Expert: Rod Powers - 10/15/2007

Question
Dear Sir;

I am a high school junior who definitely wants to be a military pilot.  I want to have the whole 4 year college experience, so I decided against the service academies.  I've pretty much made up my mind that ROTC would be a good way to go for me.  I need to apply for the scholarships because my parents won't be able to help much with tuition.  I'm not much of a technical guy, way more interested in military history and war stratagies, etc.  I know that it seems like you need to major in engineering or something to qualify for a sholarship.  My question is what would be a good choice for a major for me that would be closer to what I'm really good at but still help get me a ROTC scholarship?  Any help would be great.  Thanks so much.

Zachary Lewis

Answer
Hi Zac,

For which of the services? For Air Force ROTC, your best chances of getting a scholorship would be to enroll in a "hard science" degree program, such as http://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/hsschol/types.php

The Army will give ROTC scholarships for almost any degree program, but the vast majority of their pilot slots (98 percent) are for helicopters.

The Navy and Marine Corps will also give scholarships for most degree programs, but aviation slots are very competitive. Ever since the movie, "Top Gun" came out, it seems that everyone and their brother (and sister) wants to become a Military aviator.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com