In need of some advice

[hoff327]

I was wondering if anyone might be able to help me out with some advice on this one. I am 26 years old (27 in march) with a 4 year degree and recently found out that I can fly in the Air Force with 20/40 vision. I have a slight sigmatism in one eye (-.25 i think and waiting on a recruiter to find out if this a disqualifier) and approx 30 or so hours into my PPL. Ever since I was a kid I've wanted to fly fighter jets, but always thought this to be a dream since I had poor vision. I also would like to fly for the airlines some day too, however not sure if anyone would even look at me @ 40 yrs old when and if I got out of the Air Force. My reasons for wanting to sign up are: (still struggleing with this decison by the way)

1) save a lot of money on flight school and still get the ratings
2) serve my country as well as travel and see the world
3) have a job for the next 11 or 12 years in a very unstable industy

Given the desire to fly for the airlines after military duty (or during if possible) would anybody reccommend active duty in the Air Force or maybe AF reserves, Coast Guard, ANG or anything else??? I have been researching these different branches a little and any information anyone might have would be greatly apprecaited. I also have spoken with MikeD at length about this matter and he was very helpful. Just looking for some more insight is all and a little help. Thanks everyone and sorry for the long post.

- Mike

[USMCmech]

[ QUOTE ]
1) save a lot of money on flight school and still get the ratings
2) serve my country as well as travel and see the world
3) have a job for the next 11 or 12 years in a very unstable industy

[/ QUOTE ]

Your reasons #1 and #2 are in the wrong order if you want to be a military pilot.

The military is not a "good way to have your training paid for, and build jet time".

If you want to be a military pilot, then go ahead and make the comitment. After your comitment is over, you can decide what you want to do, continue flying fighters or airliners.

If you want to fly for the airlines, then go the civilian route. you'll probably get hired sooner and have a higher seniority #.

[hoff327]

Thanks for the reply, I apprecaite it. My reasons were not in any particular order, but I do feel that maybe they are not good enough in a sense (probably cause of my uncertainty). Just also curious about the eye/age thing (starting so late......) and about possibilities or opportunites available after I would get out. Anybody have any other advice or maybe some other info, or maybe anyone have a similar situation or anything like that. Still researching and any help would be appreciated. Thanks again

-Mike

[flyguy]

Eyes and age will disqualify you if you can't get into UPT by age 30, or your vision is not correctable to 20/20. You have plenty of time, and if your eyes are correctable you should be fine.

[Windchill]

Check your PMs

[flyguy]

Who are you talking to?

[hoff327]

He was talking to me flyguy, thanks Windchill.