Getting into Military Pilot training after college

I'm considering becoming a military pilot after college, but I'm not sure where to start. Are there any specific steps or requirements I should know about?

It's a great goal to aspire to become a military pilot! Let's break down the typical steps you can take:

1. Get a Bachelor's Degree: You need a bachelor's degree to be an officer in any branch of the military, and only officers can be pilots. This degree can be in any field but studying something like engineering, physics, computer science or mathematics could potentially give you a leg up.

2. Pass the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB) or the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT): For the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, the ASTB is a required exam that covers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, navigation, and aviation. The Air Force uses the AFOQT which also includes similar topics. Studying for these tests is crucial as they are competitive.

3. Meet Physical Requirements: For all military branches, there are strict physical requirements for becoming a pilot, including vision, height, and weight standards. Additionally, you must pass a military medical examination and not have any physical conditions that would disqualify you from being able to fly.

4. Attend Officer Training School (OTS) or Officer Candidate School (OCS): Once you have been accepted into a branch of the military, you will need to attend OTS or OCS to become a commissioned officer. This is generally a 9-17 week program that is designed to give you basic knowledge of military structure and leadership training.

5. Attend Flight School: Once you have completed OTS or OCS, you will then need to attend a military flight school. This process can take one to two years and includes ground training, simulator training, and live flight training.

6. Acquire Flight Hours: After graduating from flight school, you will often begin to accumulate flight hours in military aircraft. The more flight hours you have, the more trusted you will be with more complex aircraft and missions.

Keep in mind that getting specialized advice from recruiters or a career counselor could be very beneficial to guide you through the process and manage the specifics of the field. Remember this is a major commitment, so it's important that you fully research and understand each step in the process. The journey can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Good luck!