Good highschool grades and a degree from a 4 year college/university in the US. you can go through college with the airforce and they will usually pay for the majority of the costs. You'll also need to be very fit, and expect your first year with the airforce to be alot of book work and the usual training. Or so it was sold to me

Ben,

Again, same career path here, but obviously in a different air force...

Some things are still the same...

Go in with an open mind, and aim as high as possible, to be the best you can. Certainly on this side of the atlantic we recruit with the idea that everyone has the capability to fly fast jet aircraft; then at a later stage they are streamed to fly their required type.

A thing I always think is imperative to remember is that they want a well rounded person - not just someone with super grades throughout their education, so go out at do things that set you apart from the average chap on the street - and get the grades you need...

Get to know the service you want to join inside out - it will not only impress your recruiters but will also stand you in good stead for your Officer training.

One final thing. Being a pilot in any air force is regarded as a very high profile, you could say elite, position. I'm sure in the US the competition for places is just as strong as it is over here. Make sure you leave the recruiters with no doubt as to why you are the best choice for them to recruit...

Oh, and its never too early to see the recruitment people. I first went when I was 12, that was 10 years before I began my training. you could say I've been fairly focused on what I've wanted to do for a long time!

Hope this helps,

Charlie

Quote:


Reserve Officer's Training Corps...

http://www.afrotc.com/home.htm?flash=yes

Charlie

Quote:

hours is what counts... i think you'll get more on-the-stick time in the airforce

you'll find the most important thing, is the fact your getting top quality flight training for free. the downside is. If you fly fast jets you will still have to really work for your atpl. But i hear airlines will pay for ex airforce/navy pilots to do that.

Quote:

Yes.  Plain and simple. Best training, best equipment, and I've heard many hub captains will ONLY hire military guys.  Especially considering the way the airline market is right now, you need the best credentials you can get.

Quote:


It's the way forward...

Don't be afraid!! Keep working hard!!!

Doesn't mean you won't fly-you think all AF pilots are Academy graduates? Think 1/10th of them are?  1/100th?  Exactly.  It's still hard to fly but don't worry if you can't get into the academy.

What recruiters are looking for when they are recruiting you is 1) what do you want out of your military career... is it just because you want to fly planes? Is it because you want to blow stuff up?  The cliche of serving your country? 2) What can you do for the military?  And 3) whether or not you can handle it.  

Theres a lot of obstacles, and it can be hard for some people.  But if you can part your heart to it, then you will be fine.  I know a lot of people who joined the military who never really did put their heart to it (i guess i know half the people in my old course dropped out later on) or didnt know what it was all for, and to tell you the truth, a military occupation is not a career for everyone.  Don't be worried if this is what you want to do, only worry when you get asked to get up at 4:30 in the morning to do PT for 2-3 hours straight during your first few years of your career    At least thats the way they do things up here.

Just keep at it if this is what you want, and youll be in glory road in no time.

Good luck!