I'm in a less-than-perfect but workable position. I applied to USNA and USAFA; did not receive a nomination to the former and am awaiting response from the latter.
To be honest, I've always been a little more interested in Navy and Marine aviation, but I decided to apply to USAFA because it seemed to make sense given my interest in military aviation in general.
I kind of see-saw between desperately hoping I get into USAFA and almost hoping I don't get in so I can pursue a commission in another branch. If I were accepted, I honestly don't know what I would end up doing.
Here are the "pros" for me of USAFA:
-I would absolutely love to be a pilot, and that end result is statistically most likely at USAFA. I actually would love to fly anything USAF has to offer (exception below), helo, tanker, fighter, bomber, cargo plane, I don't mind. I also appreciate that USAF has a much wider variety of airframes.
-Lots of opportunities for aviation experience
-I really value an academy experience
And "cons":
-Besides being a pilot, there's not much about USAF careers that appeals to me. Of the non-rated USAF officer careers, the only one that really appeals to me is intelligence; none of the others do (except potentially CRO which is extremely competitive).
-I really don't want to end up flying drones. Not really a moral concern, but from what research I've done, I'd much rather be doing something else.
The reason I was initially drawn to USNA was because I love the sea and could see myself doing essentially any of the USNA service selections (Navy air, Navy NFO, Marine air, Marine ground, SWO, subs, SEAL/EOD, etc); with the USAF's service selections I could see myself doing 3 of the rated jobs and maybe 1-3 of the non-rated jobs.
Obviously this is a decision I have to make for myself at some point, but I'd really appreciate some input, especially from current Airmen.
I hope I didn't offend anyone here, and thank you!
To be honest, I've always been a little more interested in Navy and Marine aviation, but I decided to apply to USAFA because it seemed to make sense given my interest in military aviation in general.
I kind of see-saw between desperately hoping I get into USAFA and almost hoping I don't get in so I can pursue a commission in another branch. If I were accepted, I honestly don't know what I would end up doing.
Here are the "pros" for me of USAFA:
-I would absolutely love to be a pilot, and that end result is statistically most likely at USAFA. I actually would love to fly anything USAF has to offer (exception below), helo, tanker, fighter, bomber, cargo plane, I don't mind. I also appreciate that USAF has a much wider variety of airframes.
-Lots of opportunities for aviation experience
-I really value an academy experience
And "cons":
-Besides being a pilot, there's not much about USAF careers that appeals to me. Of the non-rated USAF officer careers, the only one that really appeals to me is intelligence; none of the others do (except potentially CRO which is extremely competitive).
-I really don't want to end up flying drones. Not really a moral concern, but from what research I've done, I'd much rather be doing something else.
The reason I was initially drawn to USNA was because I love the sea and could see myself doing essentially any of the USNA service selections (Navy air, Navy NFO, Marine air, Marine ground, SWO, subs, SEAL/EOD, etc); with the USAF's service selections I could see myself doing 3 of the rated jobs and maybe 1-3 of the non-rated jobs.
Obviously this is a decision I have to make for myself at some point, but I'd really appreciate some input, especially from current Airmen.
I hope I didn't offend anyone here, and thank you!