Military or 2yr flight school for training??

[MQAAord]

Becoming a military officer is not something to be taken lightly. It is not just something you can wake up one morning and decide to do.

It most certainly is not simply an avenue to receive flight training, if that is your primary objective -- not during a time when our country is actively engaged in two combat zones.

If you are interested in becoming a military officer, then go for it -- it's a long road. If you are able to become a pilot after becoming an officer, then good, that's a bonus.

Otherwise, steer clear. It's not an airline lead-in training program.

Thank you! I was thinking that very same thing as I read down the thread...

Being a military officer [of any kind] is a responsibility not to be taken as lightly as "Where should I learn to fly?"

Join the military because you want to join the military... learn to fly because you want to learn to fly.

 

[granlistillo]

Through BDCP or straight OCS, Navy types can get pilot guarantees. These are dependant on 1) being physically qualified, and 2) making it through OCS. NROTC and USNA types do not have this luxury and have to apply during their senior year of school. I believe the USMC is still doing a pilot guarantee program through PLC as well.

Timing is everything though. While you may be able to get a guaranteed slot before OCS, in some years the Academy and ROTC had most of the slots assigned to them. Was the case in the early 90s and that is why they got rid of AOCS. But in the OP case, if he has a degree already it looks like PLC, OTS or OCS would be his AD option.

 

[ian]

looks like everyone already touched on the military aspect

 

[///AMG]

Timing is everything though. While you may be able to get a guaranteed slot before OCS, in some years the Academy and ROTC had most of the slots assigned to them. Was the case in the early 90s and that is why they got rid of AOCS. But in the OP case, if he has a degree already it looks like PLC, OTS or OCS would be his AD option.

Very true, and if I'm not mistaken those of us who came from NROTC and USNA got first pick of the slots, with the rest being thrown out to OCS guys. The practical difference (as I'm sure you know) is that you aren't really committed to anything before you accept your professional rec (pilot slot) as an OCS applicant.

 

[granlistillo]

I always think the best advice only go this route if you want to be a Naval Officer first and foremost. Designator is way way secondary. Lot of things can happen along the way. Nami Whami, couple of pink sheets, pipeline selection you don't like, changing Navy policies, RIF, dequals...

I knew a guy that DOR'd after 3 days in AOCS that had one of the few pilot slots available. Most of us were doing it on the NO Future Outside program. I could have killed him.

If I were to do it again it would be NROTC 4yr program, and get the education and take it from there. There's always the GI bill to pay for your civilian ratings if you end up being a nuke, NFO or shoe...