Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/15/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a few question.

First. I am currently in college. A sophomore double majoring in technology and business.  I have become interested in the Air Force.  I want to become an officer then a pilot.  My recruiter said it would be better to join now then finish college within the air force mainly because 85% of officers are chosen from within the air force.  Should I join now or finish college first.

Second, I mentioned i wanted to be a pilot.  Is the college i am currently attending a waste of time.  Should i pursue a degree in aviation, a degree this college does not offer. is that type of degree needed to become a pilot.  Should i look into online courses.

ANSWER: Joey,
Congratulations on having a double major.  I had a double major in Math & History so I know how demanding that can be.

Don't feel lost, you're just considering a strange new life (military) and it seems confusing.

What your recruiter is telling you is somewhat true, but not the whole story.
1.  He wants you to join now because he needs a recruit and you're a good candidate.
2.  85% of the officers come from within the AF because they count the 4,000 students in the AF Academy who are considered already IN the AF because they are, they're just in cadet status.  

AF officers come from 3 sources, 1.  the AF Academy, 2.  ROTC at a local college, or
3.  Officer Training School (OTS) like you and me.  With OTS you already have a Bachelor's degree (in anything) and you go to OTS for 90 days to learn AF life.  Very few folks who enlist first before earning a Bachelor's degree, and then try to become an officer, are successful.  My roommate at OTS, Gus, was a Master Sergeant who had tried unsuccessfully for many, many years and never got selected for OTS.  His saving grace was, as a nurse assistant in the hospital, he cared for, and befriended a 4-star general who was recuperating from surgery.  One phone call from the general and Gus was suddenly accepted into OTS.  Also, trying to get a B.A. degree while being enlisted in the military is very hard…trying to juggle work and school.  By all means, get college out of the way, and then go to OTS.  Then you can relax and cruise through the Air Force with no worries (and a much bigger paycheck.)  After an officer has been in the AF for awhile, about the 7 or 8 year point, he'll then be expected to earn a Master's degree.

 In my opinion OTS is the way to go.  So my answer to your first question is stay in your current college and graduate with a Bachelor's.

Second, pilots have all sorts of degrees, it really doesn't matter.  If you went to the AF Academy, they force prospective pilots obtain a degree in aviation.  By going to OTS you have no such restriction.   My good friend Andy is an F-117 fighter pilot, just made Colonel,  and his degree is in forestry.  Another friend Dale, is a C-17 pilot with a B.A. degree in music.  The military only recognizes Bachelor's degrees that come from accredited colleges and universities.  Most on-line schools are not yet, or may never be, accredited, so don't waste your time unless you just want to do it for your own enlightenment.
Best of luck and thanks for choosing the Air Force.
If you have any other questions at all, just ask!
Colonel H

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

QUESTION: Thank you sir,
You made my decision much easier.
One last question, is it far-fetched to try to be a pilot, and when i graduate will there be a chance that I do not get in to OTS or is it open to all with a degree?


Answer
Joey,
No it's not too far-fetched to try and be a pilot.  The worst you can do is join, go to pilot training, and flunk out, and then they'll keep you for the few years that you promised them when you signed up, and they'll just find a different career field for you.  It happens all the time. A week before OTS begins, pilot trainees are put in an airplane for 9-12 hours flying time.  It's here that some people discover that they get airsick, are afraid of heights, or can't stand pulling G's and black-out.  The instructors will deliberately turn that aircraft upside down, and every which way imaginable in an effort to find out if you can "take it."  If you enjoy roller coasters, you'll do well.  If you by chance happen to already have a private pilot license you can skip all that.  There's no penalty for "washing-out" of flight training.  I have several friends who are Generals with successful careers, who each washed-out of pilot training.  If you want to be a pilot, go for it.

Yes, OTS is open to all with a degree.  I have a Ph.D. in history and much of my career was in electronics.

As long as you can pass the medical and physical requirements the rest is easy.
Best of luck,
Colonel H