Expert: Howard Lorenz - 3/27/2008

Question
My name is Carly and I am a Junior in high school in California. I am planning on attending one of the military academies, but I am having a lot of trouble deciding which one. I went to the air force academy last summer, I am going to the summer leaders seminar at West Point this summer, and I might even get the chance to go to Maryland and see Annapolis. I am not sure whether I should go Navy or Air Force, and I was wondering how difficult it would be to become a pilot in the Navy after graduating from Annapolis. How competitive is it to become a fighter pilot and fly F-18's? I know it is hard, but I want to make sure I don't go through everything and not have some choice of my plane. Do you know if I would have a better chance of flying something I want in the Air Force? I have done so much research into the different academies, but I know very little about what it takes to actually become a pilot after that. Anything you could tell me about the differences between Navy and Air Force, and becoming a pilot after the academy would be extremely helpful, thank you so much.

Answer
Carly,

Its only competitive depending you your abilities to get accepted. The Air Force reserves positions for women who want to fly as well . I do not think that they will actually come out and tell you that, but I do know its all based off of your wualifications. I believe that the navy follws suit there as well. Remember that you can also fly cargo jets...who cares as long as you are in the air? Some though have to have the speed.. You go there and apply yourself, you should do fine...