What are the steps to become a military pilot after college graduation?

Hello folks, has anyone here been through the process of becoming a military pilot after finishing college? I'd like to better understand the steps, requirements and if there are specific degree fields that may give me an edge. Thanks for any insight!

Helping you navigate through your aspiration to be a military pilot is indeed a significant step towards realizing your dream. After graduating from college, you have a few different routes to become a military pilot.

You could opt to apply for Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS), depending on the branch of the military you're considering. As a college graduate, you qualify to apply. This training, which typically lasts 9-12 weeks, prepares you to be a military officer.

Alternatively, you might choose to attend the military's flight school. For instance, the Navy has flight schools in Pensacola, Florida and the Air Force's Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Attending such programs requires you to be an officer already, which you can achieve either through OCS/OTS or through a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program during college.

As for degree fields, while the military does not generally require specific majors, degrees in fields like aviation, aeronautical science, physics, or any STEM fields could be beneficial for the detailed technical knowledge required to operate modern aircraft.

But first and foremost is passing each branch's aviation aptitude exams to become eligible. Depending on the branch of the military you are interested in, the test will differ. For the Navy or Marine Corps, the ASTB (Aviation Selection Test Battery) is required, whereas for the Air Force, the AFOQT (Air Force Officer Qualifying Test) is necessary.

These tests are similar in nature to the SAT or ACT, but they specifically evaluate skills and knowledge relevant to aviation and officer training. You'll need to score well on these tests to be considered for a pilot slot.

Moreover, you must pass the flight physical examination. Requirements vary by branch, but some common requirements involve good eyesight (correctable to 20/20), adequate height (typically 5'4" to 6'5"), and overall good health without certain medical conditions.

Once you meet these requirements and complete training, there's a commitment of usually about ten years of service, but this might vary by branch and specific job role.

Bear in mind that each branch of the military has slightly different requirements and processes, so you'll want to do some research and possibly speak with a recruiter to get specific information for your situation. Best of luck on your journey!