Expert: Howard Lorenz - 5/22/2008

Question
Howard,

you seem like you would be the best guy for this question becuase I don't want any bull.

Ok, so I am 19 right now, wanting to join the marines to become a pilot. I am currently in school as a Mechanical Engineer major and I would either like to get into Fighters or Helis.

So my questions are what are the best ways to get into a cockpit? With my own research I found the PLC program, but i've heard they don't tend to pick PLC people as pilots.  The recruiter is saying to get into the MECEP program, which i've also heard is a recruiters way to get you enlisted. Is there a better program that will get me the rank of officer so i can become a pilot, or is one of these the best?

Also, my only downfall is my eyesight. Which is why i'm choosing the marines becuase they will correct it for you once you are in service through them.

thank you very much it is greatly appreciated sir

Answer
Ok heres no Bull...

To be an aviator in any service you have to have an aviation related degree. In the Air Force its an Aeronautical Science degree that is required. So what you need to do is stop this engineering degree and take those credits and go to an Aeronautical Science Degree. I do not know what college you are attending but this is what you need.

Its too late to apply to the USAFA, so I would also look for an Air Force ROTC scholarship to help.


I am not familiar with the MECEP. but the PLC is an Army/Marines platoon leaders course that it held in the summer months. Its just a course for combat officers....

After you have the pilots license, and the AS degree, apply to the Air Force flight school...

There are many ways to get to be a pilot, just depends on what you want to do to get there. Not all recruiters are trying to get you to go enlisted, there are some programs that are only offered to enlisted, so to get those programs, you would have to go enlisted. One of those programs is the Airman to Officer program...

I do not care which ever way you want to become an aviator as long as you do something for your country.. What concerns me the most is the kids who will not explore or try alternate means to become and aviator because they THINK that the military owes them come kind of retribution because they got good grades in school.

In a nutshell... be willing to do anything it takes to become a pilot not an officer. that just comes with being a pilot. Even it it takes a few years with stripes on your sleeve. It makes you a BETTER officer!