Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/3/2010

Question
I've always wanted to be a pilot in the Navy but I've
recently  found out about the Air Force's pararescue teams. I
understand that both are very competitive programs, but I
believe I have a chance in both. Unfortunately I can't make
up my mind about which career path I would like to follow.

This led me to wonder if it would be possible to enlist in
the Air Force as a pararescue member at 23 (when I graduate
college), serve for 4 years and then become a naval aviator
at 27 (assuming I don't decide to stick with pararescue).

I understand that I would have to go through the Navy's OCS
and that there are age restrictions for pilots. With my prior
service would I be able to get a waiver to become a Naval
Aviator? If so for how many years/months would this waiver
extend the age restrictions for me?

Also, I've heard that pararescuers must enlist for 4 years,
do these four years start upon commencement of training or
completion of pararescue training? If enlistment time begins
at completion of training I would be 29 when I got out
because of the 2 years that it takes to be trained as a
pararescuer. Would this change my eligibility as far as
becoming a naval aviator goes?

Thanks for taking the time to help me figure this out.

Answer
Jeff,
Sounds like quite an ambitious plan you have there.

Yes, it's possible.  Navy aviators must be less than 30 at time of commission, with a waiver up to 24 months for prior Active Duty service.  So if you were a PJ for 4 years you'd get age 30 + 24 months or age 32 would be your new maximum age limit.

A PJ must serve 4 years AFTER completion of training.

The big difference you'll see is that a PJ is enlisted whereas a pilot is an officer.  That means a big difference in perks as well as $.

Check out the website http://www.pararescue.com/recruiting.aspx
for more info on being a PJ.

If you're in that good of physical condition I envy you.

Colonel H