Expert: Matt - 5/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: I'm 18 and graduating from HS this year and will be attending CC this fall. I'm looking into being a pilot of some sort and am seriously considering the Navy or the Coast Guard. I haven't decided between whether I want to fly a helicopter or a jet. So I was hoping you could recommend some courses I could take to prepare for either of them, and maybe your overall opinion on both. Also the basic requirements would be helpful too. Thank you.

ANSWER: Hey Zach!

I can tell you from experience that being a pilot is a great job, I fly helos for the marine corps but Ive also flown my fair share of fixed wing. I have friends who fly jets in the marines and they love them too. Also, I have friends who fly helos for the navy and the coast guard. Here is your best bet for success...attend CC for two years and get your degree, and then transfer to a 4 year school for your remaining 2 years to complete your Bachelors degree (all flight school programs require a 4 year degree - so 2 years at CC followed by 2 years at another school would qualify you) During your first year at CC talk to one marine corps, one navy and one coast guard recruiter and tell them you  want to be an officer and a pilot and see what they have to say. Additionally, start getting in the best shape of your life (run, pullups, lift weights etc...) Talk to one of the recruiters, determine which service appeals to you, and then decide. As far as choosing jets or helos, you won't get to choose that until one year into your flight school training and it all comes down to what you want and your grades in flight training. Good luck!

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

QUESTION: What do you recommend I get my degree in? Also, if I decide on the coast guard would I benefit more by attending the coast guard academy after cc or just stick to a university?

Answer
I know it sounds crazy,  but your degree really does not matter too much. My degree was in Political Science and I did very well in flight school. I also had friends who majored in Aerospace Engineering, and they did well also...however military flying is so much different than civilian flying that while an impressive degree might help a little, it is not nearly as important as you might think. If you decide on the Coast Guard then I would definitely apply to the Academy - but apply to a few other schools as well, the Academy is very very difficult to get into.