I didnt know whether to post this in the Navy forum or this one. Anyways... Im a freshman in highschool and Im thinking about joining either AF or Navy to become a pilot. So im probably gunna' ask the same questions you get everyday. Which do you prefer AF or Navy in order to be a pilot, why? As of now Im leaning more towards AF because I dont like the idea of being stuck on a boat for months on end. But, Which branch has a greater need for pilots. I dont wanna' go through years of training just to be put on the bench. And last Should Go through AF or Navy enlisted or wait 4 years and start off as an officer/How do you start off as an officer?

Thanks

Well, in order to be a pilot you have to be an officer. To be an officer, you have to have a degree in something of value to the Navy or AF. They are not going to take you if you have a degree un underwater basket weaving.

Talk to a recruiter about joining. They will be able to direct you to an officer recruiter.

If you go enlisted first it is probably going to be hard to get your degree in a reasonable amount of time. Also, you will have to get your private pilots license at some point.

Good Luck!

What kind of degree woudl be of value to the Navy or AF?

Usually an engineering degree. As a starting point you can look on the USAF Academy and Naval Academy websites and see what degree's they offer there.

http://academyadmissions.com/academics/curriculum/majors/index.php gives a list of majors offered at the USAFA

http://www.usna.edu/acdean/courses/courses.html gives a list of courses offered at the USNA

Hmmmm, perhaps a better question to ask: What would you rather land a 20+ ton machine on, a long flat concrete runway, or a pitching and rolling steel postage stamp size runway?

quote:

Originally posted by thegunny:
Hmmmm, perhaps a better question to ask: What would you rather land a 20+ ton machine on, a long flat concrete runway, or a pitching and rolling steel postage stamp size runway?

as long as I'm flying the damn plane haha. But who has a greater need for pilots AF or Navy?

It is probably about the same. Being a pilot is a very difficult and competitive career so the need for pilots is always high, whether it is Navy or AF.

yeah, considering the number of F-16 lawn darts and aircraft now on submarine watch.....

The operational number on US Navy planes are 4000 +.

Can you still become an Officer if you get your 4 year degree through the AF?

huh? Need to clarify the question here....

You owe who you owe. If you went through a military academy, you owe that service X amount of years of service. If the military service paid for your college (no matter where you went), you owe that service X amount of years of service.

well navy nomaly flys more sortys but the af get air craft like the a-10 thunderbolt 2 aka the warthog and the worlds most feared aircraft and the most ugly

hmmm, name the ordinance hanging from the warthog you linked in....

First of all, I can relate to you as I am also a freshman in highschool. Anyway it depends on what kind of experiance you want. In the Navy you might be stuck on a ship, but you get to see the world and may be called to do a mission anywhere, you also fly more (way more sorties). In the Air Force you may not be stuck on a boat but you'll most likely be stuck in one place for a large period of time. I myself am a C/MSgt + First Sgt in the Civil Air Patrol (Air Force Auxiliary)but I'm leaning more towards enlisting in the Navy rather than enlisting in the Air Force, just because I want to travel around the world only to be welcomed into port by foreign people I've never meet in my life; as well as I've always loved the idea of living on and helping to operate a huge, massive and unstopable city that can be deployd anywhere in the world in a mater of time, ready to take on any force of combatants using incredibly safisticated weapons of war (aircraft, guns, missles, ECT). Just remember, whatever path you take, weather it be in the NAVY or the Air Force, America will be proud of you and you will be able to tell people "I served America by serving in the United States Air Force, or NAVY".

Good luck
SQUID

If you have any questions or just want to chat, you can always PM me.

SQUID--you will do fine you sound Gung Ho enough but after you go in the US Navy don't ever call yourself Squid #1 is every Jarhead God created will call you that just say I am in the US Navy and most Dogfaces & Flyboys will usually call you Salior.By the way it is always ok to have a Beer with a bunch of Jarheads but never get drunk with them unless you are big enought to take care of yourself because there will always be a fight esp if there is a female around .

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SULLY1,

awww, take all the fun out things! Would have been more than a little fun when he staggers back to the ship with a big ol Eagle Globe and Anchor tattoo'd across his chest.

Gunny I was thinking more in advancement in Rate I made E-4 two different times over the main event with youg Jarheads one time in Sasebo Japan one time in the White Hat Club in Olongapo.Plus about 4 or 5 Uniforms.

Sure do miss the good ol days! Sasabo and Olongopo sure brings back memories!

Gunny did you ever make Barcelona Spain or The Island of Rhodes

Hey wats up. im sure get a lot of suggestions. it all depends on what you want to fly. im a senior in high school,and i am planing on flying heavies, or cargo if you will. my suggestion is to apply for the AFROTC or NROTC scholarship. and do that in college while you work towards a degree. you have to have at least a BA degree to be an officer and you have to be an officer to fly. like i said it depends on what you want to fly, but there are more oppertunitoes to fly in the USAF.