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Question
Over the last few years I have had a drive at becoming a fighter pilot. I'm 18 years old and just about to finish high school and move on to a 4 year university. The college I'm going to be attending (Cal Poly) doesn't have an ROTC for USAF (my main branch of interest). This has put me in a bit of a pickle, but after I graduate I plan on enlisting in the USAF. Because I'm not going to be able to be in an ROTC program, is this going to hurt my chances to be able to fly? Do you have any suggestions as to what I should be doing? Any tips will help me a ton, I appreciate anything you have to say. Thanks again!
-Dave
If this school has a flight program then you will be able to get the degree necessary. The only thing that will stop you from joing the Air Force as a pilot is if you accept a scholarship from the Army ROTC program, You can still go to school and get ROTC credit, but not take the scholarship. The scholarship I believe ties you to that service, because that service is paying for your school.
The other option is maybe check out Dickinson in North Dakota, I think that they are Air Force ROTC up there...if you want the scholarship...
The other thought is to contact an Officer Recruiter for the Air Force and ask the same question... two heads are sometimes are better than one!!
H
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Answers by Expert:
Howard Lorenz
Expertise
I have spent the past 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, 3 years was assigned as an Enlisted Accessions Recruiter. I have been deployed various times to several locations. If it is a career in the military you are looking for or thinking about I most likely have the answer. I still have contacts with in the recruiting field and if I don't know the answer then I have folks who do where I can find the answer. I am very blunt and straight forward and will make no attempts to BS you. I will give you the best information that I possible can can. If you think that you cant handle the answer that I give you, then don't ask the question...... If you are planning on joining the military, your number 1 decision factor in making this kind of move is that you need to be more concerned about serving your country than your country serving you!! All the benefits are the best that you can find. Education is at a premium right now and its the most rewarding thing that you can do. If I dont answer right away probably means that I am busy, but have patience, I will get to you.
Experience
Air Force Recruiter for 3 years, Air Force Career 21 Years
Organizations
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Education/Credentials
Community College of the Air Force, International Air Academy, Allied Business Schools, Embry Riddle Aeronautical College, Defense Acquisition University
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