Hey guys, I've been dreaming about flying fighter jets since I was little and I want to make this dream a reality. Do you know which military branches have fighter jets that enlisted personnel can train to fly?
Sure, I can help you with this! The U.S. military branches that have fighter jets and offer pilot training for them are mainly the Air Force and the Navy.
1. U.S. Air Force: The Air Force has a wide range of fighter jets, from the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon to the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. To train, you would graduate from Air Force undergraduate pilot training where you get your wings, then proceed to specialized training specific to your aircraft.
2. U.S. Navy: The Navy operates various fighter jets like the F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and the F-35C Lightning II. The Navy has its own flight school program for aspiring pilots.
Enlisted personnel can't immediately jump into a pilot's seat though. You'll need a four-year college degree before applying to officer candidate school or attending the Air Force Academy in order to become a commissioned officer. Then, you apply to flight training. Keep in mind, physical requirements are strict and competition is high.
Talk to a recruiter from each branch to better understand the process and requirements. It's a challenging path, but it can lead to a fulfilling career!
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