How exactly does one become a fighter pilot? How long does it take? How long will I belong to the military?

Answer 1

Each branch of the US Military has their own commissioning source(s) and will therefore give you different advice on the "best" ways to go about it. If you are less than two years into College, or are still high school, consider ROTC or entrance into your preferred military service's academy. If you currently hold a degree from an accredited institution, consider Officer Training School (OTS) as your commissioning source.

The path to flight status can be complicated, and there are a lot of disqualifying factors--everything comes into play--your sitting height/weight, your vision, your work/school history, any civil involvement. You need to concentrate on one thing at a time.

If you're still early in the game, talk to a recruiter but don't necessarily believe everything he says, and get all your options lined up before you make a decision. You'll want to do a lot of research as well. A good source of info is at www.baseops.net

The road to wings can take years--but will be more than worth it if you want it bad enough. Generally speaking as well, you will incur a 6 year active duty service commitment if you are accepted for a pilot slot.

Also keep in mind if the military is even for you. I've met a lot of officers that got hooked in Undergraduate Pilot Training, and now serve as officers somewhere else. Keep in mind that if everything doesn't work out in pilot training, you'd already be a commissioned officer at that point--so you'll still have to serve out your committment.

Mostly, more than anything, have your heart into it. If you know it's what you want, then go all the way...

See you in the air...

"Sith"

Answer 2

I would put them in this order: Air Force, Navy then Marine Corps. The Air Force has the most number of fighter jets, but is probably more competitive with their slots and requirements. Navy has a few fighters and still some technical requirements. Marine Corps has very few fighters, and the competitveness for a female fighter pilot would probably be very difficult. Unfortunately, Smoker is correct in implying it is difficult for females. There's only about a handful or two of female fighter pilots, even in all branches combined, and they usually come from the Air Force or Naval Academy and have to endure a lot of crap before they can make it. I wish you luck and wherever you are in your life, I would start making strides by studying things like engineering, math and other hard sciences because a degree in one of those fields is pretty much a given for fighter pilots, although not officially required.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How exactly does one become a fighter pilot? How long does it take? How long will I belong to the military?

Answer 4

Well - assuming you're referring to the US Air Force, check http://www.airforce.com/?OVRAW=us%20air%20force&OVKEY=us%20air%20force&OVMTC=standard

and they should be able to provide information. You can also check with your local recruitment office.

As an observation - fighter pilots are some of the absolute cream of the crop, and its not easy to qualify.

But if you're up for it - do it. And if you're really ambitious try the US Navy to see what you need to do to qualify for carrier duty...

Peace,

-dh