Pilot Question

I am interested in becoming a pilot. Which ROTC branch would I be most likely to have a career as a pilot?

The question is do you want to fly fixed or rotor? Take and land on a runway that moves or doesn't?

Place those questions aside, people will tell you that flying is not a given, but serving out the commitment is!

Choose the branch you want to serve in, and at that point do everything in your power to guarantee you will get a UPT slot.

You know what they call a 2nd Lt./Ens Pilot in the military? 2nd Lt./Ens.

equestriangrl93 said:

I am interested in becoming a pilot. Which ROTC branch would I be most likely to have a career as a pilot?

Click to expand...

Look at it this way: Becoming a pilot is your job, being in the branch of service is your career.

All of the Services have pilots (Army's a little bit different in their approach though, maybe Scout can chime in), so no problem there. But what service do you see yourself in? What happens if you can't be a pilot? Would you still be happy being in the military? If not....then maybe you should explore other career options, because things don't always turn out in our favor. If yes, then look at things like:

Do you want to be near the water?

Where do you visualize yourself living?

What "drives" you to Serve? I've noticed that there are similarities between people who choose to go certain to certain services. For example, everyone I know who came to CGA wants to save lives.

You can always apply for all of the ROTC scholarships and see what you get. It never hurts to have choices.

Remember, you're an Officer first, pilot second.

I concur

As noted above, you are an officer first. That said, the first decision is what branch do you want to be in? Rotor or Fixed Wing. One of the best ROTC options is Westminster College in Utah. They have an affiliation with University of Utah for Army, Navy (& Marines), and Air Force ROTC. They have Professional Pilot major and several of the kids have done very well. The Navy (& Marine Corps) will help pay for Private Pilot lessons. The overall program is expensive though. While ALL tuition, room & board are covered for students with Full ROTC Scholarships, the Aviation training is not (figure around $50,000 over four years). Most Marine and Coast Guard aviators are helicopter pilots.

And the other option is the Army's Warrant Officer Flight Program (WOFT) which you realistically need 2 years of college minimum first. Again, while you may be a "Pilot Specialist" you are still a commissioned officer (once you make W-2) first.

Another program worth looking into is the Army ROTC Helicopter Flight Training Program at the University of North Dakota.

http://www.flyrotc.com