Going into the Air Force...?

[Diamnd15]

Hey, so i know there are a lot of very smart piltots on this forum, and just a lot of people with good know how. so after talking to an ex-military pilot who now flies for united said that the military route is a great route. so where im at now is about to finish up my 2 year degree after about one year of schooling. i was thinking about going into the af in two ways, either finishing up my schooling here at home, and apply for ots in my senior year, or enlist sometime in the near future and continue school, and after apply for ots. i havent read much about becoming a pilot with the air force so any links to such forums would be great as well. so basically im just asking for advice in any and all ways or shapes. my end goal is just wanting to fly, and have fun while doing so. is enlistings a good choice...waiting to just to ots a good choice...and feedback please...and thank you all a lot.

 

[Texasspilot]

www.baseops.net and www.wantscheck.com both have a bunch of info on the app process. If you have any specific questions I'm in the final stages of my app.

Basically a 4 year technical degree
A PPL at least more hours the better
Participation AND Leadership in varying activites.
A good GPA
A good personality.

As for OTS after enlisted I'm not sure how that works but I believe 27 is the cutoff for pilots so you'd have to apply before that.

 

[rickyrhodesii]

What enlisted job are you interested in? I'm an active duty enlisted air traffic controller. I choose a career in air traffic because it's the next best thing to flying! Just imagine, everyday you're dealing with first-class aviators in the world's most advanced jets!

As far as your college goes, i entered active duty with about 3 semesters behind me. In just 2 1/2 years, i have all but completed my Bachelors degree with Embry-Riddle. I graduate this summer.

And flying, well i finished my PPL about two years after enlisting. I'm now working on my instrument and commercial...thanks to uncle sam!

Ask away if you have any specific questions!

 

[Diamnd15]

hey rick...thanks a lot...if i were to enlist that would be my most likely thing to do is atc. just in general in dont know much about the military, how is it, do you like ur job, friends, pay, etc...and since your just about to finish up ur degree, do you have any plans on going to ots, and how does that whole process work cuz thats my main goal and the main reason why im thinking about this...thanks again

 

[SibePilot311]

There are lots of great careers/jobs in the AF, but if you want to be a pilot in the AF I would continue to pay my own way in school and flight training until they gave me a pilot training slot BEFORE I signed up. A bird in hand....

 

[Diamnd15]

aite, thats kinda what i wanted to hear...so basically whichever route you take there not pilot spot waiting for you...? am i correct

 

[rickyrhodesii]

Cross into the Blue?!?

hey rick...thanks a lot...if i were to enlist that would be my most likely thing to do is atc.

Great choice! Well, i guess i'm just extremely bias!

just in general in dont know much about the military, how is it, do you like ur job, friends, pay, etc...

Well the Air Force, probably military wide, most people serving either love it or hate it and can't wait until they've served out their enlistment. Me, i absolutely love it...i know a lot has to do with my job as a controller. The pay isn't too bad, the benefits are unmatched by anything i've ever seen and the way of life is great overall.

As far as my job as an air traffic controller, i could go on forever. No day is ever the same. Each day offers up new challenges and rewards. Think about having 10-15 aircraft on your frequency all planning to return to base, but then the weather goes south...it's up to you to keep things orderly and get these guys safely to their divert field. You may never get an award or an "at a boy" but, you know at the end of the day you did something that had an impact...unlike someone who sits behind a desk and whines because the phone won't quit ringing.

I've been able to work tower and radar...i love them both!

...and since your just about to finish up ur degree, do you have any plans on going to ots,...

Well, i did, but for now i think i'm going to enjoy the enlisted life for now. I know, call me crazy, but i love my job too much. I couldn't imagine doing anything else...well, maybe flying, but that's about it. I figure in 10 or so years i'll hang up my controller boots and go to OTS.

and how does that whole process work cuz thats my main goal and the main reason why im thinking about this...

Sorry, i can't really help you too much in this department. I'm sure there are other JCers that would be able to help you out with this.

As for now, i'm working on my Instrument and Commercial. After that...CFI! I'd like to instruct on my off-duty time. That way i can enjoy life the way i want...pushing tin and sharing/teaching others my passion of flying!

Hopes this helps...if you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask!

 

[JimmyK]

As for now, i'm working on my Instrument and Commercial. After that...CFI!QUOTE]

Is the military paying for any of that? Or can you pay for that stuff with your GI Bill when your in? Im asking becasue im in the DEP for the Marine Corps and if the military will cover the cost of that or a percentage of it that is definantly something I will be taking advantage of. Thanks.

 

[rickyrhodesii]

Hey JimmyK...thanks for not only serving our country, but doing so in the Marines...you definitely have my respect! hoo-rah!

Is the military paying for any of that? Or can you pay for that stuff with your GI Bill when your in? Im asking becasue im in the DEP for the Marine Corps and if the military will cover the cost of that or a percentage of it that is definantly something I will be taking advantage of. Thanks.

The first step you have to take is to get your private pilot license. The service won't pay for any of this because it's not considered "career enhancement" It's more for personal gain/pleasure. After you have your PPL, you can use your Montgomery GI Bill to pay for up to 60% of all approved cost. The flight school must be Part 141 and VA approved.

So, when you enlist, i HIGHLY encourage you to participate in the MGIB...it's only $100 a month for a year. Don't qoute me, but that $1,200 turn into over $30,000 for school/training. So yeah...good deal!

I'd also encourage you to check this thread:
http://forums.jetcareers.com/showthread.php?t=23375

Also try a search on MGIB or VA benefits.

Hope this helps!