone has any information, tips, or anything useful to contribute feel free to post. :) I will talk to a recruiter in the next 2 weeks.
Four year degree with a math or engineering background.
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(http://i.imgur.com/HFZYVcA.jpg)
We fly in the Army too. ;)
"That's not flying!..that's just falling with style." -Woody from Toy Story
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Four year degree with a math or engineering background.
my degree right now is heavily engineering based, I have taken advanced physics classes as I enjoy physics.
To answer some of the questions, I am 20, 3rd year in college, 3 more years til I wild finish my degree. My ACT score is 26. Math is my weaker su just as I get B average for those classes.
Aviation history has always been a obsession of mine, I don't think I'll have an issue with that part of the test if I get there.
I thank you all greatly for the tips and comments, I also wish a happy and safe 4th! :cheers:
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Happy 4th bro, best of luck. :cheers:
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Happy 4th bro, best of luck. :cheers:
thanks :)
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"That's not flying!..that's just falling with style." -Woody from Toy Story
The sky isn't the limit, the ground is. :aok
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Finish college, thats what I did. Navy wanted me to join right away but I promised my dad I would finish my degree. The military can't wait for you if that is what you so desire. I was 23 when I finished my degree and I was in boot camp when my college class was graduating. What ever you decide to do , the best of luck to you.
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(http://i.imgur.com/HFZYVcA.jpg)
We fly in the Army too. ;)
isn't that called 'falling with style'? ;)
JOACH1M
I remember when you were a squeaker. I always thought you were a good kid back then. I know that, whatever you set your mind to doing, you will do it and do it well. Best of luck my friend <S>
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I always saw you as a Hair Dresser in a high class boutique :old:
You have the look :)
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I don't know how the ROTC system really works as we don't have that up here, but I've heard a lot of others say this is a good way to go, and considering how many here said the same, checking that out wouldn't be a bad idea Joeacheem.
I have a friend that flew T38s and mainly tankers, a couple variants of the KC135, and retired out as a Lt.Col - he advised other US guys I know that are your age to go the ROTC route if they could as well, as it was his opinion this was the way to go, although he was a USAF Academy grad as well.
Apparently shorter pilots can withstand Gs better due to the route from the brain to the heart being shorter, or some such physiological reasons, so you have a good advantage there already Jo, hahaha. 10+ g here you come!
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I'll give you some advice on joining the military. (Some of this may have already been said, I don't know I didn't read the replies beforehand)
Do what YOU want to do, not what mom or dad wants you to do, not what the recruiter wants you to do, just what YOU and YOU ALONE want to do.
When I signed up for the Army I wanted to get into the Airborne. What did I get? Airborne infantry. Exactly what I wanted. The recruiter tried talking me into being an 11C, which I believe is mortar man - correct me if i'm wrong - all because he needed to fill up spots. Another guy I know got suckered into being a straight up 11B (Infantry) when he wanted to be a wheeled mechanic, and now he's stuck for 2 years until he can change his MOS. Be careful of the contract. Make sure it says EXACTLY what you want it to say for your job, and make sure that job is EXACTLY what you want. You don't want to have to deal with years of a crappy job and not like your time in the military.
As for people yelling about being "Chair Force" or throwing crap for wanting the join the USAF, don't listen to it. At the end of the day, all that matters is that you joined up and took the risk so that someone else doesn't have to.
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With the low number of pilot slots I'm not sure if the Air Force or Navy are even taking applications off the street. This means you may have to go through either the Academy or ROTC.
Another thought, you can apply to get into the Academy up to the age of 21. A 26 on the ACT isn't going to cut it for the Academy. Consider retaking the ACT, need to score 30 or higher to be competitive, and then go through the process of getting a nomination from your Representative or Senator. If you get in the value is well over half a million. Also, you will start from scratch, meaning year 1 of college all over again; none of your current classes will count. Just an option though a possibility. The other half of this though remains the age cut-off. If you get into Colorado Springs at 21, graduate at 25 you should be able to get pinned an aviator by 26.5. Another great question to ask.
Both the Air Force and the Navy have recruiters just for Aviation. These are not the slimy recruiters most of us dealt with when we went into infantry, or armor in my case. These recruiters do nothing but guide and groom potential candidates into pilot slots. They are given quotas they need to hit, thus they NEED to get qualified candidates into these spots. Again, this may have changed for 'off the street' applicants though the ROTC liaisons are going to be pretty high speed.
Another thing, expect to be told 'no' many times. They are going to discourage you to see if you are serious. In the corporate world I now work in there are many stories of hassling high end candidates to see what they are made of.
I once placed an attorney with one of the top Fellowships in the US out of Boston. This candidate was one of nine out of over 500 applicants selected to fly to Boston for final interviews. They flew her out, and of course then flew her home. On the return flight they put her on a plane from Boston to Wash DC, then on stand-by to Nashville. Stand-by meaning, she didn't have a guaranteed seat. Adding to the drama, this was literally Christmas eve.
The candidate called me up somewhere between pissed off and in tears about the fact she may not be getting home in time for Santa Claus. My first question was 'you didn't call them did you?!' Her answer, "Hell yes I did!" She called them up, whined and moaned, threw in a couple digs at the scheduling secretary then asked if they had suggestions on what to do. Unbeknownst to her....this was the final exam: How do you handle stressful situations? Needless to say, she failed to receive a $500,000 fellowship. Sucks to be a wimp.
When I tried to get into Naval Aviation I feel for the first 'no' they threw may way. I deserved to not fly F-14s. What kind of a wuss lets someone tell you no?! If you want to be a fighter pilot you had better be ready to politely, professional and with tack...tell all of them to get the hell out of your way. Kill them with determination. Let them say no 50 times, and be ready to find another way to get a yes.
I'm working with a premier JROTC program right now and see these events regularly. Don't give up.
boo
PS With your B's in math one of the first questions I would ask an ROTC officer is their advice on retaking the classes. You will be competing with people who scored A's.
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With the low number of pilot slots I'm not sure if the Air Force or Navy are even taking applications off the street. This means you may have to go through either the Academy or ROTC.
Actually, this is an interesting point. I don't know a SINGLE pilot select from the last three years who was OCS, only Academy and ROTC. All of the OCS guys seem to be getting NFO.