Which path would be best if I want to become an aerospace engineer and pilot, yet be a part of the air force?

I have wanted to go to the USAFA for some time now, since middle school, and I really want to become an aerospace/aeronautical engineer, as well as serve the U.S. as an Air Force member. Yet, I have been so uncertain about what path I should take, especially as college application season nears. So this is what I have been pondering a lot about: is getting an aerospace engineering degree at the USAFA first, serving as a fighter pilot (hopefully), AND THEN going to the private sector a good option? Or is it better to go to a civilian university, get an aerospace degree, immediately transfer to a private sector company, and then go to the Air Force a better option? I heard that an engineering degree loses value if you don't put it to use immediately because you're likely going to forget the information. I do understand that, but at the same time, I would like to be a part of the Air Force Academy atmosphere. It's vastly different from normal civilian life, but I would really want to experience that, versus doing an AFROTC at a university. I want to serve either way, so both options are good. But I was just unsure which path would be better. I would like to do the first, but am afraid that I won't be able to translate all of the experience directly to an aerospace engineering job in the private sector. Both being a pilot and aerospace engineer require different things, and I've read a lot about it, but there have been some people who just recommend choosing one and sticking with it, not doing both. I just wanted to get some advice from someone who has had some of this experience, either as an aerospace engineer in the Air Force or a pilot. Thanks a lot!

You can go to USAFA, major in Aeronautical Engineering, and job drop as a pilot if you qualify.

Just so you are aware… just because you get an engineering degree at an academy/ROTC there is a very good chance you will NOT do any engineering in your actual military job. You should pursue the service that you would be content in if you don’t get your first choice of job assignment. It will be the “needs of the service” when they place you in your job. Please research the different officer jobs in the Air Force.

If you want to be a working engineer, that is usually a different path than pilot. Some pilots will later go to Test Pilot School and directly do both for the military. As far as getting into engineering after being a pilot for 10+ years, it is true your bachelor's degree won't count for a ton. It's what you do during your AF career (primary and additional duties, extra training, advanced degrees, etc) that will likely have more influence on civilian job opportunities.

Nomad@heart said:

Just so you are aware… just because you get an engineering degree at an academy/ROTC there is a very good chance you will NOT do any engineering in your actual military job. You should pursue the service that you would be content in if you don’t get your first choice of job assignment. It will be the “needs of the service” when they place you in your job. Please research the different officer jobs in the Air Force.

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Yes, I am aware. I've been doing a lot of research, and I have seen that it's not exactly the typical aerospace/aeronautical engineer, being less hands-on stuff and more about design. That isn't horrible, but it certainly demands more research, etc. I think those positions typically require more experience than someone entering the field with just a bachelor's degree. Depends on, as you rightly pointed out, the needs of the service. Thank you, however; I appreciate it!

raimius said:

If you want to be a working engineer, that is usually a different path than pilot. Some pilots will later go to Test Pilot School and directly do both for the military. As far as getting into engineering after being a pilot for 10+ years, it is true your bachelor's degree won't count for a ton. It's what you do during your AF career (primary and additional duties, extra training, advanced degrees, etc) that will likely have more influence on civilian job opportunities.

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That makes sense. It's very likely that experience/what I do in the AF carries more weight compared to a degree I obtained some time ago, but haven't directly used, when transferring to civilian jobs. Thanks to you as well!

I believe I captured your two goals with regards to degree and career as a pilot. No matter what path you choose many things can happen such as you don't like aerospace/aeronautical engineer once you start taking classes or something happens and you don't get a pilot slot. I would pursue all options and apply to USAFA, ROTC and traditional college's that has the degree's you are interested in. Once you have been selected to any or all of the above then you can decide what path do you feel will help you reach your goals. Even then things can change once you start down a path. If engineering is your number 1 goal then focus on that, if you want to be a pilot your chances are better but not guaranteed if you attend USAFA. ROTC is a great path to commission into the AF but in my opinion the USAFA graduates have a better chance of being selected for some jobs. I know of a young lady who did not go USAFA or ROTC but went traditional college route and was selected for ENJJPT. Much harder to get a ENJJPT slot going that route but not impossible. Good luck

Firstgo said:

I believe I captured your two goals with regards to degree and career as a pilot. No matter what path you choose many things can happen such as you don't like aerospace/aeronautical engineer once you start taking classes or something happens and you don't get a pilot slot. I would pursue all options and apply to USAFA, ROTC and traditional college's that has the degree's you are interested in. Once you have been selected to any or all of the above then you can decide what path do you feel will help you reach your goals. Even then things can change once you start down a path. If engineering is your number 1 goal then focus on that, if you want to be a pilot your chances are better but not guaranteed if you attend USAFA. ROTC is a great path to commission into the AF but in my opinion the USAFA graduates have a better chance of being selected for some jobs. I know of a young lady who did not go USAFA or ROTC but went traditional college route and was selected for ENJJPT. Much harder to get a ENJJPT slot going that route but not impossible. Good luck

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That's true, anything might happen and I might not end up where I would like. I was thinking of already applying to both options, as well as just conventional colleges, and I guess it'll depend on what I want when the time comes.

Firstgo said:

I know of a young lady who did not go USAFA or ROTC but went traditional college route and was selected for ENJJPT. Much harder to get a ENJJPT slot going that route but not impossible. Good luck

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Oh wow, that's impressive. Thank you, this is very helpful. I appreciate the advice.