Joining the Military? Thinking Air Force.?

Question

I'll be graduating with a Master's of Public Administration in April and I'm 24. I've been throwing around the idea of joining the Air Force or possibly the Coast Guard.

I've heard that one with a graduate degree goes in with Officer status, but quite frankly I have no idea what that all entails. I have looked at the websites and it doesn't do a lot for me.

I'm currious to know how quickly does one move up the ranks with this degree or what branch is the best for promotions? How is the AF with one that wants to continue their education by gaining a doctorate? or for example wanting to be a pilot? 20/20 non corrective eyesight for me. Any insight will be much appreciated. What are your thoughts? Thanks

Answer 1

Sigh, education money is for enlisted personal people, not officers. The military isn’t going to do anything to help you get your doctorate degree unless you get selected to be a flag officer, which means you be career with about 30 years in the military. They will pay you a salary significantly more than you are worth though. Officers apply through different sources than the various recruiting offices, make sure your talking to the right be people, they won’t always tell you. Also, if you have a MA some jobs will lets you get in a rank higher, make sure you ask about that if you do this. But, the military isn’t going to help you get any additional education.

All the branches work basically the same for the lower ranking officers, you will go in as en O-1, maybe O-2 as I just alluded two. Two years as an O-1 two years as an O-2. Then O-3. After than it is up to you and how much you kiss *** and look like you are competent. Note I said look like. If anyone says you have to be competent they are lying. If that is something that is going to bother you then you may not want to only be in the military for a few years.

You have a degree, you may not have had a job before. The military is a great place for you to get the same or different career. And then transfer it to the civilian world if you like. Just think about what you want to do with your life, and see if the military can help you getting there. You can probably save a lot of money as an officer even if that is all you get out of it.

Also which branch is going to depend on what you chose to do. But keep in mind there are other considerations in choosing your branch. Do you really want to be out to sea? Do you want to be by a city? And, as I would tell anyone who was going to be an officer, don’t forget that you’re there to be a leader, not to indulge yourself. If you’re not willing to take responsibility for other people and lead them then don’t join.

Answer 2

Ok, so heres the deal. With an MPA you can go through OTS (officer training school) and be commisioned as a 2nd LT. o-1. As an officer you will get paid more and have more responsibilities. To be honest, unless you are a pilot, or really really good, you won't get much past Lt. Colonel. The AF is pretty good about continuing education, but it requires more commitment (2 years school for 3 years service). If you want to fly, you HAVE to have a private pilot license first. I know it is a LOT of info to take in, but this is a big decision. Take your time, and if you have questions, feel free to email me!


**EDIT**
As a response to those who say you CANNOT get a doctorate, this is untrue. I am currently a cadet at the USAF Academy, and they say that if I do well enough, they will send me to get an MD or PHD. While it may not be as easy to do coming out of OTS, it should still be possible. (my uncle did it) The AF needs doctors. So give it a try!

Answer 3

your degree is not competetive for a Pilot slot in the AF, and in fact may not be competitive period for the AF. Equally slim chance for the Navy, although if you have a killer GPA(3.5 or better), you may have a better shot for non Aviation communities. It will all depend on what else you bring to the table..leadership roles, volunteerism, sports. Not sure what the Coast Guard is looking for.

Getting a doctorate on the military's dime is doable, but VERY Hard. getting a Masters is much easier, nearly every career oriented Officer gets a shot at NPS. Officers do not qualify for the GI Bill but they can utilize tuition assistance, which will cover a few classes a year.

Of course, nothing is preventing you from enlisting into a Branch, although frankly, I think that woudl be awaste fo your time, but you would qualify for the GI Bill or Student Loan repayment. Only the Army Offers SLP to Officers.

Answer 4

A degree alone will not give you officer status unless you a Doctor, Nurse or Dentist. You will have go to Officer's Training School to become an officer. The Air Force has encouraged continuing education and as larger orgaization may have more opportunities but the Coast Guard is a fine organization. Both have pilot needs.

Answer 5

My future son-in-law is graduating in May with a Business degree. He has been attending college on a ROTC Scholarship. He has already been accepted into the pilot training program with the Air Force. He will be commissioned as an officer shortly after graduating. If this is something you want to do, get with it. Don't waste too much time. I don't know the specific answers to your questions, call a recruiter. Good luck!

Answer 6

You need to go to OTS. Be an officer, don't waste your time with the working up the ranks stuff if you have the degree. The AF if very good about helping you continue your education. If I were you, I would talk with a recruiter. They will be your best source of information.

Answer 7

Wow, the AF would love to have you...especially in the field of Medicine. First you need to talk to a recruiter that handles officers and the only thing you will have to worry about is the physical exam expecially if you want to be a pilot. AF is the country club of all the services, you'll love it. The hightest educated are in the medical field and with your credentials you could easily fit into Medical Administration. You'll love it.

Answer 8

With your degree the Air Force would be a good choice. There are a lot of chairborne qualified people, you would fit right in.

Answer 9

if you want to become a pilot you have a way better chance in the Navy. the Navy has way more planes then the airforce does.

Answer 10

...go Coast Guard or Navy... CG will keep you mostly State side and the Navy will have more educational "stuff"...