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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/How to deal with killing/death as a fighter pilot
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Question
Hi Howard,
I'm British and I am thinking about joining the Royal Air Force (RAF) or Royal Navy (RN) as a fighter pilot. I am 23 and I have recently completed law school. I have been meaning to apply to the RAF or RN for some time now but what has prevented me from doing so is something which has been playing on my mind. What has been troubling me is how fighter pilots deal with killing people (do they feel guilty about dropping a bomb on a target for example?). Additionally, I appreciate that the job can be dangerous due to its very nature but can you tell me the number of fighter pilots that are lost each year? Is the job always dangerous or simply only in war time?
Many thanks,
Jonathan.
Im sure that every fighter/bomber pilot that flies into combat that has that very issue on his mind. Pilots have a very stressful and difficult job to conduct. If you are one that would think about the consequences of the act of doing your job, then I would say that being a fighter/bomber pilot may not be your line of work. I would suggest that you fly cargo missions that way you are more in an indirect act of war and less dangerous.
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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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