Expert: John L - 11/4/2008

Question
QUESTION: Dear Mr. Lewis,
I recently got my green card in the US, and I am about 8 months away from graduating with a Poli Sci degree from a University of California with an about 3.2 gpa.
I have always loved planes, and I am very much into poli sci and have figured that the military might be a good way to combine the two.  Ideally, I want to try to be a USMC officer and fly with the marines.  Overall, I just want to be an officer pilot.  I know I cannot be an officer unless I am a citizen (I'm a good while away if I remain a citizen and dont enlist).  
My question is, what can I do so I can be an officer soon in the military, and which branch might best fit my situation.  I dont know if the "enlisted ocs rider" program (I'm not familiar with it) is something that could help me and speed my way from enlisted to officer?
Thank you!
Alex
I am open to all ideas and considering my case, I think a lot of creativity is needed.

ANSWER: There is no way you can become an officer until you are a citizen.  My best advice is for you to enlist (Guard or Reserves, Army), then afer you are a citizen, put in for OCS.  You can do that up to age 35.

When you are a military member, you can spped thru the citizen process a little quicker, you are shown a level of favoritism in the process.

Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Mr. Lewis,
Thanks for your quick response.  My follow up is why you recommend the guard, reserves or army over the air force or navy.  Is there a benefit to the nat'l guard?  Do you think I will be able to become a pilot, or will not having been born in the US prevent me from acquiring the security clearance?  How do I avoid starting as E-1?

Thank you

Answer
With your degree, you can start off as an E4 in the Army soley based on having a bachelors degree.  The Guard and reserves have more options on becoming an officer than do the active duty, the Air Force would not take you for officer, as they have a large pool to pull from and can more selective.  You haviing a green card now does not make you ideal candidate in their eyes ( my opionion, not fact).

The guard can help pay back student loans and fund further education.  I just think if you want to become an officer, it would be easier in the Guard or Reserves of the Army based on my experience.

Becoming a pilot depends on age, if you can be a citizen by age 27, then you have a better  chance making through selection.  After 27, it is very hard unless you already have a civilian license.