Best chance to fly?

Question

What branch of the military is the best chance for an ROTC cadet to get a pilot slot?

Answer 1

Are you in ROTC now or is it just a plan?
If your in ROTC, you have already past the first hurdle.

I was an AF Recruiter for 10 years so I am familiar with the process.

Unfortunately your chances are slim no matter what branch of the military you go into. A lot will depend upon your physical profile and your educational accomplishments + you will be competing against everyone else that has the same dream.

My uncle is a Retired Navy Commander who flew A-6 Intruders. His son (my cousin) was selected for Naval ROTC and subsequently accepted for Flight Training. When he completed Flight Training the Navy didn't have any open slots for him and gave him the choice of flying a desk and waiting until a slot opened up or leaving for a civilian career.
He went the civilian route.

That's what it was like in the Navy so.... I would suspect that all the services are somewhat similar. There's no guarantee even if you get the flight training.

You might have the best luck with the Army with Rotory Aircraft as the Only the Army has programs for exceptional Enlisted members with specific qualifications to enter into and become warrant officers.

Answer 2

As far as numbers go, definately the Marine Corps. All you really have to do is say you want to fly and they'll let you, assuming you have the grades and can pass your PFT. If you think about it, most who join the Air Force want to fly, but only 4% of the AF are pilots. Also, I'd say more than a third of the Navy ROTC students apply...so it's very competitive (I know, I'm currently going through this selection process).

The catch is before you can attend flight school, you have to attend both OCS and TBS. Both of these programs are highly demanding, and they can let you go for almost any reason. One friend of mine was sent home from OCS because when he was asked the question "Why do you want to become a marine officer?" He said because he was guaranteed a flight slot. (the correct answer is and always will be 'to lead my fellow marines'). He was however, allowed to commission Navy and was lucky enough to pick up a flight slot there.

Good luck.

p.s. FLY NAVY!!! =)

Answer 3

I don't know about the others, but if you go Army Guard or reserve the chance is (almost) 100% (probably Air Guard and reserve too)

The catch is you need a commander with an open pilot slot to accept you into that slot. (once you get the training you can ask for active duty if you want it, with the war and all it's not too hard to get)

If you enlist into a Guard Aviation unit while doing ROTC, let the commander know of your intent and don't be a dirt bag and you should get it.

If you shop around unit's you shouldn't have a problem.

Answer 4

I agree and disagree with JimSock. The Marine Corp does have the most diverse fleet of aircraft. However, I don't think that if you washed out of F-18 school their going to let you fly a Harrier. Just my opinion. The Army lets Warrant Officers fly so you don't have to be commissioned. Not sure of the Marines. But the AF and Navy you have to be commissioned.

Answer 5

Marine corp.
Although they don't have the largest number of aircraft, they have the most diverse fleet. So, if you were on a path for fixed wing and got dropped, you could go to rotary wing or maybe down grade from F18 to Harrier etc.

Answer 6

Air Force or mushrooms squad

Answer 7

most likely the Navy or Air Force...Even though all branches has an air unit

Answer 8

If you want to fly anything, it's the army with thousands of helicopters compared with the navy and airforce with it's hundreds of jets and dozens of helicopters.

Answer 9

I'd say the Air Force.

Answer 10

1. Air Force
2. Navy
3. Army
4. Marines

Get it all in writing and don't sign anything unless you do.