Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/My pilot potential and what I need to do?

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Expert: Howard Lorenz - 1/28/2008


Question
Mr. Lorenz,
I am 20 years old and currently a college student. In three years, at my current pace, I will have a bachelors degree in aviation technology. My goal is to become an airline pilot, but I want to serve my country in the military for as long as I can first. I have a GPA of 3.8 in college, but my high school GPA was a 2.6. I scored a 1270 on my SATs (I don't know if any of this is relevant or not) and after taking a preliminary test for the Marines, the recruiter said I should be running computers on an aircraft carrier.
I don't know if I should just finish my degree, then join the Navy, Air Force, or transfer to a college with NROTC? if you could provide any ideas or guidance, I would appreciate it immensely.

Thank you for your time
Rick C

Answer
I believe that the only reason the Marine Recruiter would tell you that is to fill a position ...If you already have a degree in aviation technology, then you need to see what you can convert to an aeronautical science degree and get your pilots license if you dont already have it. Then once you have that degree apply to Air Force flight school.

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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Howard Lorenz

Expertise

I have spent the past 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, 3 years was assigned as an Enlisted Accessions Recruiter. I have been deployed various times to several locations. If it is a career in the military you are looking for or thinking about I most likely have the answer. I still have contacts with in the recruiting field and if I don't know the answer then I have folks who do where I can find the answer. I am very blunt and straight forward and will make no attempts to BS you. I will give you the best information that I possible can can. If you think that you cant handle the answer that I give you, then don't ask the question...... If you are planning on joining the military, your number 1 decision factor in making this kind of move is that you need to be more concerned about serving your country than your country serving you!! All the benefits are the best that you can find. Education is at a premium right now and its the most rewarding thing that you can do. If I dont answer right away probably means that I am busy, but have patience, I will get to you.

Experience

Air Force Recruiter for 3 years, Air Force Career 21 Years

Organizations
Veterans of Foreign Wars

Education/Credentials
Community College of the Air Force, International Air Academy, Allied Business Schools, Embry Riddle Aeronautical College, Defense Acquisition University

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