Expert: Howard Lorenz - 3/14/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I have been wanting to join they military for many years now. I am half way finished with my degree and I am thinking about the ROTC in college to help assist me as becoming an officer in the military as well as a pilot. I am also working on my different pilot licenses which is a plus. I am debating between the Navy and Air Force and which branch tends to have more pilot slots open for flight school. I know its a rigorous program but I have always been athletic, mind set and a hard worker. I know that the Navy travels more usually out on Sea vs the Air Force which most bases are in the middle of nowhere and travels quite less. If you can help me because my decision is also based on which ROTC program to join. I hope you can help.

Thank you

ANSWER: Steve,

Both services are equally challenging for the education that you seek. I have been in the Air Force for many years and have never heard of a naval pilot transferring to the Air Force or visa versa. The better question to ask is what do you want the opportunity to fly? The Navy doesn't have the heavy Airframes that the Air Force has. TO become a commercial pilot is way easier in the Air Force because we have the C-17, C-5, KC-10 and the new Airbus 300 series that will replace the aging 707 fleet.

If its just fighters you are after, no one can compare to the FA-22 Raptor.

Its really a difference of apples & oranges, which one do you fancy more?

HW

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

QUESTION: Well I really would like to fly fighters. A lot of people tell me the pilot selection is a bit easier in the Air Force for pilot slots than the Navy but they also say the Navy has more fighters than the Air Force. I wouldn't mind flying heavies but after some time flying fighters. I won't give up on how hard I am working but also know that there is a huge drop out rate. But I think I have a lot going for me. I am very athletic, grades are about a 3.3 to 3.4 gpa and I am working on getting them better, I am also finishing up my pilot license which I know that most pilots don't have much prior flight time before the military.

Answer
Well I see that you have been talking to the NAVY recruiter...hes been telling you the recruiting myth that the navy has more fighters...The Air Force has more pilots....

but al in all it does not really matter which one you get into as long as YOU are happy with the decision