Careers after USMMA? Help!

kevster

kevster

10-Year Member
Joined
Apr 21, 2009
Messages
207
Hi guys,

Ok I am a little confused on the career choices after graduation. I understand the obvious route of going into the Merchant Marines or a comission into the other branches. My goal is to be a pilot so that would have to take place in USAF, USN or USCG ( sorry guys :rolleyes:). My question is how do I compete/obtain for a career in the service I choose(in this case a pilot slot)? Kings point looks like a great place and a top notch institution but im just a little confused on choosing a career in another branch? Will some one please enlighten me!!!!:smile:

Thanks,
Kevster
 
The job you can pick, including a pilot slot, is largely based on class rank.
 
vampsoul said:
The job you can pick, including a pilot slot, is largely based on class rank.
Click to expand...

Not really. There is much more that goes into it at KP than the other Academies. Will you get what you want if your at the bottom of the class? Maybe. Will you have a better chance if you're at the top of the class, sure.

I personally know of someone who graduated near the bottom of the class who went on to a pilot slot in the Navy. This wouldn't necessarily work at USNA or USAFA, but definitely a possibility at KP.
 
Interesting...... So does KP have a certain number of slots to give out? Im assuming that most people there are not pursuing a career in aviation. Also if everything worked out and I was accepted how would KP let the other branches know about my desired career path?
 
Each branch of the military has a liaison office at KP as well as a training program for potential officers. If you are interested in the Marines or the Army you can contact their respective "ops" programs. From there they can tell you about the options available to you. I know that KP can administer the Aviation Selection Test Battery for would be naval aviators (Navy, Marines, Coast Guard) and depending on how well you place they can give you a clearer view of your options. The Marines and Army have fairly active programs and the Navy seems to be "ramping up" pretty quickly. The Air Force is still fairly low key
but I understand that there are a couple of graduates this year who have chosen to commission with them. In fact, I think one of the more frequent contributors to this forum may have something to add to the Air Force discussion........Jamz Mom?
 
The Coast Guard has a very active program at KP as well as several slots for CG aviation. Also, Army has aviation slots too.

The bottom line at KP is, you have less competition for the aviation slots than you have at other institutions based soley on the number of graduates in a class and the number of slots available.

Another nice thing about KP is your ability to change your mind about career paths throughout the 4 years. I've known several Mids who started KP with one specific service in mind, but by graduation went in an entirely different direction because they were more knowledgeable.
 
kp2001 said:
Not really. There is much more that goes into it at KP than the other Academies. Will you get what you want if your at the bottom of the class? Maybe. Will you have a better chance if you're at the top of the class, sure.

I personally know of someone who graduated near the bottom of the class who went on to a pilot slot in the Navy. This wouldn't necessarily work at USNA or USAFA, but definitely a possibility at KP.
Click to expand...

Sorry for the misunderstanding; I was just going off what I've been told.
 
vampsoul said:
Sorry for the misunderstanding; I was just going off what I've been told.
Click to expand...

Not a problem. That is why this board is here, to give advice and to try and clear up any misinformation.
 
This has all been very helpful! Thanks a lot you guys!
- Kevster
 
kevster, many good wishes for your future goals. Sorry that I was summoned up by KPMarineopsdad & just now had a moment to reply. I witnessed a pretty wild ride with my soon to be graduate this last few months with his last minute decision from wanting to be a Coastie to signing with AF. KP Mids tend to meet some pretty impressive folks along the way who are great influences. Many things change over the course of four years with service academy educations. They are all outstanding opportunities to be sure.

There are only three going AF this year out of KP. One is flying, one is going logistics & mine who is very excited with his Intel choice. He actually was asked to consider flight with CG at one point. He once said that those at KP considering flight had 110% of their heart & soul in it & he felt that he really wasn't there with it. For those who fly, they know that huge commitment it takes so I am kind of thrilled he didn't jump on it. The slots are there at KP. Not all get taken due to those wanting to follow other interests. Get in, do your best & apply for flight. No one promises any guarantees but I truly saw KP try their best to help Mids get where they wanted to be. You will have great folks helping you along the way. One thing I do love to repeat...... Go in knowing you will study all things maritime along with your goals to become a pilot. You CAN do both & be all the better for it.
 
Thank you very much jamzmom and congrats on you sons comission! Kings Point is slowly moving its way up my list.
Thanks again,
Kevster
 
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