My son a 1C at KP is considering to potentially commission into a brach to try to get a flight spot. He mentioned Air Force needed commitment sophomore year... Marine Corp, Navy potential option but also bit late and said no guarantee for a flight spot. Any of your mid's chasing this career path? And is it true about AF??? Seems odd to me there isn't better options before he would give up a lucrative career as a merchant mariner to chase a service option in a career of his choice. Any options or advice are appreciated for a non military Dad
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
1C Son looking at Flight Options for a career.
- Thread starter rkowalik
- Start date
My DS, KP class of '13, is currently a Navy pilot. It is true about the early commit for Air Force, and over the past ten years, I have known a lot of mids who missed Air Force flight application deadlines. Your DS should still be in time for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard flight options. Unless something has changed since my DS graduated in 2021, mids who want flight get to know if they are selected well before graduation. They also find out if they are selected for pilot or NFO before they have to commit. There is a written test. Their grades, leadership, and recommendations are considered. An oral interview is weighted heavily in the process. My DS was offered both Navy and Marines Corps flight options. His good friend was offered both Navy and Marines Corps NFO slots. They have a very short window to make up their mind. DS has many classmates who are sailing on their license and making lots of money, but he loves flying so much that he has no regrets. He is also considering flying commercial when he completes his commitment and that path can be very lucrative also. Keep in mind that a life on a commercial vessel is not for everyone, and sea year gave your DS at least a taste of that option. Also, the competitiveness of flight options definitely changes from year to year, so your DS's experience may vary from the past few years where there were lots of flight spots. Your DS has many good options coming out of KP. As a parent, it is tempting to steer him in the direction you would prefer, but please resist that temptation and support whatever decision he makes for himself. Good luck!
thanks kpmom appreciate your insight. Congrats on DS!My DS, KP class of '13, is currently a Navy pilot. It is true about the early commit for Air Force, and over the past ten years, I have known a lot of mids who missed Air Force flight application deadlines. Your DS should still be in time for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard flight options. Unless something has changed since my DS graduated in 2021, mids who want flight get to know if they are selected well before graduation. They also find out if they are selected for pilot or NFO before they have to commit. There is a written test. Their grades, leadership, and recommendations are considered. An oral interview is weighted heavily in the process. My DS was offered both Navy and Marines Corps flight options. His good friend was offered both Navy and Marines Corps NFO slots. They have a very short window to make up their mind. DS has many classmates who are sailing on their license and making lots of money, but he loves flying so much that he has no regrets. He is also considering flying commercial when he completes his commitment and that path can be very lucrative also. Keep in mind that a life on a commercial vessel is not for everyone, and sea year gave your DS at least a taste of that option. Also, the competitiveness of flight options definitely changes from year to year, so your DS's experience may vary from the past few years where there were lots of flight spots. Your DS has many good options coming out of KP. As a parent, it is tempting to steer him in the direction you would prefer, but please resist that temptation and support whatever decision he makes for himself. Good luck!
vortexkp99
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2017
- Messages
- 68
Research the aircraft types...a retired AF classmate said....go heavy [cargo] as they have a toilet onboard so you don't have to use the piddle pack.
The truth is that if you go AD, you don't have a choice what plane you will fly. Well, you can choose not to fly fighter/bombers but after that, its what they think you would be good at and what is availableResearch the aircraft types...a retired AF classmate said....go heavy [cargo] as they have a toilet onboard so you don't have to use the piddle pack.