Requirements to be a pilot across the different military branches?

Ever since I was a kid, I dreamt of being a pilot. I am considering joining the military to pursue my dream. But I've heard the pilot program requirements differ from branch to branch. Can someone throw me a little insight on these requirements?

Sure, I'd love to provide some information on becoming a pilot in the different branches of the U.S. military.

Starting with the U.S. Air Force, aspiring pilots must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. Additionally, you must be between the ages of 18-33, and there's also an Officer Training School you need to complete. Score demands on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) and Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) are high.

In the U.S. Navy, pilots must also have a bachelor's degree and attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Naval ROTC. Age preferences are similar, requiring candidates to be under 27 years old when entering flight training, though waivers are possible. Another requirement is that candidates must have at least 20/40 vision, though it's correctable to 20/20.

For the U.S. Army, the path to becoming a pilot is slightly different since the Army primarily flies helicopters. The High School to Flight School program lets candidates go from high school directly to Army flight training. In this case, a bachelor's degree isn't necessary, and pilots will serve as warrant officers. However, Army pilot candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 33, with no strict vision requirements as long as applicants' vision is correctable to 20/20.

In the U.S. Marines, pilot candidates must also have a bachelor's degree, be 28 or younger when starting the Officer Candidate School, and have vision correctable to 20/20. Finally, The U.S. Coast Guard requires pilots to have a bachelor's degree and start flight training before turning 27.

Lastly, the U.S. Space Force, although primarily focused on space and not aircraft, does have some test pilots. The qualifications aren't as well defined at this time, but it's safe to say that a degree in a relevant field and military training would be necessary.

Please note that all branches require their pilots to be U.S. citizens. Remember too that these are just the basic requirements, and the application process is competitive. Best of luck with your career goals!