How Many Aeronautical Engineering Majors at USAFA?
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Are you sure this is completely accurate? I seem to remember reading something about what BS degrees are needed for certain AFSCs. As I recall, at least some AFSCs need certain degrees such as electrical or chemical engineering. I do not believe that a pilot AFSC requires any specific degree.
That isn't really accurate.
There are many AFSC's that are only available to cadets with certain majors. Aeronautical Engineer 62X happens to be one of them.
I would say that a large majority of Aero majors become pilots. Some become Aero Engineers, although the number of spots available is small. Only 8 for the class of 2011.
Not really sure if there are other AFSC's that are specific to the aero major, but as an aero major you could request any other AFSC that doesn't require a different specific major.
There is another thread on this forum if you search on AFSC that has a detailed list of AFSC codes and what major you need to request that code.
Here is the link to the other thread:
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=11953&highlight=afsc
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You are both correct is part.
When cadets apply for their AFSC's, the service requirements will state what is required.
Pilot: college degree, period. In fact, that's pretty much the "baseline" degree requirement for most "rated" positions. The logic there is that you're not using the "specifics" of your degree in these career fields. While some of the knowledge you gained might be valuable...it's not required. I didn't use my ME degree in air-to-air combat training or in air refueling. But we did get into "facets" of engineering in the training and then in weapons employment.
Now...if you're getting the AFSC for a "Developmental Electrical Engineer" you probably will be required to have an EE degree. Again, the service will decide this. I know a young officer that had that degree and received a Civil Engineering AFSC. But the ENGINEERING degree was REQUIRED.
So...yes, you're both correct, but in the end, the AF will decide what is required "today" or "tomorrow."
Steve
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USAFA '83
Christcorp
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Steve, you beat to the punch. AFSC's are a 1 way street. I.e. A particular AFSC may require a specific degree major, but a degree major doesn't automatically mean you have a better chance at a particular AFSC. Unless it's mandatory. Like Flieger mentioned, you need a Bachelor's degree to become a pilot. The degree can be in Aero or Art History. And the aero degree will not give you any better chance of getting the pilot slot. A person with a chemical engineering degree might end up with a job in public affairs.
There's a lot of "5 and Dive" academy graduates. They may have gotten a mega science degree for the sole purpose of when they get out of the military. They want to serve, but only for 5 years.
How many aero degree cadets actually get a job/afsc in a field that required an aero degree? Or one where the degree helped them get the afsc??? No idea. But I would definitely think that it's less than half. I don't think there's that many engineering jobs available. But as you can tell, some become pilots. Some get engineering. Some want the degree for later, and take a job in supply, intel, services, etc....
There's a lot of "5 and Dive" academy graduates. They may have gotten a mega science degree for the sole purpose of when they get out of the military. They want to serve, but only for 5 years.
How many aero degree cadets actually get a job/afsc in a field that required an aero degree? Or one where the degree helped them get the afsc??? No idea. But I would definitely think that it's less than half. I don't think there's that many engineering jobs available. But as you can tell, some become pilots. Some get engineering. Some want the degree for later, and take a job in supply, intel, services, etc....