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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/ROTC best choice to become a pilot?
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Question
I know your profile said you have more info on enlisted jobs, but would you
happen to know if ROTC is the best way to become an air force pilot? I don't
want to do AF Academy. I just need to know if ROTC can get me to a pilot
slot. I just really want to fly. Im only in high school as a sophomore , but i
want to do everything i can to get a flight spot in the air force!
Please help with what i should do to become a pilot for the air force. If it
helps i just want to fly big jets. nothing like a fighter. just like a hc-130 or
kc-130.
thanks!
Anthony -
Yes, you are right, this is not my area of expertise. But, I did go to college and was in ROTC and can tell you that your chances of getting a commission are much better via an ROTC program than attempting to go through a recruiter with just your college degree. I do not know if ROTC is any BETTER at getting you a slot for pilot training, but I do know many have received a reserved pilot training slot through ROTC. To get more specific information you would have to ask a recruiter.
Good luck.
Sincerely,
James Bell
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Answers by Expert:
James Bell
Expertise
I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations. NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.
Experience
Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager
Education/Credentials
Aircraft Loadmaster Initial Qualification - 1980. Mission Qualification (C-5A) - 1981. Fixed Wing Aircraft Performance Course - 1987. Initial Flight Engineer Qualification (C-141B) - 1987. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1988. KC-10 Initial Qualification Course - 1994. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1995. Instructor Qualficiation (KC-10A) - 1997. Evaluator Qualification (KC-10A) - 2000.
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