is it possible??

[Stapp0770]

ok, I am a high school senior thats just about to graduate, i have been accepted into a 4 year college with a flight tech program in my pursuit to become a pilot. Recently i have been thinking about enlisting in the Air force, i have always wanted to experience the military and be able to visit places around the world.I walked into the recruiting office and told him i wanted to fly, which i already new it was pretty impossible to for enlistment. He told me how i can take college classes online to get my bachelors degree then enter the officers program and hopefully get a flying spot. I feel mixed because it seems like an unlikely process to get to flying through enlistment but i would love to do it. Anyone have any thought, previous experience. Much appreciated

Tommy

[fish314]

For the Air Force, you are absolutely correct. It is possible to go that route, but it probably isn't the easiest way to get a pilot slot. In fact, it definitely isn't. There just aren't THAT many OCS slots out there, as compared to ROTC and Air Force Academy commissions. And from that already small pool there aren't that many pilot slots.

So sure, it can be done, but I would say that it's probably not the best way to get from A to B.

Now, if you're talking other services, the story is probably different. I know in the Army most of the helo pilots are warrant officers, rather than commissioned officers, so there may be more luck going that way in the Army rather than the Air Force. But in the Air Force, that's a probably the most difficult route to a pilot slot.

[MDPilot]

Possible? Yes. Likely? NO
Don't fall for the the recruiter's career track ideas. He isn't lying, it can be done, but it is far from the best way to go.
You have a much higher chance of getting a pilot slot by doing AFROTC at your college you've already been accepted to.

[Stapp0770]

thanks guys

Tommy

[TheOneMarine]

Possible? Yes. Likely? NO
Don't fall for the the recruiter's career track ideas. He isn't lying, it can be done, but it is far from the best way to go.
You have a much higher chance of getting a pilot slot by doing AFROTC at your college you've already been accepted to.

Hit the nail on the head. GO TO COLLEGE. The military says it can be done but active duty, with sorties/deployments/training, it will get in the way. And as they've said, you have to be SICK to fly for the Air Force. Not saying you're not smart, by a long shot, but you're competing with acadamy cadets, younger college grads, etc. The military is great, but they don't always give what they say you can get.

[Kato]

Have you looked into the Guard or Reserves? You can enlist into a unit of your choice (as long as there are job openings) and work your way up the ranks into a pilot slot. Most of our pilots in my unit are prior enlisted - Something to consider at least.

[ThatGuy]

100% agree with all of the above post. Also, take into consideration that the Air Force is currently force shaping (down sizing) the officer corp. Down the road when you are ready to apply for that OTS and UPT slot, the cycle might be reverse, again. But for the immediate future I think it is going to hurt those enlisted trying to take this path. No matter what you decide, always persevere in your endeavors.