24 in ROTC to old?

[Umphreys93]

23 year old freshman at Embry Riddle starting in Spring possibly. Would be enrolling right before my 24th bday and want to also join an ROTC program maybe AFor Navy (always have been in love with AF but recently have been more interested in the Navy as a whole) --will I be to old by the time graduation rolls around to even think about getting pilot slot? I would commision from my previous degree but my records are not competitive enough to excel and get what I want.. I have talked to a few people about which is more important.. I need some help in making a decision so I can do whats right for me at my young/old age any hepful input will be helpful. Thanks

 

[EOD/SEALmom]

At your age and with one degree in your hand, have you applied for OCS? Why start college all over again, as a freshman?

 

[NavyNOLA]

For NROTC, you must be less than 27 years of age in December of your graduation year. A waiver of up to 3 years may be granted for previous active duty service.

 

[Umphreys93]

At your age and with one degree in your hand, have you applied for OCS? Why start college all over again, as a freshman?

Heres the thing my grades werent amazing in college and my degree is clearly unrelated to aviation, graphic design. All through school I was interested in flying and now that Ive matured Im ready to make true decisions in my life. I went to a specialized university that didnt offer havinf a major minor degree and also didnt have an Rotc program. I dont regret any of it I just wish I could have done something different. I worked in the design field and realized it wasnt for me. Thats why im acting now before Im really to old.

 

[Umphreys93]

For NROTC, you must be less than 27 years of age in December of your graduation year. A waiver of up to 3 years may be granted for previous active duty service.

So yeah id be right there at the cutoff which a close call I feel like they would send me right to a desk job.. Which im not into..!

 

[NavyNOLA]

So yeah id be right there at the cutoff which a close call I feel like they would send me right to a desk job.. Which im not into..!

It doesn't work like that....

 

[tchr1stgrd]

One of my nephews got a degree in graphic design. He's now a fighter pilot for the AF, so that isn't a road block.

 

[Jcleppe]

You could always look at WOFT for the Army.

Warrant Officer Flight Training

You can apply as a civilian and your degree major won't be an issue, just put together a strong packet.

 

[Umphreys93]

One of my nephews got a degree in graphic design. He's now a fighter pilot for the AF, so that isn't a road block.

You literally just gave me so much hope! Any way you could maybe tell me more about his path in doing that lol?

 

[Umphreys93]

It doesn't work like that....

Yeah thats good to hear then!

 

[inSANEmom]

Plucked from the Officer Training Command website... "Contact your local Navy Recruiting Office for more information on the Officer Programs (OCS, ODS, DCOIC) application process. Request to speak with Officer Programs. A recruiter is your sole point of contact for questions relating to career options, requirements, waivers, and start dates."

ERAU is expensive. If your goal is to join as an officer, seek the "shortest" route first... which would be to join now using the first degree. No reason to spend so much money on a degree that you might not "need" to do what you want.

If you can't get in on the first degree, or you are set on getting a new degree first, go straight into the ERAU ROTC offices and ask about your options. They will be able to tell you if you can get in or not.

Good luck!

Edited to Add: Please don't take my comment about ERAU negatively. That was not at all intended. I attended classes there, my husband is ERAU alumni ('91) and it is my son's school of choice. It's a great place for sure.

 

[Umphreys93]

Plucked from the Officer Training Command website... "Contact your local Navy Recruiting Office for more information on the Officer Programs (OCS, ODS, DCOIC) application process. Request to speak with Officer Programs. A recruiter is your sole point of contact for questions relating to career options, requirements, waivers, and start dates."

ERAU is expensive. If your goal is to join as an officer, seek the "shortest" route first... which would be to join now using the first degree. No reason to spend so much money on a degree that you might not "need" to do what you want.

If you can't get in on the first degree, or you are set on getting a new degree first, go straight into the ERAU ROTC offices and ask about your options. They will be able to tell you if you can get in or not.

Good luck!

Edited to Add: Please don't take my comment about ERAU negatively. That was not at all intended. I attended classes there, my husband is ERAU alumni ('91) and it is my son's school of choice. It's a great place for sure.

Thankyou, wow so glad I found this website all of you are awesome and have been pretty helpful so far. Thanks for your suggestions ! And yeah I wish I went there right out of High School! Im still only 23 I have alot of room for success where theres a will theres a way!

 

[Joekenny]

OP,

I'm currently a senior in AFROTC. I enlisted in the AF at 18 and served for 6 years. I got picked up on the Airman Scholarship Commissioning Program (ASCP) and started ROTC as a freshman at 24. I am now 27, have a pilot slot, and will be commissioning in May with an engineering degree. For the Air Force, you have to meet the rated board before your 29th bday and start UPT before your 30th bday. You should be eligible to compete for a pilot slot through AFROTC given your age. I hope this info is helpful.

EDIT: In AFROTC you compete for the rated board during the spring semester of your junior year. If you're a 5-year degree then it would be the spring of your fourth year.

 

[Umphreys93]

OP,

I'm currently a senior in AFROTC. I enlisted in the AF at 18 and served for 6 years. I got picked up on the Airman Scholarship Commissioning Program (ASCP) and started ROTC as a freshman at 24. I am now 27, have a pilot slot, and will be commissioning in May with an engineering degree. For the Air Force, you have to meet the rated board before your 29th bday and start UPT before your 30th bday. You should be eligible to compete for a pilot slot through AFROTC given your age. I hope this info is helpful.

EDIT: In AFROTC you compete for the rated board during the spring semester of your junior year. If you're a 5-year degree then it would be the spring of your fourth year.

Very helpful, I also went on the tour of Embry Riddle University Campus today and verified that information, excited to take the next steps. Thanks so much! Cheers