Expert: Matt - 5/15/2009

Question
I wanted to know if you had to have a specific degree from
college to try and become a pilot. Also I'm 20 years old
and on my second year in college (community if that
matters) and wanted to know what I can do to prepare myself
for trying to become an officer, as well as a pilot. Also,
what should I expect on the road to becoming an
officer/pilot? I'm trying to get myself prepared as best as
I can because I know fighter pilot slots are usually the
first to go. Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hey Pedro

Good question, its different for each service how to go about becoming a pilot...however for the marine corps your first step should definitely be to to contact your local Officer Selection Officer (OSO). Use this website to find the one nearest you... www.marineofficer.com
In addition to contacting him, I can tell you its a competitive selection process. You will need a degree from a four year school, so the best bet is to transfer (once you graduate from community college) to an accredited school. Make sure that all your credits from CC transfer to your next school. Fitness is a very important part of being an officer as well...the Physical Fitness Test is comprised of pullups, situps and a 3 mile run. If you can do 20 pullups, 100 crunches in 2 min, and run 3 miles in 1800-2100 minutes, then you are in the kind of shape they want you to be in, if you arent there, no problem, just start practicing and working out! Contact your local OSO today and set up a meeting with him! Good luck Pedro!