I agree with the others that realistically I can't see juggling both dreams.
I would also say that our DS is just finishing IFS right now. This is the pre-cursor to UPT if you don't have a ppl. Out of 26 guys/gals in his class. 4 are now fighting for their lives...3 are doing an 88 ride, 1 is doing an 89. Basically, an 88 is you busted 2 flights in a row, pass that and you are back on track, bust it and you go to an 89. Bust the 89 and you are out. No UPT.
UPT does not have 100% graduation rate, I believe it is @75%. So add these two together, 75% of IFS, than 75% of UPT, and the odds are much lower...hovering @55% from start to finish. From there maybe 25% will get fighters.
Here is Columbus's latest drop
CBM 13-06 Drop
F-16 x 2 (1 ANG)
A-10
B-52
T-6 FAIP
F-15S (Saudi Int'l)
T-1 FAIP
C-17 x 3 (one reserve)
C-145a x 2 (one reserve)
MC-12
U-28
CV-22
C-130J
JSTARs
KC-135 x 2 (one guard (MAINEiac))
AC-130
MC-130 (guard)
I say this so you place a realistic look into your future plan, especially when it comes to flying fighters.
I would look into the Guard option, but also keep in mind, that if you go ADAF with the hopes of going Guard, you might have to serve full time, nit a weekend warrior.
As far as AFA vs AFROTC you need to decide, but I will say this as an AFROTC grad parent (12) and AFROTC spouse (87) if you want to fly go AFA route. You cannot predict the UPT pipeline 4 yrs from now. When it comes down to it, if you want to fly, you are in essence 100% guaranteed that option if you graduate from the AFA. Plus, even AFROTC scholarship you will pay out of pocket, unless you have college merit too. It only covers tuition. Most AFROTC scholarship recipients get merit, so it can = 0.
AFROTC has two huge road bumps.
1. It is called Summer Field Training (SFT). If not selected in this current AFROTC you will be dis-enrolled, the scholarship will be yanked. You will be only a sophomore.
Assuming you get SFT, and graduate.
2. You will apply for a rated board...see above regarding 100% guarantee. If the AF has enough through the AFA, there will be less offered to AFROTC.
The system is national just like the scholarship, and just like the scholarship a chunk of it will be your cgpa. Non-tech you will need a 3.3-3.4+. You will also have test scores added into the equation. SFT will be your SAT/ACT. Rated it will be the AF tests...AFOQT and TBAS.
Which also brings us back to if you have a PPL (private pilot license). You get points for the amount of flight hours you have on record. This will be part of the score...highest scores get rated.
Now for the big OMG chance, I don't know about AFA, but AFROTC for rated boards you must put down pilot, CSO, RPA and ABM. There is no pilot only option. You could go AFROTC for 3 yrs., and get RPA. There is no re-board me again. You get what you get, salute sharply and take it.
I also say this to you so you get a realistic look at the pitfalls of AFROTC compared to AFA. Our DS opted AFROTC because of his major and the program that the school offered, but it was a constant weight on his shoulders knowing it was a higher risk regarding his AF career. He was willing to take the risk because he always had plan B in place if he didn't get rated, let alone UPT.
You need to decide on a plan B for everything. Go AFA, have a higher chance of getting UPT, but not necessarily fighters and in a degree you want. Go AFROTC and your desired major, but not necessarily UPT, and fighters too. So what is plan B for your Air Force career because either way it will be 5 yrs of your life.
Caveat: AFROTC is 4 yrs. owed, but most, even non-rated wait 5+ months before they go ADAF, and the clock doesn't start until you report, so basically it is 5 yrs to, and if the school requires time, the clock doesn't start until you graduate from that training. OBTW while you wait to go, you are not paid, unlike the AFA grads. So, any spending money you need, or bills that need to be paid will have to be funded out of your own resources, most grads have to get jobs at home for that time period.
Just food for thought.
