Hey guys, as a high school rising junior considering different paths after graduation, I've been thinking about the military a lot recently. I've always been fascinated with aircraft and flying - so I'm curious to know if anyone has knowledge on which branches of the military offer opportunities to fly jets?
Several branches of the U.S. Military include opportunities for enlisted servicemembers and officers to fly jet aircraft.
The Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps each have their own versions of fighter aircraft, which are often high-speed jets. The Air Force is notable for flying various jets including the F-22 Raptor and the F-35A Lightning II. The Navy also operates jet aircraft, most prominently off aircraft carriers. Their notable models include the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the F-35C Lightning II. The Marine Corps pilots can fly the vertical-takeoff-and-landing capable F-35B Lightning II, among others.
It's important to remember that becoming a pilot in one of these branches requires extensive training and meeting demanding physical and academic standards. In addition to graduating from a comprehensive flight school program, future military pilots are usually required to serve a minimum term of service since the investment in their training is substantial.
One notable branch that might not come to mind immediately for aviation roles is the newly formed Space Force. While they do not fly jets like the other branches, they operate in important areas like space defense and monitoring satellite operations.
When researching your best fit, consider what kind of environment you want to be in, your overall career goals, and what kind of aircraft you are interested in flying. Consulting with recruiters and veterans from these branches might help provide further insights into what each offers, and broadening your knowledge about the requirements of flight school and the duties of a pilot in the military. While it's a demanding path, flying military jets can also be incredibly rewarding.
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