Exploring the Path to a Military Pilot Job

I'm really interested in becoming a military pilot after high school. What steps should I take to pursue a pilot job in the military, and what are the necessary qualifications or training I need to be aware of?

To become a military pilot, you must meet certain educational, physical, and training requirements. Here is a step-by-step guide to what is typically expected:

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Becoming a pilot in any branch of the military typically requires at least a bachelor's degree, although the field of study can vary. Some people earn their degree before they join the military while others pursue their degree while in the military.

2. Join the Military

You have several options for how to join the military, including enlisting, attending a service academy like the Air Force Academy or Naval Academy, or participating in a college ROTC program. After joining, you'll need to complete basic training.

3. Pass Physical and Mental Health Exams

Aspiring pilots must meet certain physical and health requirements, including having good vision, being in excellent physical condition, and passing a mental health evaluation. Age requirements vary by branch, but typically, applicants must be between 18 and 33.

4. Completing Officer Training

All military pilots are officers. If you didn’t go through a service academy or ROTC, you'll have to attend an Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS) after joining the military.

5. Get Accepted into Flight School

After completing officer training, you'll need to apply to the flight training program for your specific branch of the military. Each branch has its own flight school (e.g., the Navy and Marine Corps have the Naval Aviation Schools Command). Acceptance is competitive and based on factors like officer performance scores, physical fitness test scores, and aptitude test scores.

6. Complete Flight Training

Flight school is a rigorous program that includes classroom instruction, simulator training, and actual flying experience. After graduating, you'll earn your wings and be assigned to a specific type of aircraft.

7. Complete Survival Training

Before deploying, pilots must also attend Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training to learn survival skills in the event of a crash or capture.

8. Maintain Ongoing Training and Readiness

Once you become a military pilot, you'll have to maintain ongoing readiness and proficiency, which involves regular practice flights, physical training, and examinations.

In addition, ensure that you maintain a clean criminal record, as pilots often need security clearances, and any significant legal issues could pose a problem.

Keep in mind, each branch of the military has slightly different requirements and processes for becoming a pilot, so it's a good idea to research your preferred branch to understand the exact steps you'll need to take. Good luck!