Enlist?

H

himynameistrev

Well-Known Member
Hello all,

I'm turning 18 in a few months and I'm trying to figure out my next step to take. Rewind a few months back and I was enrolled as a freshman in the ASU flight program, had all the loans taken out yada yada. A fellow on JC helped me realize how much debt (160k) I would get myself into for just an instructor rating with aviation degree. Shortly after that I realized there are better routes to take (financially) I packed up, cancelled loans, and moved back home. I've been looking into the AF a lot lately, not for a pilot slot, but a way to hold a job while I save money for flight school. I figure I couldn't get hired by an airline until I'm at least 23 anyways. If I go active duty for 4 years, I figure I could earn a degree while in the AF and use the GI bill + savings for a school like ATP when I got done at 22 and be debt free. I'd like to think the way I just laid it out works, if not I hope some of you could set it straight.

Thanks a lot!
 
I have no first hand experience, but from the guys I know who did something similar, yes, it's a good way to both serve your country and at least signficantly defray the costs of training. The rules seem to change constantly, though. I'd do a search on "GI Bill" and read carefully.
 
OR, you could join ROTC, compete for a HSSP or Commander's Scholarship, get a 4 year degree (with loans you already planned on taking), kick ass in the ROTC program and compete for a pilot slot all by the time you are 22.

EDIT: just some food for thought
 
I am about six months away from my EAOS (End of Service) in the Navy. I have been in for over 4 years. The one thing I can tell you is do not join if you are not 100% sure about this life changing decision. The military for the most part is more than a job, it really is a lifestyle. You are defending democracy during your enlistment, not living in one. I was very close to going to flight school back in 2007, instead I had a wild hair up my...... and enlisted in the Navy. It has been fun for the most part, however alot of very long days. On deployment you sometimes go weeks without a day off, working 12hrs on 12hrs off. However, that was in aviation. Aviation Maintenance is an unforgiving beast! I joined as an avionics tech knowing that I wanted to be in the aviation field. The job is fun and very challenging, especially on a platform with multiple LOTS (upgrades). You learn alot about the aircraft and become the subject matter expert of your rate.

As far as QOL goes, you are definitely making the right choice looking into the Air Force. Working on the flight deck of a carrier is only fun for the first hour or so, after that the novelty goes away IMO. Also make sure you know what job you want before going to MEPS, don't let the recruiter's talk you into something other than what YOU want. If you want to gain aviation experience, there are tons of jobs out there. As far as educational benefits go, you have Tuition Assistance that covers up to 16 credits a year while active duty and then your post 9-11 GI bill afterwards (IMO Amazing!!!). If you have any other questions feel free to ask, I will answer to the best of my ability and will be straight forward with you about enlisting in the forces.
 
I suggest you read the links below to get an idea of what the GI Bill will cover regarding flight training. I used the MGIB to pay for my training, and now there is the post 9/11 GI Bill which offers different types of coverage. Like a previous poster said, the rules seem to change constantly, but the GI Bill is a good way to pay for either a degree or flight training, but don't join assuming that everything will be covered.


http://www.gibill.com/news/flight-training-now-covered-by-post-911-gi-bill-333.html
http://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchInstitutionCriteria.do
http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/education_resources/programs/flight_training.html

Otherwise, good luck with your decision, and DO listen to some of the advice on here, especially that regarding recruiters. I saw plenty of Airmen who were in a job that they didn't originally sign up for, or we're qualified to be an officer but ended up not knowing that it was an option for them, etc.
 
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