Expert: James Bell - 6/20/2007

Question
hey Mr. bell, i will soon be graduating high school, and am in the DEP, through softbook, and have just been told i will be assigned loadmaster. i am currently a civilian pilot, and have a passion for flying, hence joining the air force. i've read as many of the other responses to loadmaster questions as i could, but of course, if there is anything else to add that you could tell me i'd appreciate it. also, how do you think i'll do with getting all of my education so that i could eventually apply for officer after getting my degrees, as i would eventually want to be a pilot, although i think going in with a flying job would be a good start, but worry i wont have time to get all the school in.

thanks,

matt

Answer
Greetings Matt -

In today's post-9/11 world, you will spend a lot of time flying.  That's good for your career and flying experience but, obviously, bad for any family life.  I was blessed to have a wife that understood my military career and stood by me for the last 20 years of my 24-year career.

You will have many opportunities to advance your career through education, and getting a commission and moving onto becoming a pilot is well within your grasp, provided you meet the physical qualifications.

Last week I had the honor of attending a change-of-command ceremony for a former aircraft commander of mine from Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  He was assuming command of the same squadron we both flew with five years ago.  What's unique about this is that both the outgoing commander and the new incoming commander were both prior enlisted.  And now both are squadron commanders of a flying squadron.  I have flown with pilots who were prior enlisted, and one had also been a loadmaster.

Your dreams are only limited by your imagination.

Good luck on your career.

Sincerely,
James Bell