scoutpilot said:
Our dirty secret is that being a pilot isn't a thrill a minute either.
Listen to the man. Nobody IMPO can give you more insight than him when it comes to today as a WP and aviator.
A lot of people believe that being an aviator means everyday tooling around the sky having fun. They don't realize that aviator's have "desk" jobs too. They don't realize that training operationally, and training students are 2 different balls of wax. Yet, every aviator will tell you it happens.
Nobody here is trying to burst the bubble. Instead, what people are saying is to be realistic, and approach your career plan, just like you approach the SAs. You are not about to apply only to WP and no other college or SA, you are going to make sure you have a Plan B, and probably a Plan C.
You hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
Honestly, if I had a dollar for every time I read a poster who has stated that they were going to fly, be it Army, Navy, AF or CG, I would be able to buy a Mercedes.
Every potential aviator candidate walks in saying 1 of the following:
1. Not bragging, but I know I am going to get it...always preceded or followed with the comment "not meaning to be cocky"
~~~ Hint every aviator is an ALPHA personality, yet many of them don't make the cut at flight school. (Another hurdle for aviators)
2. I can't see why I won't get it because my hs grades are superb
3. Going to an SA gives me the highest chance, so as long as I graduate I am better off than ROTC.
4. I wanted this since I was 6, 8, 10 , 12, etc. and will die before I don't get it.
I am sure I missed other reasons, but you get the gist.
Every yr that is followed with:
You know what they call a 2nd Lt aviator?
2nd Lt.
The point is bag or no bag, you are an officer first, flier second.
Have that goal, keep aiming for it. Never let anyone discourage you, even if the pipeline is closing. Just keep the other doors open too.
As I always state, anyone in the military will tell you it is 1 part you and 1 part timing. You could be the best thing since hot sliced bread regarding handling the stick, but if the pipeline is closed, it is closed.
Finally, before we get into the weeds, typically many candidates lose sight of one issue that is a big player. DodMERB. Aviators traditionally have to be the best of the best medically. Eyesight is a huge factor. You need to clear the 1st hurdle before you start looking at the next. Again, I could own a Mercedes just by the amount of candidates who got nailed on vision and never thought it would be an issue.