Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 5/6/2008

Question
Hello Ma'am:

 My question regards my goals as a member of the Air National Guard. I am 24yrs old and currently fly for an airline; it has always been my dream to fly for the military. I am about to take the AFOQT and I am being recruited by an air guard unit in my hometown that flies  C-130 E models. So far so good, and I cannot be any happier. However, I think I may be greedy or asking too much. The recruitment process in this unit is very straight forward and it has been simplified drastically, and it looks that the only way I cannot get in is if I fail the evaluations. I am joining this unit and can't wait to fly with them, but my real goal is earning a slot in a jet aircraft, preferably in the fighter/bomber track.

What is the feasability of me pulling a stunt like this, of joining this unit to eventually transfer to one with jet aircraft; or during initial pilot training, get qualified in a fighter/bomber track. I do feel guilt, but you can only live once, and I believe that my flight training and education will serve better in more advanced aircraft.

                  Thank You

Answer
Dear Vladimir --

Take this opportunity and make the most of it.  Once you have served your initial obligation (2 to 3 years) then apply for the next level aircraft.  If you are offered a more challenging aircraft at flight school, take it.  

If you were joining the active Air Force rather than the Air National Guard, there would be no expectation of you remaining with a unit more than 3 years.

Good luck to you.