Anyone know difficulty in becoming navy/marine/af pilot ?

Question

I'm a college grad ; thought about going to officer school. Anyone know the difficulty of choosing/being chosen into aviation field? Anyone know of anything i can do/need to have done to improve my chances?

Answer 1

the physical requirements for Aviation are more stringent than other Officers, so in addition to getting past those already high requirements, you also have to pass the Flight Physical.

Answer 2

It is the most competitive job in the military. On my pilot board, I got selected out of 84 people that applied. In the Air National Guard, they narrow all of the candidates down to 10 that they interview. The most important things they look for are: 1) Having a college degree (it doesn't matter what it's in), 2) Previous flight time (I had my Commercial PIlots license and Instrument rating), and 3) For the Guard, already being in the unit you are interviewing in is huge. They like to hire from within. Generally all the pilots know you and know how you would interact with the other bros. Hiring a guy off the street with no prior military is a gut check, since you never know what you're getting.

As for the Active Duty, the same things apply, but you have to be at the right place at the right time (and eliminate the part about begin in the unit -- Active Duty doesn't care). They rack-and-stack all the candidates, then choose the ones who most qualify. AF Academy guys seem to get first nod, but I haven't heard of any specific numbers of them having to get in. The Guard is the way to go, because it's set up more like a business decision...the boss interviews you, and if you are good enough, he'll hire you. The AF is a little more random and less face to face.

Answer 3

Through OCS usually they only have 2-3 spots for flight school, if that. I know that in the Coast Guard, which is my branch we had 4 spots in my OCS class. People were disappointed but now, all of those that didn't make it in OCS have been accepted to flight school. In the CG from ENS to LTJG you can apply to go to flight school. That's almost a 4 year period where you can try and apply, the solicitation messages come out every three months or so and you find out about 2 months or so later. So don't be bummed if you aren't picked up in OCS.

As to making yourself more competitive. Do good on the Aviation Flight test. The higher your grades the better and make sure your evaluations as an officer are good. You need excellent vision and if you wear glasses and plan to get PRK, the only approved people to do that surgery are from a Military Training Center or whatever they call it. Don't get it done by a civilian doctor or you just screwed yourself.

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

Assuming you qualify, you can look at Marine Corps OCS. PLC, (for those in college) have guaranted avation slots. For those who have graduated, OCS may also offer avation slots. For current information, contact your local Marine Corps OSO.

Answer 5

I applied for flight training when i was in the air force. according to the tests, i didn't qualify. so where did they put me? i became an air traffic controller!!