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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/road to OCS
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Question
Dear Mr. lewis, I have another question for you.
Since I have to enlist first to receive citizenship (in order to become an officer, even though I am very close to getting my bachelors degree), what would be the quickest/best way to become an officer/pilot? Sign up as enlisted for navy/army/reserves or guard for a job with the shortest time commitment, and then sign up again with another branch such as AF or marines, or build my way up in the branch I sign up for, and hope to be sent to OCS after receiving US citizenship?
I am 22 right now, and being a pilot for the military is most definitely what I want to do. Would having a private pilot's license help immensly?
Thank you
If you are 22 you have time still, however, first focus on doing whatever it takes to become a citizen. After that, you can try any service. If you want to serve now, I recommend Army. They have more pilots than any other service due to the sheer number of helicopters. You can be a warrant officer to fly those. All other services require full OCS commission to fly.
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Answers by Expert:
John L
Expertise
I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.
Experience
13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.
Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting
Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.
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